Nadja Schmitt-Zehe

I have had a very varied legal career. For the last 20+ years I have been an IP solicitor doing both contentious and non-contentious work. I am the founder of a boutique IP and trademarks firm, S and P Legal. Earlier in my career, I worked for leading international IP law firms and niche practices in London and Hong Kong, where I was involved in anti-counterfeiting programs, sometimes involving the pursuit of triad gangs! I did my training contract with a high street firm, which provided me with fantastic client experience from the outset, as well as an immediate understanding of the business of law.

I am happy to help anyone who is weighing up different types of environments to pursue their legal career, as well as setting up their own thing. I know the trade offs between work and home life are not easy and would be happy to help people think about them.

I think the culture can be unduly high pressure in certain firms and that people should not feel that they are the problem if they dislike such cultures. I hope my experience can help people see there are real alternatives that lead to at least as rewarding careers with a better all-round balance. I would like to think I am a good listener, supportive and warm, with a good sense of humour and fun. I would hope I could help bring some perspective to problems or decisions.