In our latest edition of Realm Talks To…, we caught up with Claire Bushen, Partner at Kennedys.
In the interview, Claire explains why she decided to become a lawyer, who she turns to for advice and how she managing juggling the demands of being a mum and a lawyer.
Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
Aside from presenting the BBC News, I always wanted to be a lawyer. My mum was a lawyer and she was, and still is, my greatest inspiration. When I grow up I am going to be just like her- I hope!
What do the next 12 months look like for you and your team?
If the last 12 months are anything to go by, the next 12 will be busy busy busy! The team has been growing over the years and it continues to grow – the next 12 months will see us add to the Kennedys PL family not just in the fabulous new and shiny Manchester office, but across the PL division.
What’s the best thing about your job?
It’s tricky to choose one thing, I love my job! But if I really had to choose one, then it would be the people – my colleagues and clients. I am blessed to work with some of the most talented and wonderful people.
What’s the biggest obstacle that you have had to overcome in your career so far?
Aside from self-doubt – something that I know I am not alone in facing most days/ weeks – juggling the demands of being a mum and working full time. I know that this will resonate with so many mums and dads – trying to be 100% of everything to everyone all of the time. Over the years I have learned that you simply can’t, and that being kind to yourself really helps!
Who do you turn to for advice at work?
There isn’t enough space for me to list everyone! I am incredibly lucky, at Kennedys, we really are like a family and I work with so many of my friends. There isn’t one specific person I turn to – there is support from many of my colleagues and what I want/need (!) will determine who I speak to. I really do think that everyone should feel that they have that level of support. It is so important to feel safe and secure at work.
What do you like to do when away from the office?
Aside from being chief taxi driver for my 9-year-old son (the light of my life!) I race long-distance triathlon- cycling is my sport of choice so I can usually be found somewhere on a bike (or in the garage if it is snowing!) – or running in the hills with our dog, Eric (a Border/ Lakeland terrier).
Where’s your favourite place to eat out?
Takeaway fish and chips, sitting outside (whether on the beach or in the hills) – or any good Thai!
What’s the last book you read/ film you saw and what did you think of it?
The last book I read was ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’- it was powerful, moving and gentle and I would definitely recommend it.
The last film I saw was ‘Spiderman: Away From Home’ – a great, easy-to-watch action movie, I loved it (and we ate popcorn!)
Which 3 people would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Eddy Merckx and Sarah Millican.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I read a book when I was younger called ‘Wonder’ by AJ Palacio (another one I would highly recommend) – a line from the book always stuck with me: ‘if you have to choose between being right and being kind, chose kind’. It’s important to try hard and to do your best, but you only get one shot at life – be happy and do everything in your power to make others happy.
About Claire Bushen
Claire became Partner at Kennedys in 2013. She specialises in defending and advising on professional negligence claims on behalf of clients including national and international reinsurers, accountants and auditors, insurance brokers, estate agents, solicitors and regulatory bodies.
Her particular expertise lies in solicitors’ negligence cases across all specialisms including conveyancing, failed litigation, matrimonial, wills and probate, mortgage lenders’ claims and corporate transactions.
In addition to her work, Claire is a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers and regularly lectures on reinsurance issues.
