Laura qualified as a solicitor here at Harrogate Family Law this year. We managed to grab her for a quick coffee and chat to find out more about her and how her first few months as a fully-fledged solicitor have gone.
Q. So first of all Laura, congratulations on qualifying as a solicitor. How have your first few months gone?
A. Thank you! It has been challenging because we are very busy, but I like it that way. I have been lucky enough to work at HFL before and during my training as a solicitor, so I am surrounded by a supportive group of people who know me very well.
Q. What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A. As clichéd as it sounds, I would have to say helping people. My parents got divorced when I was a teenager, so I know how difficult it is, particularly if you don’t have a lawyer. I meet with people at often the lowest point in their life. I have seen that with right help there is a bright future to look forward to.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. I am a morning person, so I am in the office early doors. I begin my day with a herbal tea and catch up any emails that have come in overnight. I make a to-do list and then start my day. My days can vary massively from meeting with clients, working on settlements to attending court.
Q. Okay so enough about work, when you aren’t working where would we find you?
A. Eating! Anyone who knows me, knows that I love food. I enjoy visiting new restaurants and trying out unusual foods.
Q. If you were going to recommend a TV show you have recently watched, what would it be and why?
A. I love Peaky Blinders. I would genuinely recommend it to anyone who wants to switch off and immerse themselves in 1900’s Britain.
Q. What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list”?
A. This is a tough one. Being brave, I would say the first one would be to climb a mountain. I know that is a bold statement, but I think the feeling of standing at the top of a mountain would be unsurpassable. Number two lends itself to my ongoing passion of food, I would love to travel the world and visit the top 50 most renowned restaurants. Third and finally, I would like to start and cultivate my own podcast who knows, world fame may await!
Q. How would your best friend describe you?
A. Honest. Sometimes too honest. I don’t have a problem with speaking my mind which can be both a blessing and a curse.
Q. What one piece of advice would you give a younger you?
A. I would say not to follow the crowd. Remember there is nothing wrong with being unique and doing your own thing. As a teenager it is easy to become hung up on what other people think of you, the same can be said for adults and I feel it is so important to be yourself.
Q. Who is your role model and why?
A. My role model is my mum. I watched her go through a very difficult time when my parents separated. She has, however, shown me that you can overcome any obstacle and look to the future in a positive way. She has become someone I never knew she could be after she got divorced.
Q. Finally, if you were not a solicitor what would you be doing?
A. If you haven’t noticed already, I have a real passion for food! With that in mind, the adult me would say I would have excelled as a food critic. However, if I think back to my childhood, I would most certainly have become a princess!
If you are looking for family law advice, give Laura a call today on 01423 594680.
Laura Mounsey is a family lawyer with experience of working on cases involving properties, trusts, businesses and pensions. Laura is a dedicated and talented lawyer who has been recognised with a “Safe Pair of Hands” Award.
Everyone’s circumstances are different and this article is provided by way of general information only and must not be relied upon. If you require legal advice on a family law issue, please feel free to contact us by emailing enquiries@harrogatefamilylaw.co.uk.
