Robert's story

Tell us about your role

I qualified as a solicitor into Brodies’ corporate and commercial practice area in September. I work in the firm’s energy team and assist developers, public bodies, and funders in their energy transition work. The work is really varied – from advising on city-wide decarbonisation plans and drafting contracts for renewable energy projects to facilitating corporate acquisitions of renewables assets.

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

I really enjoy calls where we as lawyers work together with clients to come up with solutions to clients’ problems and ways to maximise their opportunities. I’m at an early stage in my career and have loads to learn so it’s brilliant observing how some of the best in the business approach legal and commercial challenges.

I don’t have particularly life-changing wisdom to impart to budding lawyers, partly because I think it’s about focusing on the basics: be engaged, work hard, show initiative, and try to back yourself even when you don’t feel up to it.
Robert Bough, Solicitor

What do you enjoy most about working at Brodies?

The responsibility you’re given as a junior colleague on complex matters, the encouragement you get from colleagues and the firm to join or launch firmwide initiatives, and the craic in the office!

What motivates you?

On a professional level, any attempt to contribute to the energy transition can feel insignificant given the scale of the challenge, but being tapped into a wider movement trying to push the needle on the climate can be inspiring and motivating. On a personal level, the looming spectre of my 30s gives me the fear enough to get out and try new things!

Morning routine

Our team meetings take place twice a week in the morning and after a brief chinwag we set out our plans for the week and indicate capacity to help out colleagues. I then often join client calls where we update the client on the deals on which we’re working, what the next steps are, and potential timescales.

Afternoon routine

After lunch with colleagues and a brisk walk outside, it’s back to the desk in the afternoon. The morning’s client calls will have spawned work, so I’ll put the earphones in, fire my classical playlist on and get down to the work.

Evening routine

Some friends have convinced me to sign up for this slightly crazy cycling race in the Alps in June and I’m also hoping to run the Edinburgh half marathon in May so I’m all guns blazing preparing for them in the evenings! You’ll likely see me unimaginatively lapping the Meadows or shivering away on my bike round Arthur’s Seat. I’ll then have tea with my flatmates and read before bed.

Why did you choose to work in energy and infrastructure?

After graduating and working in London for a short period in sports marketing, I decided I wanted to work on some of the solutions to climate change. I decided to become an energy lawyer, reasoning that helping clients with their work in the energy transition was a useful means to achieving that end, and it’s been a fun few months trying to do exactly that!

Which of Brodies five values resonates with you most and how do you incorporate it into your daily role?

Character – it’s an invitation to show up every day, take on work with a positive mindset, try new things, and learn from experiences.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Year round: Sunshine on Leith – preferably arm in arm with another proud, sobbing Hibs fan.
Christmas: Feliz Navidad – same eight lines repeated about 100 times so no awkward pauses where you clearly don’t know the words and regret picking the song.

Find out more about Robert and get in touch.

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