Laura Vernon
Laura is a Partner in the Litigation team at FBC Manby Bowdler, specialising in commercial property and real estate disputes. Laura is recognised as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 2024 Directory and is also ranked in Chambers & Partners 2024.
She fights tirelessly to achieve her clients’ aims and adopts a commercially minded approach.
- Tell us a little bit about your business… / or the organisation you work for.
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a 35 Partner law firm and has been providing award winning legal advice to businesses and individuals since 1826. Employing over 190 people, the practice has six branches based throughout the West Midlands, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, and is focused on and committed to quality and excellent client care.
The firm prides itself on working in partnership with its clients to ensure the provision of commercial, innovative, and cost transparent legal advice that adds value and uncomplicates the legal process. We are proud to be a legal services provider that is constantly striving to do things differently in order to make legal services more accessible to clients and aligned with their needs.
- How did you get into the industry?
From secondary school age I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. This largely stemmed from watching legal dramas (a particular favourite was Ally McBeal)! I then had a fairly standard “old school” route into law – I completed my Law Degree, went straight into the Legal Practice Course and then my training contract.
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
A career in law can open many doors for people. It is a great way to meet people of all walks of life, and make a real difference to our clients and their businesses. Every day is fast paced, interesting and rewarding in equal measure.
Life in law does not, however, come without its challenges. It is widely, and perhaps accurately reported that a lot of lawyers suffer from burn out and exhaustion. Achieving a good work life balance is hard, but it is possible with the help of a supportive firm.
- How would you describe your leadership style? (if not in a leadership role talk about your working style)
I am approachable and friendly and I would never expect someone to do something for me that I would not do for myself! I take time to teach. It is so important for junior lawyers to have clear and thorough feedback. There is a lot to be said for this quote from Douglas MacArthur “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.”
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you? (or work with you)
As above – I invest time in the junior lawyers in our team. The more they are able to learn from more experienced lawyers, the more confident and proficient they become. I give them enough autonomy and responsibility to ensure that they are interested in the role they are performing, whilst ensuring they still feel supported.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Our clients are at the centre of this. We need to do everything we can to ensure that we are giving them the best level of service possible. If we do this well, in my view, the rest will follow.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
Amazing – I joined FBC Manby Bowdler just over 12 months ago now. It has been busy from the off, and it’s been great getting to know all of my new colleagues.
- What will the next 12 months look like for you or your business?
I have lots of really interesting and challenging work in the pipeline. My focus will be on the service I give to my clients, and hopefully bringing in new work for the firm.
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
Reaching partnership at a successful law firm will always be a highlight for any lawyer. However, more important to me is the “day to day” stuff. Achieving a settlement or good result for a client on a matter always gives me the biggest buzz.
- What’s the biggest professional / business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Early on in my career I once signed off an email with “I look forward to hearing from you shorty”
The sheer embarrassment of this has meant that I check every communication over at least twice before I send it, and never just rely on spell check!
- What’s the best piece of professional / business advice you’ve been given or would like to give?
Get to know your clients. Be aware of their values and what is important to them as this may dictate the best way for you to handle their matter. Many people are not ‘transactional’. They will often appreciate the time you spend in learning about them and their business.
