Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Claire Gill, Carter-Ruck
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Claire Gill, Partner at Carter-Ruck
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I am a partner in the media team at Carter-Ruck, specialising in reputation management and advising on defamation, privacy and data protection law.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No day is the same. I may have to drop a detailed drafting task to deal with an urgent pre-publication enquiry for a new client, involving giving advice on how best to respond to questions from journalists which are typically sent at the 11th hour, or I may have to engage with the media in connection with private or sensitive information which has been published online. It is fast-paced and involves getting on top of detailed information quickly.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
I am working on a typical multi-faceted case involving removal of historic inaccuracies in due diligence reports, including World Check, and related work concerning the press articles cited in those reports. The underlying facts relate to an international dispute and working with lawyers in other jurisdictions to help solve the problems is extremely interesting.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Our clients are thrown into the media spotlight in a crisis situation, where they have to manage multiple stake-holders; employees, investors and family members. It can be immensely stressful. I help them to approach the problem in a calm way with a clear strategy to focus on the most important objectives.
Are there any top of mind themes for you or your clients?
Effective communication and focus on what really matters.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I could not single out one case; sometimes the small wins have the greatest impact for the client, but a libel win in court stands out. For example, we represented two individuals, who had been libelled in the Mail on Sunday. It was a hard fought claim over many years, involving very technical law and facts. At trial, the newspaper’s public interest defence failed and they ended up making a full apology to the claimants and paying very substantial damages and costs. The clients were fully vindicated.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Understanding the capabilities of the team so you know when to delegate and when to give support. Speaking to people face to face so that they feel engaged and part of a common endeavour is important.
Who do you most admire and why?
People who get to the top of their profession and bring people up the ladder with them. I am lucky in my job to have met many successful individuals and the best of them find time to give something back.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
Madrid
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
Being a travel writer
How do you relax after a long day?
By cooking a meal with a glass of wine and a podcast
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