In the Spotlight – Donna Ashbridge
Donna Ashbridge, a lawyer in the firm's Corporate team, has recently been promoted to a Senior Solicitor.
What is your name?
Donna Ashbridge
Where do you live?
Kingswood, Hull
What connects you to East Yorkshire?
I studied law at The University of Hull and loved it that much that I decided to move back here after completing my LPC in Manchester.
Tell us about your family?
I live with my husband, Ben and our dog, Kovu. The rest of my family live in Doncaster and Chesterfield so we regularly have weekends away (I must admit, not the most glamorous weekend destinations to visit!)
Why did you decide on a legal career?
After being told by many people that I would make a great lawyer due to my love of talking, arguing and reading I did some work experience at some local solicitors and I absolutely loved it. I always wanted to work in an office and I love the variety and challenges that a legal career offers.
What do you do in your job as a Solicitor?
I am a corporate solicitor which involves advising individuals and all sized businesses in a variety of matters including company formations, mergers and acquisitions, banking matters, re-organisations and partnership matters. I am also part of the Education team and advise on a variety of corporate issues for clients in this sector.
What is the best piece of advice you have received so far in your career?
The best piece of advice that I have received to date (which I used a lot at the beginning of my legal career) is to always ask questions if I am unsure of anything. It seems obvious but it would surprise you how many people are afraid to ask questions. The corporate team are very good at communicating with one another and we always ask questions when new issues arise and discuss matters as a team - I think an open plan office really helps!
What is your most treasured possession?
My wedding/engagement rings (I'm a newly wed so I still love looking at them).
If you could invite three people to dinner (dead or alive) who would they be?
I always find this question so difficult and my answer regularly changes. I would probably say Lord Alan Sugar (I am obsessed with Alan Sugar), Meghan Markle and Walt Disney.
What is the last film you watched?
Oceans Thirteen (which is surprisingly one of my favourite films, it recently got added to Netflix).
What's your perfect holiday destination?
I love a relaxing holiday… I wish I could be somebody who says that they love exploring (and I don't mind a weekend city break) but living out of a rucksack just isn't for me... A beautiful beach, unlimited cocktails, fantastic food and a pile of books is perfection for me.
What makes Yorkshire special?
The people. Although I am not from Hull, I am from Doncaster (South Yorkshire) and I would never want to move outside of Yorkshire, the people are so friendly and I just don't feel like you get that anywhere else.
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