How do you get under the skin of a client business?

Industry focus and knowledge is imperative. Working with industry trade bodies and being an active member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment ensure that clients' concerns are approached with the benefit of insight into commercial realities and not just the law.

Contributions to the financial services industry have involved being a member of a working group responding to the Independent Commission on Banking and, with a separate group, responding to the FSA's consultation on assessing suitability.

I also prepared draft legislation on behalf of an industry body in response to the Treasury's Consultation Paper on the Government's new approach to financial regulation. The insights gained by my involvement at this level are passed on to clients in tailored strategic advice.

We have a dynamic practice which is constantly growing and evolving in step with the UK and international regulatory environment in which our clients operate.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I am a member of Wragge & Co's Eco team and am proud of what we have achieved in the last few years. Raising awareness of the fact that everyone can make a real difference by taking small steps is half the battle.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

"Penny is a lateral-thinking, practical, solutions-driven lawyer. Even when Penny is advising one of our clients, we still enjoy a productive, mutually supportive working relationship, which is very refreshing."
Iain Wallace, director of Share plc.

"Importantly, Penny is willing to come off the fence and make judgment calls where the matter is not clear. The issues we raise are often high value and giving a clear steer can be daunting even where it is underpinned by a sound knowledge of the law."
Internal client at Wragge & Co.