Baker McKenzie corporate finance head Helen Bradley recently advised on the demerger of the Bank of Georgia parent company BGEO Group, and is currently advising Saudi Arabia’s Alawwal Bank on its proposed merger with the Saudi British Bank. She joined Baker McKenzie in 1996.
Why did you become a lawyer? Inspired by Perry Mason (re-runs obviously). I loved the drama of the courtroom and the power of skilful advocacy. When I started my training however, I soon realised that I was really a deal junkie and corporate was the only thing for me.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career? I have never told him this, and I doubt he would ever guess, but Paul Rawlinson, our global chair, has been the biggest influence on my career. He believed in me when I doubted myself.
What’s your proudest professional moment? Seeing a hugely talented but struggling mentee achieve her potential and knowing, in some way, you helped her achieve this.
…and worst day on the job? Blocked out of my memory. I am a great believer in not dwellings on things, but rather to learn from it and move on.
