My name’s Padma Tadi and I’ve worked here for over 12 years now. I’m a Partner working in our Employment Law team.
There were only three of us in my team when I first joined and now there are 26. It’s been amazing to see both my career and the team progress in that time, working together to build upon our successes.
I’d say my role is very much about listening. It’s about understanding what businesses or individuals are trying to achieve and helping them navigate complex procedures and laws to reach their goals. I feel able to excel because of a diverse culture which brings the best out of me and ultimately delivers the best for my clients.
Expertise and empathy
I think employment law is a really relatable area of law. It affects everyone in a variety of ways throughout their career, whether it’s in a positive or challenging way. It’s also constantly evolving as our environment changes, so it’s exciting to specialise in a type of law that always has something new to offer.
When clients come to us, they often feel very vulnerable. By being empathetic, building those relationships and that trust, it allows them to share their concerns, fears and hopes. That foundation is so important in helping them reach their end goal and for me, it’s so rewarding to see them achieve it.
I recently worked with a business owner who’d been managing a case himself but reached a point where he needed extra legal guidance. Listening to what he wanted to achieve and where he wanted to get to, we were able to quickly find a resolution together. The day after we’d reached that resolution, I got a message from the client to say that he’d just had his first good night’s sleep in two years. It really gave me a sense of pride and reminded me why I do what I do. Helping them find that missing piece of the jigsaw to achieve what they want to – that’s what gives me the greatest pride and happiness.
A flexible approach
Our Flexible by Choice policy is absolutely fantastic, because it empowers us to work in a way that works for us. So for me personally, on days where I need to get my head down and meet deadlines, I can easily work at home without the commute of getting into a busy city centre. But on the flipside, for my mental wellbeing and that team rapport we have, it’s nice to be able to go into the office as well.
It’s also given me more time to do the things I enjoy doing. I now have more time to go to the gym, or see friends, and do the things that I’m really passionate about. I love cooking and I’m trying to be more creative in the kitchen. Risotto is probably my signature dish, but I’ve also really taken to baking too.
I find that flexible working benefits out clients as well, by allowing us to use technology to service them. I’ve managed to speak to clients in Australia or America or London without having to travel, so it’s helped us to work to what the client needs and move quite quickly for them. To be able to have those Zoom calls or team meetings flexibly, we can move with the times and what the clients also need. A client may not be able to come to our office, or we may not be able to go to them, so using technology allows us to deliver service in a way that the client now expects.
A healthy outlook
Last year we were given a Wellbeing Day. This is an extra day off work, to be taken whenever you like, to recharge your batteries and do something you enjoy. During the pandemic I didn’t see my mum as much as I’d ordinarily would, so I spent my day with her. We had a lovely spa day, lunch and just really used the time to catch up, have a laugh, and spend quality time together.
Being encouraged to shut off my emails and focus on my friends and family makes me feel really valued, that’s the human touch that matters to me.
Come join us
We’re a progressive firm, always looking to find ways to be better. We have a culture where we really embrace change, diversity and inclusion, which is a real passion of mine. Having a diverse range of people means that we reflect the society and the client demographic we service. With diversity comes difference of opinions, backgrounds and experiences that allow us to all learn from each.
The fact that I’ve been here for nearly thirteen years should speak volumes about a career here. It’s not only the quality of the work we do, but the support we receive. It’s helped me develop as an individual, hone my legal skills and create a pathway that I’m proud of.
Read Padma's professional profile
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