In this series, we introduce some of the people that make up Stephens Scown. We learn about their expertise, what drew them to join the legal profession and find out a little bit about who they are outside of work.
Here we introduce Laura Stanley, associate in the Commercial Dispute Resolution team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
I am an associate with the Commercial Dispute Resolution team and have worked at Stephens Scown since 2016.
A normal day involves working with businesses and individuals in respect of contractual disputes and other types of commercial litigation including defamation and reputation management. Typical tasks include reviewing contracts when a dispute has arisen (or is likely to arise), advising clients on liability and drafting correspondence and court documents.
Specifically, in the healthcare context, I advise clients in respect of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, in particular, registration requirements. I also assist clients with the CQC inspection process and also disputes in respect of care home fees.
Why did you specialise in commercial litigation?
My husband describes my job as “a professional arguer” and this is one of the key reasons why I specialised in commercial litigation. I really enjoy learning about my clients and advising them on what they can do to best protect their interests. My regular clients appreciate my strategic and pragmatic advice.
I focus on trying to secure a result for my clients without the need for Court proceedings. Nonetheless, I have a significant amount of experience representing clients all the way to trial, if a settlement cannot be negotiated.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
In my spare time, I am a keen walker so I love getting out on Dartmoor. I have a toddler so you will also now find me exploring the gardens at Bicton or feeding the animals at World of Country Life.
I am a fourth generation Bristol City fan and also enjoy watching the F1 on the weekends.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what you be and why?
If I was not a lawyer, I think I would have become a surveyor. Despite my complete lack of DIY ability, I am interested in the fluctuations in the property market and associated valuations.
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
What makes Stephens Scown different is its commitment to its clients, employees and the local community. This is reflected in its BCorp certification which recognises the firm’s ethos of balancing people, planet and profit.
I have had some fantastic experiences including representing the UK at an international negotiating competition in Warsaw, Poland, providing pro bono advice to local charities and getting involved in a litter pick along the Exeter canal as part of the firm’s Giving Back Scheme.
We are lucky enough to be a full service law firm and therefore we collaborate closely across teams to ensure our clients get the expertise they need.