Despite the unusual circumstances of the last couple of weeks, we managed to catch up with our latest interviewee, Katie McCann, a partner in the family team at Knights plc. In our conversation, Katie explained what distinguishes Knights from its competitors, what she loves most about being a family solicitor and her passion for the Paso Doble!
You recently made the move to Knights plc; what it is about Knights that stands it apart from other law firms?
I suppose the first thing to say is that Knights isn’t a traditional law firm, quite the opposite. It is a standout market leader for legal services. Knights is modern, progressive, and different. It has taken the traditional law firm model, deconstructed it and rebuilt it for the demands of today’s lawyer and clients, now and for the future.
We are in such unprecedented times right now, but I am so proud to be able to say that I am involved with a company that has seamlessly adapted. This has been due to the brilliant systems in place and also because of the cohesive culture. Knights is able to push on and thrive because of that entrepreneurial spirit that is so championed.
You previously worked as a barrister… what made you re-qualify as a solicitor?
I’m actually still a barrister. Whilst I was in chambers, I built a direct access practice, alongside my daily court work. I needed some support with the clients I was gaining. So, I decided to go in house and worked for the fabulous Kuits solicitors in Manchester for a number of years, who I still have a great relationship with.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably sneaking round the side entrance of the Royal Courts of Justice to avoid photographers!! There have been so many highlights on so many cases. I think I can say that I have met some of the most interesting people with fascinating lives you can imagine. My highlight is helping them on their journey and getting the best outcome I can for them. I also love mentoring and helping members of my team grow, challenge themselves and become great lawyers, and hopefully compassionate human beings in the process. What we do is tough, but it can be very rewarding.
What’s the last book you read?
Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed. This is brilliant. It’s about being analytical about errors, deconstructing why things happened and putting into place safeguards/improvements so that next time round the process is better. Unless we share disappointments, errors, near misses, things will never improve for the team or for clients. I’m a big believer that we can always improve what we do but do it together.
If you hadn’t have become a lawyer, what would have been your plan B?
Probably some kind of performing arts! Last Summer I took part in a Strictly Come Dancing competition for charity. I danced the Paso Doble…ever since then I have been hooked, and I have been training to dance for about a year now. I also play classical guitar and violin! But my absolute dream would be to tread the boards in the theatre……so any chance I get to do anything like this I jump at it!
When you’ve got a free evening, would you rather stay in or go out?
Well at the moment we have no choice do we……it’s Netflix all the way! But ordinarily I love to go out. My holiday plans to Ibiza this year have been canned, but I was really looking forward to dancing the night away at Café Mambo watching the sunset.
What would be your desert island dish?
Any burger from Almost Famous with bacon bacon fries….do you think you can get that with Deliveroo at the moment?
About Katie McCann
Katie McCann is a partner in the Family team at Knights plc and is based in their Manchester and Wilmslow offices. She previously worked as a family law barrister and has extensive experience in all areas of family law proceedings.
At Knights, Katie advises all areas of divorce, but has a particular interest in complex matrimonial finances, private children matters and wealth protection. She regularly acts on behalf of high-net-worth individuals as well as sports and media personalities, business owners and entrepreneurs.