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 Kate Westlake, a partner in our social housing team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
As a partner in the social housing team, I am heavily involved in developing the team and managing the client relationships we have. Day to day I deal with complex deals our registered providers might be working on to secure affordable housing including option agreements and conditional contracts and I also help with raising finance against sites to generate more income to invest back into affordable housing. I work as part of a large team and I am also involved in supervising the more junior members of the team and enjoy bringing juniors on.
Why did you specialise in social housing?
I like that in this area we are helping people get homes or on the property ladder and most of my clients are charities who are focused on doing good things in their communities.
What do you love most about your role?
My clients. The majority of my clients tend to be repeat clients and so I have built up close relationships with many of them and am seen as an extension of their team. I have had some great opportunities to work ‘in house’ with my clients which has given me invaluable experience of their businesses and specific objectives which helps us support them achieving these.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I am kept pretty busy with family life and two dogs, but when I get some spare time, I love to get out on my paddleboard (usually involving a stop off at a pub or café!). I also love to travel and so I am constantly exploring other countries and almost always have a trip planned.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what you be and why?
An airline pilot so I could hopefully travel more!
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
I joined the firm nearly 11 years ago and trained with the firm working my way up to partner so I am Stephens Scown born and bred and grateful for the opportunities and support the firm have provided. The firm focus on investing in and looking after their people, particularly, through being employee owned. This and the culture of the firm makes the people working within the firm passionate about what they are doing which adding to the exceptional client service the firm are always striving to provide which is what makes us different.