Nicola Evans

• Degree: Law, University of Edinburgh
• Joined: 2003
• Practice area: Corporate
• Office location: London
• Favourite book: ‘Vernon God Little’ by D B C Pierre

I started my career in Scotland where I trained with a Scottish firm and, on qualification, I moved to London and joined another leading international law firm. Following a short spell with an international investment bank, in 2003 I joined Hogan Lovells as an associate in the London Corporate group. My practice involves me advising on public and private acquisitions, restructurings, joint ventures and general corporate matters. For business development purposes, I focus on building relationships with clients in both the real estate and financial institutions sectors but I advise clients operating in many sectors beyond these. I was made a partner in 2007.

Before moving to Hogan Lovells, I considered most of the leading international firms, including a number of US firms. I wanted to join a firm that had a strong sense of direction, which undertook top quality work and had an excellent international network. A collegiate working environment was also important to me. Hogan Lovells met all of my criteria and, to this day, it continues to do so.

One of the things that I like most about Hogan Lovells is that all of its lawyers from trainee and beyond are encouraged to be entrepreneurial; everyone is encouraged not only to become involved in client development plans but also to maintain and develop their own relationships with both new and existing clients. And this is different from my experience at other firms, where it can be difficult to find a role for yourself particularly when starting out on your career.

Choosing a law firm for your traineeship is not easy – many of the firms offer similar training within a broad international network. However, for me, what sets each law firm apart is its culture and its people. So I’d recommend that when choosing a law firm, try and speak to as many people as you can who work for that firm and ask yourself “is this the kind of person that I can work with”. And if the answer is “yes” then this will certainly help you identify whether that firm is one where you will thrive.