Nicky Chatten
Associate - Pensions and Incentives
Email: nicky.chatten@burges-salmon.com
I joined Burges Salmon in January 2009, having trained at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where I qualified into the employment, pensions and benefits department, undertaking work across all three disciplines.
Unfortunately, I fairly quickly became frustrated with the mundane nature of the tasks typically allotted to trainees and juniors, and with the feeling of being a very small cog in a very large machine. The brutal hours and the "Blackberry" culture were additional sources of frustration and disillusionment.
On maternity leave with my second child, my husband was offered a job in Bath (my home town) and, eager to be closer to family and to pursue the elusive work-life balance, we relocated. So, that was my husband sorted - what about me? I knew Burges Salmon to be a quality outfit where many successful placements were reported. Luckily for me, they were looking for someone to do pensions and incentives work, and even more luckily for me, they were happy for me to work part-time. They have even set me up with a home office, so that I can always make it home for bath-time. Thankfully, being part-time is no barrier to progress - I was recently promoted to Associate.
I now work three days a week, and spend the rest of my time getting to see my children grow up. On the days when I am at work, I am doing work which is both interesting and challenging for a wide range of clients. I am advising clients direct, chairing meetings, delivering training and participating in business development - it really is a world away from my previous experience. And I get to do it all as part of a very supportive tight-knit team - widely acknowledged to be one of the friendliest at Burges Salmon!