Hollie's story

Tell us about your role?

I’m an associate in Brodies’ contentious construction team. My work primarily focuses on resolving construction and/or engineering disputes through various methods, including adjudication, litigation, mediation, and negotiation. Each approach is tailored to the circumstances of the dispute and the client’s objectives.

What motivates you?

Helping others progress is a big motivator for me. I really enjoy mentoring trainees and teaching students at the university. Seeing someone grow in confidence and succeed with a little guidance is incredibly rewarding, and positive feedback makes it even better. I’m also motivated by staying organised. It gives me a real sense of satisfaction when everything comes together smoothly. And finally, I love meeting new people and building relationships; every client and colleague brings a new perspective.

Morning routine

The first thing I do each day actually starts before I get to the office…I’m an early riser and like to begin my mornings at the gym. Getting some movement in first thing really sets me up for the day ahead. Once I’m at my desk, I start by checking my inbox and writing a to-do list.

Afternoon routine

After a quick lunch, I like to head out for my ‘productivity walk’ - it’s my secret weapon for hitting my step count and convincing myself I’m being efficient at the same time! It really helps me reset and feel motivated for the afternoon. If there’s a CPD session on, I’ll tune into that before my walk. Then it’s back to tackling the rest of my to-do list.

Evening routine

Once I finish up work for the day - and unless I’m out at a BD event, tutoring at the university, attending the Aberdeen Association of Construction Professionals monthly committee meeting, or working to a deadline - I try to carve out a few hours in the evening to study for my dual qualification… After that, I’ll usually cook something for dinner and then enjoy a bit of downtime.

What's your top tip forsomeone keen to pursue a similar career?

Be curious and never stop learning. Construction law is a niche area, and every dispute is different, so having a genuine interest in understanding how things work (both legally and practically) will set you apart. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of building strong relationships with clients and colleagues; communication is just as important as technical knowledge. And on a lighter note…be ready for fast turnarounds and keep calm under pressure! Adjudications can feel like a sprint, so being organised and adaptable really helps (as well as having a good coffee supply!).

Apart from the necessary skills and knowledge, what other quality is essential for the role you perform?

I’d say adaptability, and maybe a good sense of humour! In construction disputes, things can change quickly: deadlines move, new information comes to light, and strategies need to shift. Being able to stay calm and flexible under pressure is key. And when you’re working on an adjudication with a seven-day turnaround, a positive attitude (and the occasional laugh) goes a long way in keeping the team motivated.

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

For me, the best part of my role is getting a great result for the client - especially in adjudications. They’re fast paced and intense because everything has to come together in such a short window, often just seven days. That means pulling together expert reports, witness statements, and other documentation, as well as drafting detailed pleadings. It’s a real team effort and requires a lot of focus. I actually enjoy the challenge and the buzz of working under that kind of pressure. It’s demanding, but it’s also really rewarding. When the adjudicator’s decision comes back in favour of the client, it’s an amazing feeling. Delivering that good news and hearing how appreciative they are makes all the hard work worthwhile. I genuinely care about getting the right outcome for clients, so knowing we’ve achieved that brings a huge sense of satisfaction.

Tell us something that people won’t know about you?

I’ve moved around quite a bit before settling back in Aberdeen. I’ve lived in Germany (Osnabrück), Canada (Calgary), and North Yorkshire (twice!).

Where has been your favourite travel destination and why?

Thailand, without a doubt! I travelled around there last year, and it was incredible. It was a great mix of beautiful beaches, amazing food, and the culture was like nothing I had ever experienced before. My favourite part was snorkelling with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. It was such a surreal experience and definitely a highlight of the trip.

Find out more about Hollie and get in touch.

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