Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Rachel George, Senior Counsel in the Private Client team, Taylor Wessing
This week’s 60-second Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Rachel George, Senior Counsel in the Private Client team, Taylor Wessing.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I specialise in providing advice on residential real estate for wealthy individuals, investors, developers and banks, usually with an international element. My practice ranges from high-end conveyancing through to Enfranchisement and Landlord and Tenant matters, and includes working closely with my Commercial Real Estate team in advising developers of luxury new build properties, on site set up and sales.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My weekdays generally start with a military style bootcamp on the Common near my house. It’s “type 2 fun” – hell at the time, but afterwards I feel ready for all the days challenges! My practice is very broad, and I love that I get the opportunity to work with colleagues from across so many different disciplines. With so many different projects running at once, no two days are ever the same – one day might focus on transactional matters, finalising an exchange of contracts or a drawdown of funds, whilst the next day I might be on a site visit with a hard hat and steel toed boots!
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
I’ve recently been instructed to act on the sales of the residential units in an amazing new development in North London. It’s very exciting watching the various elements of the site come together. We are also seeing lots of interest in Branded Residences in London, and I am working with colleagues in the hospitality group advising brands on this asset class, and there are lots of really interesting new schemes popping up!
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Moving house is often cited as one of the most stressful life events, and certainly on the transactional side, one of the major challenges clients face is the frustrations around the speed and complexity of the conveyancing system. This is especially true of some of my international clients who may not have purchased a UK property previously. My job is to make the experience as smooth, transparent, stress-free (and hopefully, quick) as possible. Even where there are stumbling blocks, common sense, commercial advice and practical solutions from professional advisors who are not emotionally invested in a property can overcome most hurdles.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
When I qualified in 2009, I could never have imagined myself working in a Chambers Tier 1 team doing such interesting and varied work, so I’m proud of myself for sticking the course! More specifically, for the last 7 years I have been acting on a large development at Nine Elms and have seen it go from literally a hole in the ground to a thriving community – that’s been really gratifying.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Someone who understands and values the different strengths of each member of a team and facilitates those members playing to their strengths. They create an environment where people feel valued, motivated and capable of achieving their goals.
Who do you most admire and why?
I admire so many people, but I think anyone who acts with integrity and sticks to their principles even when others disagree with them is very admirable.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
The last place I travelled to for work was a whistlestop tour of Jersey to meet with some of the trustees and property advisors that we work with regularly, who are based there. Most recently, I’ve just returned from a week in West Cork with my husband and children. It’s got gorgeous beaches for the kids to play and swim, and fantastic seafood – it’s one of my favourite places. And I was in Edinburgh for the Fringe – my hometown and another of my favourite places.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
I’ve always loved historical fiction and have a mild obsession with the Napoleonic Era – I’d love to have the time to research and write a really good novel set in that period.
How do you relax after a long day?
I have 2 daughters aged 5 and 9, so my evenings are spent learning about all the adventures that they have had that day. If I can get them to bed at a sensible hour, I do enjoy a glass of wine and something on Netflix!
Taylor Wessing’s Leader List profile
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