We are delighted to announce that Litigation specialist Gemma Brown has been promoted to Associate Director at Larcomes.
Gemma will support the Litigation team in our Waterlooville office while continuing to work with clients in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.
Here, we find out more about Gemma, including how her passion for history led her to the law and why no two days are the same.
What is your job title and experience?
I have recently been appointed an associate at Larcomes, an achievement which I am very proud of.
I have been a solicitor for eight years, all of which have been at Larcomes where I work within the Commercial Litigation department.
Prior to my qualification, I worked within two local authority legal departments gaining legal experience.
What areas of law do you specialise in?
I undertake all areas of civil litigation, which is the process by which a civil dispute is resolved. Typically, a case involves seeking financial compensation for relevant damages or losses, although it can be for specific performance or an injunction preventing something.
There are various circumstances that might require the intervention of a civil litigation solicitor. At Larcomes, I act for both commercial and private individuals and can work on your case whether someone is having to defend a civil dispute or if they need to pursue a claim against somebody else.
A ‘normal day’ for me can, for example, consist of assisting a landlord to obtain possession of a property from a tenant or advising a client upon a breakdown of a relationship where they are not married but are beneficial owners of a property and would like a clean break to be achieved.
It could also involve my meeting with clients whose loved ones have sadly passed away and there is an issue over the validity of their Will or a dispute pursuant to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Why did you decide to work in the legal industry?
I have always loved history; it’s a passion. When I was 11 or 12, my grandfather took me to London, and we went on a legal London history tour.
I was fascinated. We visited the famous Inns of London where large areas have remained unchanged since the medieval times, saw priceless ancient artefacts and learnt about the secret passages and ancient rituals that continue to this day.
I remember going into the Royal Courts of Justice, up the grand old staircase and into a courtroom like you see on TV, with creaky uneven wooden floorboards. I thought of the stories those rooms could tell, what they have witnessed, and the most famous trials of English history.
I knew then that it was either a history teacher or being part of the legal world. The legal world won out.
When and where did you qualify?
Larcomes offered me the opportunity to join them in 2014 to undertake my training contract, and I qualified as a Solicitor in February 2016.
How long have you been at Larcomes?
I have been with Larcomes for ten years, since 2014.
What are you most looking forward to about your move to Waterlooville?
I am looking forward to trying something different, being able to meet new clients in a new area in addition to Portsmouth.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like the fact that no two days are the same, I am constantly challenged, and I can make a difference to someone’s life.
What is your most memorable case?
Litigation work comes in all shapes and sizes. Some cases are short, and some are so long they can last for years.
The files and clients that stick in my mind are the ones where I have helped individuals achieve a life-changing outcome; it is very emotive.
One of my most memorable cases is a contract dispute instruction I worked on for more than two years during my transition from trainee to qualified solicitor. The client wanted me to run the matter (they were not wealthy clients) and the outcome determined whether they could keep their family home.
We were successful, and I will never forget the gratitude they showed toward me.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I am very proud to have been recognised with a new title and going forwards I simply wish to continue to provide sound legal advice and assistance to my clients.
What skills do you need to be a successful lawyer?
You will need to be resilient, have an eye for attention to detail and be a good communicator. You should also be prepared to go out of your comfort zone.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become a solicitor or work in the legal industry?
Do your homework and be sure that it is the right fit for you. Given the nature of the job, you rarely deal with anyone who is happy, and it is your job to help them.
It is not transactional law where the process is laid out for you. A lot of ‘black letter’ law is involved: problem-solving.
You must think on your feet, work well under pressure.
No two days are the same; no two files are the same.
Litigation Lawyers Waterlooville
Larcomes’ team of specialist litigation solicitors have the breadth and depth of experience necessary to deal with all kinds of civil and commercial disputes.
Regardless of whether you are facing a civil dispute claim against you, or if you need to pursue a claim against someone else it can be extremely stressful and seeking early expert advice is essential.
At Larcomes, we have a specialist team of litigation and dispute resolution solicitors who will provide you with professional, practical and clear advice as to what is the correct approach to deal with the dispute.
To speak to Gemma, or one of our experienced Litigation solicitors in Waterlooville or Portsmouth, please call 023 9244 8100 or make an online enquiry.
Please note that this article is not intended to be legal or professional advice. It is for general guidance only, and updates to the law may have changed since it was published.
