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 Isabel Gibson, paralegal in the Employment team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
My role as a paralegal in the Employment team varies from day-to-day, but a lot of the work I have done has focussed on employment tribunal litigation. For this reason I regularly attend client meetings for both individual claimants and respondent employers where they are currently or anticipating going through the Employment Tribunal process. I have frequently compiled bundles for their hearings and work closely with our clients to support preparation of their witness statements as well as supporting them through the process.
I started working for Stephens Scown as a Paralegal in the Employment Team. I have recently been given the opportunity to qualify as a solicitor within the team, which means my role has broadened to also include other types of employment work, including advising clients who subscribe to our HRExpress retainer service and working on corporate support matters on employment issues where businesses are bought and sold.
Why did you choose to specialise in employment law
In my previous role at a fashion company, I was fortunate to be included in Employee Engagement and assisting in the HR team. My interest in this area prompted me to obtain a CIPD qualification level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management during this time. Studying for this and being involved in day-to-day HR matters sparked my interest in employment law and I decided to make the change from HR to law and began studying for a Masters in Law with the University of Law.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping people at very difficult points in their lives. Employment tribunal litigation and tricky work situations can be stressful for both employers and individuals. I enjoy clearly explaining and going through various legal points with clients and supporting them in achieving the outcome they want.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
My BA degree is in Fashion Buying with a focus on sustainability so I would be working for an environmental fashion company focusing on client relationship management (CRM) and ethical sourcing. Alternatively, I would work in Employee Engagement, this is a true passion of mine to ensure people are valued, feel valued and are engaged in the culture of their workplace.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend my time outside of work tutoring students in French A- level and GCSEs. I am currently studying a French Law module with the French Institute. If I am not studying, I am horse riding or swimming. I enjoy staying active but also love curling up at home with a good book and my cats, especially in the colder months.
I love Japanese culture and travel yearly to Japan. I enjoy exploring its many cities and all the experiences Japan has to offer, especially Disneyland!
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
For me working at Stephens Scown means working for an employer that cares about their employees and the planet in all they do. It fits in well with my personal values and has offered me a real opportunity to progress in my career. Having a focus on wellbeing and being B Corp is a huge part of our identity and I am proud to work for such an inspiring law firm in the South-West.