International Women’s Day Insights: Claire Thompson, Solicitor
Written by Claire Thompson | Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate team | 07 March 2024
This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community.
Claire Thompson, Solicitor in our Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate team, shares her thoughts below.
Claire specialises in all aspects of private client law including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Estate Planning and Estate Administration. She joined Nash & Co’s Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate Team in August 2022.
Before joining Nash, Claire completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2016 and is a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
She has also recently qualified as a Notary Public and is keen to work with more clients in this area.
What is something within the profession that has pleasantly surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by the level of support within the legal community. There tends to be a stereotype that solicitors are highly competitive with each other and while that can be true, I have found that if you chose the right firm you will find a culture of collaboration and support rather than competition.
What advice would you give your younger self at the start of your legal journey?
At the start of your legal career, it is important to focus on your skills and your career path rather than comparing yourself to other people. Every individual’s career path is different and you should celebrate your achievements and use them to motivate yourself. Setbacks and mistakes are inevitable but they also provide you with opportunities to learn and develop so don’t let yourself be discouraged.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
I would have become a coroner because it would allow me to combine my interest in the law, forensic science and community service in a meaningful and impactful way.
