Burges Salmon - Sheila Blackburn

My name is Sheila Blackburn and I joined Burges Salmon on 5 October 1987.

I joined Burges Salmon at the age of 20 as a junior secretary assisting a Partner secretary. I had no previous legal experience, but had office experience and after a period of 6 months felt able to take on the responsibility of working for a solicitor. Over the next few years I worked for several lawyers and Burges Salmon went from occupying two floors to taking over the whole of  Narrow Quay House and extending to Broad Quay House.

Burges Salmon was not the only thing changing rapidly, by 1993 I had got married and had my first child. After my maternity leave I returned working three days a week as a “property department floater”. This meant that I would stand in for secretaries during holidays and times of sickness in the property department. In 1996 I had my second child and returned as a “Central”, which is my current job, and I now work four days a week. 

In my role as a “Central” I have worked for a large percentage of the solicitors and enjoy the variety and knowledge this brings. I have also on several occasions assisted solicitors with work in our London office.

Since my early days at Burges Salmon of typing on a typewriter I regularly produce lengthy documents, thankfully now on a computer, powerpoint presentations and tables. As well as typing I maintain my solicitor’s diary, book appointments/lunches and manage the filing system.

Burges Salmon’s location in the centre of Bristol makes it easy for me to travel by bus, but when I am feeling more energetic I enjoy riding to work and park my bike in the facilities provided. I also take advantage of my corporate membership at the local gym and of  subsidies provided by the social club to the theatre, concerts and day trips. There is also a Christmas and summer party, along with many other social occasions which are all well organised and good fun. 

Although I have notched up many years at Burges Salmon I still find the job fresh and challenging due to its varied nature and its constant moving forward. I also enjoy feeling part of a team where contributions are made from lots of different areas.