Personal Profiles, Professional Insights: Paula Kathrens, Employment Partner
Growing up in Mountain Ash in the south Wales valleys, Paula Kathrens didn’t set out to be a lawyer. She was on track for a career in physiotherapy until her father encouraged her to pursue a profession. She enrolled in an A-level law course at night school to learn more about the subject, a decision that changed everything. “I had this incredible lecturer who made law come alive,” she recalls. But when she told her school careers adviser she wanted to study law, she was advised to ‘set her sights lower’ and consider retail management instead.
That was a defining moment. I thought, ‘I’ll show you.' And I did!
Paula was the first generation in her family to attend university, where she studied Law and Politics before qualifying as a solicitor. Her initial specialism was in commercial property, but it didn’t feel like the right fit. “I wanted something more people-focused,” she says. That opportunity arose in 2000 when she transitioned to employment law; she has never looked back.
A partner at Blake Morgan since 2013, Paula is a trusted adviser to businesses in sectors as diverse as financial services, education, and healthcare. She is also a passionate advocate for social mobility and menopause awareness, working to break down barriers in the profession.
We caught up with Paula to learn more about her career, advocacy work, and what keeps her motivated inside and outside the office.
What do you enjoy most about employment law?
Employment law is never dull. No two cases are the same, and people never stop surprising me.
I love problem-solving and helping businesses navigate workplace challenges.
I also love the relationships I’ve built over the last 28 years at the firm. I’ve worked with some clients for as long as I’ve been an employment lawyer, and being their trusted adviser is a privilege.
What’s the biggest challenge in your work, and how do you navigate it?
Employment law is ever-evolving, and people are unpredictable. My role is to help clients make the best decisions, balancing legal risks with commercial realities. It can be a high-pressure field, and I value that we encourage work-life balance at Blake Morgan. We recognise that 12 hours at a desk isn’t necessarily the best way to get results; people are at their best when rested and refreshed. We don’t just pay lip service to that idea; we live and breathe it.
You’re a strong advocate for social mobility in law. What drives that?
I know what it’s like to feel that law isn’t ‘for people like you.’ Growing up, I had no real links to the law, and my career adviser told me I wouldn’t make it. As a firm, we are proud to work with various initiatives such as Growing Ambitions and the Lord Edmund-Davies Legal Education Trust to support young people in Wales without legal connections. It’s about giving them confidence and opportunities.
One of the ironies is that Lord Edmund-Davies, one of the most respected lawyers and judges of the last century, went to my school, and there was a bust of him in the assembly hall. Every day, I walked past it without knowing who he was.
Now, I help students from similar backgrounds take their first steps into law. It feels like I’ve come full circle!
You also lead menopause awareness initiatives at Blake Morgan. Why is that important to you?
I experienced medically induced menopause in my twenties due to endometriosis, so I understand how challenging it can be. I was fortunate that the support within the firm was fantastic, but I know that is not the same for all women. During lockdown, I began to notice symptoms but didn’t immediately recognise them as being related to perimenopause. Watching a Davina McCall documentary about the menopause was my lightbulb moment. That’s why I worked with our HR team to help introduce menopause mentor training at Blake Morgan. We now have trained mentors (both male and female) throughout the firm to support colleagues, managers and family members of women experiencing menopause. Although I am passionate about raising awareness, this isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a business one.
Too many talented women step back from their careers due to inadequate support through perimenopause, and companies miss out on a wealth of talent and experience. The more we discuss it, the better.
How do you balance work with life outside the office?
Gardening is my escape. We recently bought an old Victorian house with a big garden and some woodland. The house renovation is relentless, but my sanctuary is pottering around the garden with our dogs. It is exciting to discover what’s hidden. Last weekend, I found snowdrops and hellebores; I love uncovering little treasures whenever I get out there.
Music is another big part of my life. Growing up, our house was always filled with music, which has carried through to my home. My tastes are eclectic, and my adult children attribute their love of music to me!
I’m a big radio fan, too, and will admit to one guilty pleasure. I love The Archers!
What advice would you give young people considering a career in employment law?
Be curious and proactive. Read up on legal developments and follow employment cases in the news.
The Labour Government’s plans to upgrade workers’ rights under the Employment Rights Bill are on the horizon. If you can, secure some work experience and attend an employment tribunal. Watching a real case unfold is a great way to learn.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. I wouldn’t be here today if I’d listened to my career adviser!
Click here for more information on Paula Kathrens.
Tags: Personal Profiles Professional Insights
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