“I’m learning a lot from experienced practitioners around me,” Iola explains. “It’s particularly interesting learning about the business opportunities and risk entrepreneurs have to take to grow a successful business. I find it really rewarding helping businesses along their journey and working in a dynamic market where the demand for services is constantly changing. I’m quickly learning that no two businesses are the same, which makes each transaction different and exciting.”
At the same time, she is studying elective modules in Employment Law and Family as part of her Legal Practice Course.
“We are really pleased to have Iola onboard as part of the Corporate and Commercial team,” says Victoria Sampson, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial. “We are proud of how we grow and develop new talent and Iola is proving to be an enthusiastic and proactive addition to TeamCB.”
Prior to joining CooperBurnett, Iola was an Account Manager for a local marketing agency.
“My day-to-day role in marketing was very different to my current role as a paralegal, but I learnt invaluable skills, such as time management, balancing various stakeholder’s needs and building a strong rapport with my clients,” she explains.
At school, she was torn between wanting to be a politician and a lawyer and ended up studying Politics and International Relations at the University at Bristol.
“It was during this time that I noticed the modules I was drawn towards were those with a strong emphasis on legal studies, rather than politics,” Iola explains.
Having done a lot of networking in her previous role, Iola already knew what a ‘great reputation’ CooperBurnett has within the community.
“I then spent a week with the firm last summer for work experience; after which Victoria phoned and offered me a job,” Iola says. “During my work experience, I discovered that CooperBurnett was not just an excellent firm professionally, but also an amazing place to work, as it was clear what a supportive environment exists here.”
Iola currently shares an office with Senior Paralegal Carla Loveday – who has been actively mentoring her.
“I’m really fortunate to share an office with Carla,” Iola explains. “She’s been invaluable during my onboarding process and has helped me get to grips with the basics. The whole team has also been really supportive, everyone’s doors are open if I have a question and they are really taking the time to help me grow and develop.”
When she’s not at work Iola enjoys spending time with her young family and seeing friends.
“At the weekend, we can often be found on a dog walk or out for a nice lunch,” she adds.
