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 Gemma Mittell, Associate in our Commercial Dispute Resolution team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
I am an Associate in the Commercial Dispute Resolution team, and I have worked at Stephens Scown since August 2023.
I assist both business and individual clients with their dispute resolution needs. The work is very varied and can range from contractual disputes, partnership, shareholder and director disputes to commercial agency advice and professional negligence claims.
A typical day will involve calling or emailing clients with updates on their case, liaising with solicitors or the person on the other side of the dispute, the court, experts and barristers. More involved work would normally consist of preparing letters of claim or detailed letters of advice to clients, as well as dealing with claims that are already in the court system and preparing for hearings.
Why did you choose to specialise in your area of law?
I love how varied the work is as no day is ever the same and you don’t know what kind of dispute someone will need help with next. I like having to deal with multiple different parties and a variety of types of people.
I particularly enjoy dealing with claims that are in the court system and practising my advocacy skills. However, I also enjoy advising clients on their claims at the outset and preparing detailed documents.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The job is fast paced and keeps me on my toes, but it also allows me to help clients in their time of need. Seeing the gratitude and appreciation from clients when we have managed to reach a successful conclusion for them is such a satisfying feeling.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
I would work with animals as there are so many in need of our help.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I moved to Cornwall for the outdoor life, so I am often found walking my dog on the beach and exploring remote and beautiful areas of the county. I also love to travel so I will jet off to exotic places as often as I can to immerse myself in different cultures.
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
The ethos of Stephens Scown is like nowhere I’ve worked before. The firm is really focussed on doing good for the community and the planet as a whole which is shown by us achieving B Corp status to show our commitment to balancing people, planet and profit.
We are also employee owned, and I am a Trustee of the Employee Ownership Trust, so I really feel that I am able to influence and have a say in how the firm is run. The firm is trusted by members of the local community and is known for our high-quality work and professionalism which I am proud to be a part of.
Gemma can be contacted on G.Mittell@stephens-scown.co.uk