Hazel Randall

Hazel Randall, an associate at DLA Piper in Leeds, discusses the attraction of living and working in Leeds.

What is your legal background?
My first job straight out of university didn’t really reflect my studies. After studying a Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford University, I had a short spell working as a market research analysis trainee - odd choice I know, but that helped me refine my career preferences ! That led me to complete my law conversion course and LPC, and to join a niche law firm v-lex ltd based in Sheffield which specialised in IT law.

I then moved to DLA Piper in 2004, and I have been there for the past seven years within the IPT team (all matters relating to IP, technology, telecommunications, media and commercial).

Why did you choose to live and work in Leeds?
In a nutshell, I choose to work in Leeds as it offers the top calibre technology work, but without the underground commute. Specialist technology work of any quality is quite limited in the UK. The Leeds legal sector is rare as it offers top quality IT work within an expanding legal centre.

To gain the same standard of work in other cities would be difficult, London would be the obvious alternative, but Leeds offers me all the advantages of a vibrant city environment, a high standard of work, without the long, busy commutes and high living costs.

On a personal level, my family is important to me, and after a long day at work I love the fact that I can get home quickly to spend time with my little girl and boy on an evening. Also that my extended family are Yorkshire based which is wonderful for any working mum.

What are the client advantages for using Leeds lawyers?
The key advantage for clients is that they can achieve a high standard of service comparable to London law firms for a reasonable rate. Business overheads are lower and this saving can then be passed on to the client. Saying this, salaries are starting to close the gap on London which is a reflection of the calibre of the Leeds lawyers.

Due to this we also have more flexibility to invest time into understanding the client, which improves the quality of the service we can offer. Plus, the level of local knowledge is also an advantage for local businesses, as Leeds law firms have a better understanding of the local economy. DLA Piper is particularly fortunate as this is complemented by the know-how we gain from our global colleagues.

Word association: what three words describe the Leeds legal services?
Competitive
Competent
Client Orientated

How’s the future looking for the Leeds legal sector?
The view that a client has to go to London to get the highest standard of law services has been proved wrong and has changed, also with the recession clients are more cost conscious, and are looking to prove best value from every pound spent, which places Leeds in an enviable position for the future. The city’s legal sector look set to continue as our reputation develops, and Leeds Legal plays a pivotal role in this, as the dedicated campaign successfully promotes the city’s legal sector on a local, national and international stage increasing the awareness of our services.