Personal Profiles, Professional Insights: Meet Charlotte Whitehead, Real Estate Partner

Helping to shape skylines and build the future

Charlotte’s academic path led her to Cardiff University, where studying law became a career-defining decision. Her work ethic and practical outlook have guided her steady rise to partnership at Blake Morgan, where she specialises in real estate law. In this field, she takes pride in seeing the results of her efforts in developing landscapes and city skylines.

We caught up with Charlotte to learn more about her work and the advice she would share with aspiring lawyers.

What attracted you to the field of law, and why real estate?

I was initially drawn to law because I wasn’t keen on medicine! I didn’t have a clear path after A-levels, all in humanities subjects, so law seemed like a good fit for my skills. I gained an appreciation for the law during my first work experience placement, which came about through a family connection. This early exposure to the legal world confirmed it was the right path for me.

After trying out different areas of law during my training contract, I decided to specialise in real estate because of the tangible aspects of the work. The fact I get to see and walk around a physical manifestation of my efforts is incredibly rewarding!

Can you share some of your career and personal highlights?

Becoming a partner at Blake Morgan in April 2024 was a significant professional milestone for me. It marked the achievement of a major professional goal. A personal highlight was completing the London Marathon, an experience that was challenging but incredibly satisfying. I trained hard and raised over £5000 for the Samaritans. I don’t think I’ll ever do it again, but I’m very proud that I did it.

What is your approach to building strong client relationships?

When a client reaches out, I ensure I’m available or get back to them as soon as possible. It’s about understanding their business from all angles and providing solutions that are both legally sound and commercially sensible. This approach helps forge solid and lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

What keeps you motivated in your work?

There’s always a new challenge, a complex problem to solve. Helping clients achieve their goals and seeing projects come to fruition is hugely rewarding. I’ve always had a deep drive and ambition and always focused on balancing meaningful, enjoyable work with a happy home life.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I’m an outdoors person and enjoy spending time with my family. I love skiing, gardening and being outdoors in nature. I’m lucky enough to have two horses, which is my big passion. My daughters, who are six and eight years old, love riding horses, and I cherish the time we spend together as a family doing that. Balancing a demanding career with these outdoor activities and family time is vital for me.

How do you handle the challenges that come with complex commercial property transactions?

Staying organised and prioritising tasks effectively also helps manage multiple projects simultaneously. I always say that completions are like buses – they often come in threes, and things can feel very hectic when that happens! Keeping a calm head and good communication with my team is crucial, not just at these times, but always!

What makes Blake Morgan a great place to work?

Blake Morgan truly values a good work-life balance, which is both a policy and a practice here. This supportive environment allows me to manage a challenging workload while finding time for my family and personal interests. I also love the amount of autonomy we enjoy while working with big clients at a national law firm. I couldn’t be happier than I am here.

Given your recent promotion to Partner, how do you see your role evolving at Blake Morgan?

As a partner, my role is evolving from overseeing legal projects to mentoring younger lawyers and helping shape the firm’s strategic direction. I aim to drive growth in our real estate department by enhancing our services and expanding our client base. It’s about building on the firm’s strengths and ensuring we continue adapting to the changing legal landscape.

What advice would you give aspiring lawyers, especially women interested in property law?

I recommend gaining as much work experience as possible, which is crucial for understanding the field and making informed career decisions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for opportunities, no matter how distant they seem. For women, especially, becoming involved in networks like Women in Property, where I serve on the committee, can be incredibly beneficial. These organisations support women in the industry through mentoring, networking, and professional development, helping them navigate and excel in a sector that can still feel male-dominated.

For more information on Charlotte Whitehead, click here.