We are pleased to announce that Chloe Jay is now the Senior Partner at Shentons Solicitors. Since she joined the firm in 2012, Chloe has been a positive driver of change and modernisation.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Shentons, Chloe is our first female Senior Partner and along with Elisabeth Pollard, who was our first female Partner, they make Shentons 100% woman owned for the first time in our 200 year history.
In this interview, Chloe discusses her career journey, her vision for the future of Shentons and the evolving landscape of the legal industry.
I had done work experience at 13 with the CPS at Portsmouth, it was the first time I had seen the real life criminal justice system and I fell in love.
Fast forward 16 years, I was a qualified Solicitor, had just got my higher rights and was stepping into my first crown court jury trial, wearing the full wig and gown. Coincidentally, it was at Portsmouth Crown Court, creating a beautifully circular moment in my journey.
We were defending an exploited woman who was being accused of theft by a man who was paying her for sex. We were able to show the jury that she was very much the victim in the case and the crown abandoned the prosecution.
Being a good leader is a really fine mix between compassion and objectivity. Work is such an important part of people lives and it is crucial that staff are supported but it is equally important to look at business decisions from an objective stand point. We need to care for our staff and our business equally. Also understanding that equality and equity aren’t the same thing, we have to work hard to make decisions to make things fair across the firm but that doesn’t mean that everyone gets the same thing. A good and thriving firm is one where we all work together to meet each other and the business’ needs. Considering how new policies or procedures will impact people is key.
I am lucky enough to be a mother of two and like all working parents I find it hard to reach events for my children during the working day. Nothing will ever be as challenging, however, as having my second child during the pandemic and becoming an equity partner in the same year – a level of stress and uncertainty that remains unmatched!
I genuinely want to make Shentons a place where people can have a work life balance and fulfil their career goals without ridiculous pressure. We are losing far too many brilliant lawyers because the profession forces people to work too many hours and sacrifice too much of their personal lives. If your lawyers are happy, rested, balanced people they will provide the best possible service to your clients and get better outcomes. Everyone’s a winner!
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