Emily T's story

Tell us about your role

I am a senior solicitor in our risk, government and compliance team. Our clients range from Scottish local authorities and other public bodies to companies and organisations in the third sector. I advise on a wide range of areas including education, housing, social care, subsidy control, and procurement.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy most and why?

I am often advising clients on quite complicated, academic questions. I really enjoy the process of getting up to speed with a complex statutory or regulatory regime and working out the answer – it’s almost like I’m back at university sometimes. That process is helped enormously by having intelligent colleagues who are experts in their field and are generous with their time.

Enthusiasm is key. If you can show a genuine interest in an area, for example by striking up a conversation about a recent case or forthcoming development in the law, that always leaves a big impression.
Emily Tarbet, Senior Solicitor

Why did you choose to work in public law?

I was always interested in politics growing up but didn’t want to be a politician. Law, and particularly public law, seemed like a career that had a lot of political aspects but didn’t require being a public-facing decision maker. Fortunately, my interest translated into practice when I did a seat with our public law team during my traineeship.

What three things can you not live without to do your job?

My laptop, Westlaw and my EA, Rana!

Morning routine

I am about as far from a morning person as they come… so my mornings normally consist of staying in bed for as long as I possibly can, followed by a mad dash to get ready and out of the door on time!

Afternoon routine

Most afternoons I will be at my desk. I might be working on document review, a client advice note, or preparing for a hearing the following day. It’s a cliché but genuinely no two days are the same.

Evening routine

Some evenings you will find me at a Pilates or dance class, or in the bouldering gym. Other times you will find me on the sofa watching trashy TV … as my mum would say, it’s all about balance!

If you could swap jobs with any fictional character for a day, who would it be?

Andy Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada. I might spend the day dashing about doing mundane tasks at the whim of my boss, but I would look fabulous while doing it!

If your desk could teleport anywhere in the world, where would you work from today, and why?

Paris. I lived there for a year during university and, other than Scotland, it’s my favourite place in the world.

Find out more about Emily and get in touch.

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