10 minutes with…Sarah O’Toole

Welcome to “10 minutes with…”, a series where we sit down with BHSM team members to gain insights into their careers and experiences.

Today, we’re delighted to introduce Sarah O’Toole, one of our Partners at BHSM, who will be sharing her journey in the field of litigation in Ireland.

Through this series, we aim to showcase the diverse talents and personalities that make up our team and provide a glimpse into life at BHSM. Join us as we delve into Sarah’s professional journey, her contributions to the firm’s growth, and her thoughts on moving to our new office space.

What led you to pursue a career in corporate law and how did you get started in this field?

My career began in a smaller commercial firm in Dublin 2, where I completed an internship and then my training. I worked predominantly in litigation there and found myself drawn towards it. I enjoyed the challenge of navigating through the complexities of commercial disputes with particular focus on property related disputes. I qualified in that firm in 2014 and joined the Litigation Department in BHSM the same year, working under Mark, and I have been working with him and in BHSM ever since.

Coming up on ten years at BHSM, what has kept you there, and what do you like about working at BHSM?

At BHSM, I have the privilege of working with exceptional clients where the work is complex, challenging and rewarding. I take pride in representing a diverse range of clients and providing the best possible service; knowing that BHSM contributes to their continued success is an aspect of my job that I hugely enjoy.

Aside from our valued clients, BHSM is a young and vibrant firm that has maintained this energy throughout its existence. There has always been high importance placed on the social and cultural aspects of working here, which is really positive, especially given that our jobs can be demanding at times. Now that we are in a larger, open-plan office space, I look forward to many more opportunities in terms of coming together. It will be beneficial from both a social and collaborative work perspective.

What does a typical working day look like for you, and how has your routine changed since the introduction of hybrid working?

My working days are extremely varied and dynamic. A significant portion of my focus is on property related disputes with a wide range of other commercial disputes crossing my desk together with insolvency-related litigation and advisory work. My day is busy but always different, so it is challenging but rewarding. It could involve being in court or meeting with clients or dealing with certain specific advices a client may require.

I must admit that working from home is not for me and I much prefer being present in the office which I find is not only beneficial from my own working perspective but also for my team.  It allows us to be in an environment where it is easier to learn, ask questions and collaborate.  It also adds a nice social element to our busy working days which I think is far more beneficial to people in many ways.

As a Partner in BHSM, how do you approach mentorship and leadership, and what makes someone an effective mentor or leader?

I believe active listening and providing sound support and guidance are crucial aspects of mentoring and leadership. Effective communication is also essential, and understanding what your mentee needs from you rather than just telling them what you feel they should do.

We place huge importance on guidance and mentorship in BHSM. We started a mentorship programme last year to help support and guide all staff members across the firm. Given that people were working at home for such a long period during COVID, it had clearly shifted the office environment and as a result, there was less opportunity for people to get to know and learn from their peers. The programme aims to ensure that all employees in the firm feel supported and comfortable approaching another team member if they require any guidance or just simply want to have a chat and it encourages active learning and development across the firm.

What are the key aspects of the BHSM mentorship program, and what advice would you have to other organisations looking to implement a similar program?

In our programme, every mentee is assigned a mentor outside their department. This was important so that the programme could give a certain level of independent guidance outside of our direct teams. It also helps to provide fresh perspectives and to get to know others across the firm.

Mentorship programmes will look different in every organisation, but assessing your organisation’s needs and building a programme based on those needs is essential.

It is important to match participants according to their profiles and goals. We were lucky that there was such a positive uptake to the programme, which involves a great mix of solicitors, trainees and administrative staff.

Aside from good advice and guidance, participation, dedication, and consistency are key to any mentorship programme’s success and we will continue to develop and improve on this programme.

What advice do you have for young professionals looking to build a successful career in corporate law, and what qualities or skills do you think are most important for success in this field?

When starting off, it is vital to find a firm where you believe you can be successful and grow. My advice would be not to settle for any opportunity and hope for the best. I recommend looking for a firm where you would see a future for yourself and where your skills will be developed.

In my experience, starting my career as a solicitor in the right firm provided me with hands-on experience and client-facing opportunities, which gave me confidence and helped me progress in my career at a faster pace.

However, this will vary depending on the individual’s preferences and goals.

As a Litigator, the qualities and skills required differ from other areas in law. Confidence and hard work are essential. The nature of commercial litigation is challenging, so being driven and always willing to learn is also important. The field is continuously evolving, and every dispute is unique, which makes it a rewarding, fulfilling, and exciting role to be in.

29th June 2023