Meet Kathryn Cooling

In this edition of our beyond the role series, we spotlight Kathryn Cooling, a recent arrival to our Charity Property team at Foot Anstey.

Kathryn joins the firm as a Managing Associate in our Charity Property team, bringing strong experience in property disputes and litigation. After qualifying, Kathryn spent 7 years developing a specialism in property litigation. As she settles into life at Foot Anstey, we caught up with Kathryn to find out more about her journey, and what she enjoys beyond her role.

Off the job

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Usually, you can find me at a fitness class or out running. I also do a lot of volunteering for Run4Wales events, which can include marshalling, helping to set up the course or staffing the water station.

What was your Plan B if you didn’t go into law?

I was also very interested in Psychology and took the subject for A-Level. I really focused on the study of phobias and was fascinated by human studies. Due to my choice of university, Law was my Plan A. I find that law has a lot of aspects of psychology, seeing what drives people and finding that human connection is something that I really enjoy.

On the job

You've only recently joined Foot Anstey, what has stood out to you most about the firm so far?

I do genuinely believe that it was fate that the role was advertised just when I was looking for a new challenge. Also, the positive vibes from the firm from Day 1, including interviewing and meeting my team. There is such a supportive culture, and I really feel that the firm wants employees to succeed. Plus, the coffee machine in the Bristol office is amazing!

Could you share a career highlight or most memorable case with us?

My most memorable case is Pullman Foods Ltd v The Welsh Ministers, it was a case that I worked on from my very first week at Hugh James so I built up an in-depth understanding of the Welsh Government's claim and the case as a whole. It was deeply rewarding to achieve a successful outcome, made even more satisfying by uncovering an email that ultimately secured it.

It has been exciting to see the case being mentioned in the likes of PracticalLaw and Lexis Nexis.

What made you want to work in the charities sector?

Working within the charities sector is actually what drew me to this role. I wanted the chance to work with clients who are making an impact on the wider world. I was working with non-profit organisations like government bodies so it will now be exciting to work with our charity clients.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I really enjoy the wide variety of the role, no two matters are the same! Property law tends to present a lot of interesting problems and I thoroughly enjoy problem solving and thinking outside the box to consider all possible solutions.

How has networking played a role in your career so far, and why do groups like Women in Property South West matter to you?

The main benefit of networking to me is gaining confidence. I was extremely introverted at the beginning of my career, but groups like Women in Property are so open and there is always encouragement to join the conversation. It is also lovely to have a professional community outside of the firm and colleagues which you can use to get a different perspective on problems or just ask for a bit of a pep talk!

What's the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?

That there are no silly questions. Even if you think that something is obvious, it may not be to others in the team or to the client. I always encourage others to ask questions as things that you are unsure of can build up over time so it is easier to ask the question, even if you think that it is silly.

We are delighted to welcome Kathryn to Foot Anstey and look forward to working with her as she continues her journey with the firm.