Anna Patterson, Legal Director, Family
What motivated you to become a lawyer?
My father’s mantra when I was younger was ‘get a Professional qualification and then you will always have that to fall back on whatever happens in your life’. Law just seemed the right fit for me from day one at Law School and over 25 years later I’m still so glad I made that choice.
Why do you specialise in family law?
All aspects of Family Law but largely concentrating on High Net Worth Financial Remedy cases.
Can you highlight a case or a standout moment that was particularly interesting?
I recently settled, with assistance from Counsel and my Team, a very complicated case involving a City Fund Manager with much focus being on the long-term incentive awards. The sense of satisfaction in the quality of work that we completed, the way in which we interacted with the client and the outcome for the client made me really proud of who we are and what we do. It reminds one of how important our role can be when clients are facing difficult periods in their lives.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Without a doubt, it is the fact that every day it is slightly different, every case is different, and it is always intellectually challenging to try and find the right solution.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Family, friends and holidays! I never used to admit so readily to this but now I am 50 I have no qualms in saying that our garden is my passion and I just love the whole growing process. I would struggle to live without a garden.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
A good friend recently turned 50 and insisted that we would swim in the sea to celebrate, despite it being minus two degrees outside. This was with no wetsuits and only a trip to a sauna at the end to warm up back up! We all felt we couldn’t say no and actually it was fun and very memorable so I’m glad I took the plunge.
If you weren't a lawyer what would you do?
I would love to have been a horticulturalist.
Name one thing that makes your life better?
Having a personality that always sees that there is a solution and it will be okay has always helped me. I also would not be the person I am without the love from and for my parents, husband and children. I do feel truly blessed!
View Anna's professional profile and get in contact here.
