We’re lucky to have a fantastic team at Bellevue Law – after all, any firm is only as good as its staff – so we’re shining a spotlight on their expertise and all-round excellence in a series of Q&As.

This week we’re sitting down with Harriet Turnbull, one of the newest additions to our team, to learn a little bit about her background, life experiences, and what attracted her to Bellevue Law.

So, Harriet: can you explain what you do in under 20 words?

I am a solicitor specialising in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and estate planning.

What did you do as your first job and what lesson did you learn from it that still rings true today? 

I was a trainee at Simmons & Simmons (an international legal practice). My first seat was in the private client department and I loved it from the beginning: I just knew it was what I wanted to do.  I learned a lot from my supervisor in that department, who was a real stickler for detail. That has stood me in good stead. Being a lawyer is all about the detail, especially when drafting wills.

Looking back over your career, what’s been your proudest moment?

It’s almost 2020 and yet women face many challenges when it comes to balancing a career with family life: in terms of senior management, women are still under-represented, and there’s a lot of discrimination. With that in mind, I do feel particularly proud of the career I’ve had, being made a partner at my previous firm, whilst also being fortunate enough to have three children.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Be kind. I tell my kids this as often as I can. Whoever you are, whatever you are doing, whoever you are with, be kind and you can’t go wrong.

What makes Bellevue Law special?

Though I’ve only just started here, I already love it – I’ve been genuinely impressed with the dynamism of the team, and the sense of pride that everyone takes in their work. Everyone here seems to really enjoy providing an excellent service.  I also love the flexibility of Bellevue’s set-up, which means I can work to high standards but still have time to be a mum. Our office space is just awesome, too!

What’s your favourite book?

I have so many favourite books and I love reading.  The best book I’ve read as an adult is probably The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.

And your favourite podcast?

For podcasts, you can’t beat Desert Island Discs! My favourite episode ever was with the war surgeon David Knott: fascinating.

If you could have dinner with any three people (alive or dead), who would you choose and why?

Julie Walters – I just love her wit and sense of the ridiculous. She never fails to make me laugh.

Adele – I’m a big fan of her music and have always dreamt of seeing her live. In fact, I was due to go to one of her concerts a while ago and she cancelled the show on the day. Adele, if you’d like to make it up to me with a private medley of your greatest hits, that would be perfect!

And, finally, David Attenborough – I could listen to him all day.