Alistair Paul
Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Biography
Ali studied Music and Psychology at Royal Holloway in 2005. He worked in the music industry before completing his LLB at the University of York in 2013.
Ali is an Associate in Herbert Smith Freehills' London planning team. He has a breadth of experience in planning law including advising on energy projects, commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments and highways matters.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Royal Holloway? Any favourite memories of campus?
The people, the beautiful campus and all the pubs and bars! I was of the era of Medicine and The Monkey’s Forehead.
Where did you start your career?
DLA Piper in Leeds. My family lives in York so I had ties to Yorkshire. I felt that starting my career at an international firm closer to home was the ideal option for me at the time. I’ve since moved (back) to London and am now at Herbert Smith Freehills.
What attracted you to a career in law?
I didn’t actually complete my studies at Royal Holloway. I was studying Music & Psychology and midway through second year received an offer to join a band which was in the process of being signed by a major record label. Royal Holloway was very supportive of my decision to defer my studies, recognising that this was an opportunity I couldn’t realistically turn down. I spent three years in the band having an incredible time touring the UK, Europe and Japan, but ultimately it wasn’t a sustainable career choice. Despite the band’s relative success, I found there to be an inherent uncertainty in a career in music, which I didn’t like. I’m therefore slightly embarrassed to say that I found my drive to pursue a career in law because I wanted to get away from the ups and downs and insecurity of trying to forge a career in music. Little did I know that the training contract application process would be much of the same!
What advice would you give to students considering a career in law and applying for vacation schemes and training contracts?
Meet as many trainees and associates as you possibly can and keenly research a range of firms. If you don’t do your homework you’ll be found out. I’d also recommend that you think outside the box when it comes to vacation scheme and training contract applications. You don’t need to confine your search to a small number of prestigious City firms – there are so many good firms outside the City bubble which offer great career opportunities. I think it’s also important to remember that your career is a marathon not a sprint (a partner at DLA once told me this). Where you start doesn’t have to be where you end up.
Are there any developments in the legal sector that aspiring lawyers should be aware of?
Legal tech. I don’t get it myself but it’s a growing sector, so if this is something that interests you then definitely read up on it and mention it in your interviews.