My legal life: Stephanie Thirlwell, rradar

I was involved in dance and sport for many years. It was a different world, one that tested me mentally and physically. I loved performing, but I became increasingly drawn to the real-life impact and purpose that law offered. 

My first exposure to ‘real-life’ law was at university. I worked in the student law office and saw firsthand what being a solicitor was really like. I thoroughly enjoyed the client-facing work, where I could apply my studies to practical issues, assist clients and gain hands-on experience.

I secured a training contract at McCormicks Solicitors in Leeds, where I stayed for 12 years. I spent time training in sports and media law, family law, and business crime and regulatory law. I qualified into the business crime and regulatory department, where I studied to become police-accredited and later qualified as a duty solicitor. I have worked on a wide range of matters for some high-profile clients, regularly visiting police stations in the middle of the night and court on a Saturday morning. 

'My experiences in dance and sport taught me a great deal about the grit and team spirit required to succeed, which applies now in my legal career'

While general criminal work was a great experience, I wanted to specialise in regulatory work. I worked with companies and directors through regulatory investigations and enforcement action, which I found very rewarding. I wanted to get involved in training companies and individuals on their regulatory obligations. That’s when I found rradar. Its focus on proactive risk management was fresh and forward-thinking, and I liked that it had built strong, strategic relationships with its commercial partners. There was also an opportunity to help build a new regulatory team in Leeds. Eight years on, as head of the regulatory team nationally, I oversee the business crime and regulatory teams in their handling of criminal and regulatory cases. We represent companies and directors who are under investigation or facing enforcement action by their regulator. 

My experiences in dance and sport taught me a great deal about the grit and team spirit required to succeed, which applies now in my legal career. Aged 11, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to dance with English National Ballet in a touring production of Coppélia. I was moved by the fact that, despite the bandaged broken toes and the tears backstage, the dancers were incredibly dedicated, resilient and strong, with an impressive work ethic and team spirit. The legal world is often very similar. Sometimes, you have to step on to the stage, take on your role and just give it your best. Many barristers are drawn to amateur dramatics, and I can see why as there’s a real performance element to law; it’s all about preparation, presence and conviction.

The years spent working on criminal cases shaped my career. Dealing with case after case without advance notice or prep time is not for the faint-hearted; it demands quick thinking and resilience. I am proud of the skills I gained doing duty solicitor work. You have to make bold decisions, think on your feet and gain a client’s trust in minutes, taking instructions, applying the law and becoming their advocate. I have the utmost respect for criminal lawyers on the frontline.

Duty solicitors on TV dramas get a poor rap. If you ever see a crime drama where they criticise the skills of a duty solicitor, they couldn’t be more wrong. On TV, duty solicitors are often portrayed as the lawyer-of-last-resort, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, it’s a challenging qualification, and they are some of the most qualified solicitors around when it comes to police station representation. The misconception comes from the fact that their services are free or assigned, leading people to wrongly assume they’re inferior. In fact, many private clients may be represented by the same solicitor at a premium rate on a different day. 

As a huge sports fan, it’s no surprise that I thoroughly enjoy working on sports regulatory cases whenever I have the chance. My experience in this area has involved tackling matters such as misconduct, criminal and sector-specific regulatory issues. I’ve worked with individuals and major sports bodies in football, swimming and rugby. I have also represented sportspeople in regulatory and criminal interviews. FA interviews often take place at Wembley Stadium, which is an impressive, or perhaps intimidating, backdrop.