Alice Gordon-Finlayson
Alice is a Senior Associate who works in our Planning Team. She trained with Forsters, joining in September 2014.
Why did you choose Forsters?
I was looking for a firm that would offer me high quality work and clients in a vibrant location. Mayfair is a wonderful place to work, you have Hyde Park and Green Park on the doorstep and also the convenience of being a stone's throw away from Oxford Street and Regent Street. The hardworking, friendly and balanced nature of the firm really came across during my vacation scheme. The firm really stood out from other firms and I felt like I had come across the exact mix of elements I was looking for in a firm; quality of work, culture and location.
Why did you decide to qualify into Planning?
I decided to qualify into Planning because I am interested in property and really enjoyed the mix of contentious and non-contentious work. Planning is an area of law that affects everyone and the nature of the work and clients is very varied. One day I can be dealing with rights of light issues relating to a skyscraper and the next day with heritage and environmental considerations on a countryside estate.
What does a normal day at Forsters consist of?
A normal day will be a mix of responding to emails, phone calls, meetings, drafting and negotiating agreements and dealing with planning queries from different departments in the firm.
What is the most interesting thing you have done at Forsters to date?
I'm currently working on drafting a neighbourhood planning policy for Mayfair. This has given me a unique opportunity to meet lots of residents and stakeholders in the area. I have learnt a great deal about Mayfair and its history, the most interesting fact being that there is a historic underground river that runs right through Mayfair called the Tyburn!
What is the most challenging part of your role?
Explaining complex areas of law clearly and succinctly to clients and finding the solution that best achieves the client's objective. This often requires appreciating that the best legal answer is not always the best commercial answer and that often the right approach for the client is a mix between the two.
What do you enjoy most about working for Forsters?
The people are what make Forsters such a great place to work. I am surrounded by highly talented and experienced lawyers who I have an opportunity to learn from every day. Everyone is very approachable and you are supported and encouraged to become the best lawyer you can be.
What is Forsters like socially?
The firm is a very friendly place and there is always a lot going on. For the sporty, there is a weekly run club, yoga, football, netball and softball in the summer. There are a number of committees such as the charity, social and green committee to get involved with. There are also firm-wide events such as the annual quiz, wellbeing month and quarterly drinks, which are a great opportunity to mix with people across the firm.
Finally, what three words would you use to describe Forsters?
Cohesive, nurturing and rewarding.
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