4 minute read

My Way

from Urban Fox - March 2020 Issue

from Urban Fox - March 2020 Issue, page 51

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“I re-joined the firm as a Partner specialising in matrimonial finances and complex child cases. It was an incredible opportunity”, says Jennifer McNeil, Partner at Dodds Solicitors. Jennifer McNeil MY WAY

I was born in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire but spent most of my childhood in Derbyshire. I have wonderful parents, both of whom have an incredibly strong work ethic. Drilling into my sister and me from an early age that working hard is a good thing.

I was educated in state primary and secondary schools and later went on to Billborough College in Nottingham and later De Montfort University in Leicester, to study Law and Psychology. I was interested in both subjects and wanted to combine the two.

However, after finishing my course, I decided that law was my preferred route and in 2006 I applied for a job at Dodds Solicitors in Leicester as a paralegal in the family department. I worked hard and took the opportunity to train part-time, completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course required to become a qualified solicitor.

Shortly after qualifying it became clear that I needed to choose a specialism and was offered a role with a local commercial firm as a matrimonial solicitor. I’d undertaken a great deal of matrimonial work at Dodds and felt the position was a good fit and would give me the experience of a commercial practice, as well as enabling me to specialise.

By 2016 I was invited to become an Associate Solicitor. I got married the same year, so it really was a busy time! Then the following year, I was approached by my old boss at Dodds to re-join the firm as a Partner specialising in matrimonial finances and complex child cases. It was an incredible opportunity. I said “Yes!”

Since returning to Dodds I’ve had responsibility for helping the firm to grow and for recruiting specialist solicitors to help manage the legal work and practice. In my first year as Partner, we passed our first Lexcel audit, which is the Law Society's legal practice quality mark for practice management and client care. It was a great achievement.

Then last year my daughter was born. Another amazing achievement. My spare time is currently taken up trying to survive the first year of parenthood! We do like to socialise with friends, although this now involves children’s parties as opposed to dinner and cocktails, but there’s often cake, which helps! Fashion fav French Connection Best for beauty Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Home store heaven M&S On the box Legal or crime drama Fav food Asian To relax I… Have a spa day with the girls On my bucket list Live in France. Eat cheese. Drink wine Advice to young self Don’t take yourself too seriously

I love my work and my husband is incredibly supportive of this. The team spirit at Dodds is fantastic and being a Partner means that I’m hands on with decisions regarding how the practice should develop and grow.

I love my work and my husband is incredibly supportive of this.

Long term, I may consider applying to become a member of the judiciary or a member partner at the firm, but for now I am enjoying my little family of 3 and my Dodds family.

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