Commercial Property Partner Q&A

28th March 2022

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 we are highlighting some of Bower Bailey’s successful female achievers. Here we chat to Mary Cutts, Partner in our Swindon Commercial property department.

Tell us about your role at Bower Bailey?

I work as a partner specialising in commercial property real estate, development and commercial landlord and tenant work.

What do you enjoy about working at Bower Bailey?

I enjoy running a very varied case load and working in a friendly and supportive environment. There’s very much an open door culture at Bower Bailey so that everyone feels that they are part of a team working together to deliver the best solutions for our clients

Have there been any challenges in your career as a woman in law?

Yes, in the early stages of my career I was working in an area of practice which was male dominated. Fortunately there are many more women practising at a senior level in commercial property now which I feel has levelled the playing field.

Has the workplace changed for women during your career? If so, how?

Yes I believe it has in so far as there is a greater recognition of the need for achieving better work life balance and promoting this through the use of flexible hours and more home working.

Lastly, do you have any top tips or a word of advice for young female lawyers at the start of their careers?

My advice would be to try to build good client relationships right from the start and to ensure that you have respect for everyone you interact with. The people you meet when you start out may end up becoming important contacts later in your career and even instructing you on significant matters. If possible, actively seek out a senior female colleague role model who would be willing act as a mentor and provide you with support in the early stages of your career.