Melissa Fogarty, Clifford Chance

Since starting her legal career at firms including Slaughter and May, Melbourne-born Clifford Chance partner Melissa Fogarty has worked her way up through the ranks to become co-head of the Magic Circle firm's London M&A practice.

Now a year into the role, she speaks to Legal Week about the temptation to join a creative profession, dropping the team fish tank, and her advice to younger lawyers starting out.

Why did you become a lawyer?

L.A. Law! It was the big shoulder pads and the courtroom drama that initially attracted me. I was so keen, I wrote to practically every law firm in Melbourne to try to get work experience… I had two replies. One from a small law firm in the city: I turned up, shoulder-padded… and ended up in the mailroom! The other was from Mr Biesse, the dad of a friend at school, who had a practice close to home in suburban Melbourne. It was a wonderful experience. I shadowed him for a week, writing draft letters for clients and reading files. He even took a day off to take me into Melbourne to sit and watch a court case. I'll never forget his kindness. 

Have you ever regretted the decision?

Regret, no. I love architecture and design, and every now and then I wonder… but I love the problem solving, drafting and the dynamic nature of my job, so there are no regrets.

What's your proudest professional moment? 

Becoming a partner at Clifford Chance, of course. Clifford Chance gave me an opportunity when all other doors were shut at the height of the financial crisis. It is a great firm and I am immensely proud to be part of it. 

What's the worst thing that's happened to you while on the job?

In my fourth seat as a trainee in the M&A team at Mallesons, and ambitious to qualify into the group, I somehow managed to drop and smash the team fish tank… it felt like a career-limiting move at the time.

What's the most extravagant purchase you have ever made, aside from property? 

Every Monday morning, I go to a salon to have my hair blow dried. It felt like a major extravagance when I started this routine two years ago. Now I fear I am slightly addicted! 

What advice would you give to young lawyers starting out?

Be curious and focus on developing your legal expertise. Ask 'why?' and 'so what?' 

What do you hope to do when you retire?

Spend more time in Melbourne. 

What would your motto be?

Be brave!

What is the daftest bit of corporate jargon you've heard?

Do you have capacity? 

What's the most outdated thing you've experienced in the industry?

Timesheets.

…and the most innovative?

The Mindful Business Charter. 

Describe your commute in 10 words or less

My favourite time of the day… me, my car and my radio. Bliss!

How many unread emails do you have in your inbox?

2,031… oh dear!

What's your best party trick/hidden talent?

I love to sing… especially in choirs or congregations. 

Have you ever had a spiritual experience?

See above. 

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

In my professional life, there are numerous current and former colleagues and clients who have been inspirational (not least Matthew Layton, Rob Crothers and David Pearson). But, truthfully, the biggest influence on my career is my husband, James Sidwell. We are both partners of international law firms. People often ask me, 'how do you do it?'… with two lovely little kids and my job (a question, by the way, that I slightly struggle with because of what it seems to imply).  Well, it's down to teamwork in all other aspects of our life. We are both committed to supporting each other and I don't take that for granted. 

How do you expect London to fare as a financial centre in the years following Brexit?

I remain optimistic… the depth of London's financial and legal expertise is difficult to replicate elsewhere.