Iain's story

In my role as senior sponsor of inclusion and diversity, I am inspired every day by our colleagues' stories and ideas.
Iain Rutherford, Partner

Why did you choose to become a Litigation lawyer?

I wanted variety and a career that allows me to problem solve. No two days or weeks are the same, which keeps it exciting, and I am always learning.

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

Coffee
My team and fellow partners - the collaboration is great
Running - it gives me head space

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

The big picture and strategic planning angle of my role. Looking at where we want to get to and how we are going to get there. And in my role as senior sponsor of inclusion and diversity, I am inspired every day by our colleague's stories and ideas.

Morning routine

Go for a run then take the kids to school
Do an hour's work at home - catch up on emails and plan for the day ahead
Drive into the office
Have a video call with client in a collaborative space

Afternoon routine

Lunch with a client or intermediary
Record a podcast
Attend a strategic board meeting to help drive forward implementation of the firm's strategic plan

Evening routine

Walk our dog
Take kids to rugby / Brownies
Dinner with my family
Emails and planning for the following day

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

Try and find something that you enjoy doing and are passionate about - working with people, collaborating on projects and communicating with others are important to me.

Why do you enjoy working at Brodies?

I enjoy working at Brodie's because we are an ambitious, driven firm who've grown dramatically in the time that I've been here, and I think that that keeps things exciting. It also means that we're able to attract the most driven, dynamic, exciting people to work with. So it's an incredibly rewarding environment to work in.

What will you take from Brodies previous chair?

I'd like to take almost everything the previous chair brought to the role. But if I had to pick one thing, it would be the support she gave to people. In speaking to a variety of people during the election process, almost everyone could point to a time when she had offered them strong support when they needed it most. I think that's fundamental, and it's something I would want to carry forward as chair.

What has been your biggest achievement?

I think it's probably being elected chair. Being made a partner in this firm was massive for me, but now being elected as chair by the partners of this firm is huge. So it's difficult to see beyond that, to be honest.