Paris Gray discusses staying connected with co-workers via tech and how COVID-19 has “certainly put life into perspective”
For Paris Gray, a senior associate in Sparke Helmore’s corporate and commercial team, the COVID-19 situation is expected to give a boost to the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
As she and her co-workers utilise technology to stay connected in their work-from-home setup, she believes it highlights how effective working conditions come in different shapes and sizes. The need for flexibility is now more crucial than ever, especially in a rapidly shifting business environment, she says.
In this interview, Gray also talks about her start in corporate law, the reasons why she’s thankful for her career, her desire to help shape the firm for the better and her vision for “life after lockdown.”
What made you choose a career in law?
Having participated in the mock trial competition at my high school, I was able to experience the legal system and gain exposure to life as a lawyer. Upon commencing my career, I quickly realised that I was more comfortable in the boardroom than the courtroom and so focused my expertise as a transactional lawyer.
What do you love most about your job?
As a corporate M&A lawyer, I help negotiate and implement transactions from inception to closing. Each deal is different which presents new and exciting challenges. During the deal lifecycle, I work extremely closely with my clients and develop a deep understanding of their business and broader strategic needs. For some clients, the deal is a life-changing event, whereas for other clients it is part of a broader acquisition strategy. It’s always extremely rewarding and satisfying putting in all the hard work (often under tight deadlines) to achieve deal completion.
What is going on at the firm? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?
The COVID-19 pandemic has, understandably, dramatically changed the nature of work at the firm. We have been working remotely since mid-March and are embracing technology to work effectively and stay connected. This shared experience should trigger renewed momentum for our diversity and inclusion employee networks, which provides a forum for employees to identify opportunities to drive change at the firm. With increased engagement from both employees and key stakeholders, I’m excited to connect with others and help shape improvements for the workplace and culture.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the past year and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
The onset of the global health crisis has certainly put life into perspective. I am grateful to have a career that has allowed me to be flexible, work from home and adapt to changing business needs. Our clients are facing extreme and unprecedented pressure, with many businesses having to stand down staff for indefinite periods of time. It’s important for lawyers to help clients navigate the challenging and evolving legal landscape at a particularly stressful time.
What should the profession and law firms focus more on?
As remote and flexible working has become commonplace in the ‘new normal’ of the COVID-19 era, it has shown that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to effective working. I am hopeful that firms will collaborate with staff to review their flexible working policies and procedures and identify new opportunities in the workplace. This will help lawyers strike more of a work-life balance and hopefully have a positive impact on mental health in the profession.
What are the challenges you expect in your practice, and in the business of law in general, going forward?
Due to global economic uncertainty, the appetite for deal-making has largely fallen away. Companies have sought to reassess deals in light of market volatility, changes to the foreign investment framework, financing issues and asset devaluations. As a result, lawyers are being engaged to advise on new and complex issues in a rapidly changing market.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
As we slowly transition into ‘life after lockdown’, I’m looking forward to helping clients prepare a turn-around plan to take advantage of new market opportunities and trends. This may involve acquisitions of distressed assets at discounted valuations and new investments for diversification and value creation.
