Rachel Hawkins

As someone who is naturally inquisitive and a problem solver, the law was an appealing career from early on for me. A certain Boston-based legal comedy drama which aired on tv whilst I was young may also have steered me somewhat, and whilst there may be less singing karaoke than this programme led me to believe, I count myself very lucky to have found a career that I love.

Having read History at Durham University, particularly focusing on early modern European history, I went to the College of Law, Guildford to undertake my Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practitioners Course. On qualification, I chose corporate tax as my speciality. What I enjoy most about tax law is that it is a constantly evolving area, which keeps me on my toes and demands continual learning. I also enjoy the fact that it is often a central part of many complex transactions, and so the considerations are often broad ranging, entwined with other departments.

I particularly enjoy working closely with my clients; my approach is to become part of their team, understand their unique drivers and requirements, which enables me to best advise them how to meet their investment or business needs. Over the past decade I have worked for a wide range of clients, from listed companies and private equity houses to management teams and and family offices. Deals range from those with a pure UK focus to complex, cross-border transactions.

Outside of work, my precision and attention to detail is born out in one of my hobbies; creating and decorating cakes. I have turned my hand to everything from my niece’s birthday cake, to a friend’s wedding cake. In many ways it’s not that different to working with legal clients: a unique brief, an important situation requiring specialist skills, and often time-pressured! The results are also satisfying but in a very different way!