28 Years at Hansells: Kathryn Hirst on Leadership, Growth and People

With twenty-eight years at Hansells, Managing Partner Kathryn Hirst has built an inspiring career shaped by determination, integrity, and a deep belief in people. In this interview, Kathryn reflects on her journey from trainee solicitor to Managing Partner and shares what continues to make Hansells a very special place to work. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in law? 

It all began with a television programme – LA Law! Big shoulder pads, high heels, and a mixture of civil and criminal cases sprinkled with office politics and a touch of romance. Clearly, it was not an accurate reflection of life in a real law firm, but it was enough to prompt me to do some work experience at two local firms, which ultimately got me hooked on the law.

My other career aspiration was to become a stockbroker, inspired by Capital City, a drama about investment bankers. Unfortunately, I could not secure any work experience in that area, so the law it was! 

What do you remember about your first day at Hansells? 

Although it was quite some time ago, I still remember my first day rather clearly. I wore a navy Marks & Spencer suit with a grandad collar and matching shoes and bag. I looked the part but was absolutely terrified!

The Office Manager handed me a dictaphone and told me to find a quiet place to practise. I ended up in the toilet – not quite what she had in mind, I suspect!

What struck me most from that first day was how friendly everyone was. There was a genuine sense of teamwork and a shared drive to succeed. Two colleagues, Sylvia and Lorna, took me under their wings and helped me immensely. I soon realised that the people who knew the most about the practicalities of law were often the support staff, and I frequently turned to them for guidance.

From that early stage, I learnt the importance of teamwork and understood that everyone’s contribution matters. 

Why have you stayed at Hansells for 28 years? 

This is an interesting question, particularly as many people today move around to progress their careers. For me, the answer is simple: the people.

I found myself surrounded by friendly, supportive colleagues who believed in me and encouraged me to grow. After completing my training contract, I was offered a permanent role and asked to establish our employment law department – quite the challenge for someone newly qualified!

Hansells later sponsored me to complete a Master’s Degree in Employment Law at the University of East Anglia, which I undertook while working full time. That investment in my development, combined with an environment where I felt valued, meant I never felt the need to look elsewhere.

Today, I sit on the Executive Team alongside three colleagues who joined around the same time as I did. Our relationships have grown stronger over the years, and that sense of shared history and mutual respect continues to define Hansells’ culture. 

What makes Hansells different from other law firms? 

Although my experience outside Hansells is limited, I can say with confidence that Hansells is a place where individuals can be themselves, deliver exceptional legal services, and continue to grow both professionally and personally.

We work hard to maintain a positive, inclusive environment that recognises that people have lives outside of work. Our values – pride, integrity, respect, empathy, professionalism, and balanced lifestyle – are at the core of everything we do.

While this sometimes means making difficult decisions, it also ensures that we remain a respected and trusted business and employer. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your career? 

This question made me reflect deeply, as I am not naturally inclined to talk about my own achievements! However, I am proud of several milestones that required perseverance and determination.

Completing my Master’s Degree in one year instead of two – something the University had never previously permitted – was one of them. More recently, I achieved a Level 7 CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management while serving as Managing Partner, working full time, running a home, and being PA and taxi service to my two boys.

There were moments when it would have been easier to give up, but I persevered, and I am very glad that I did. Above all, I am proud that throughout my career I have always been myself. That authenticity has helped me form lasting relationships with colleagues, clients, and business contacts in the community.

I have also stood up for what I believe in, even when it was not easy – for example, as a newly qualified female solicitor responding sweetly but sharply to a male surveyor who felt the need to explain the difference between an aeroplane hangar and the hanger I used for my nice clothes! 

What are you most proud of in your career? 

There have been many proud moments over the years, so it is difficult to highlight just one or two. Much has changed at Hansells during my time here, and some of my proudest moments have come from witnessing how people support one another and how positively colleagues and clients speak about each other and the firm.

The realisation that people genuinely care about one another and about Hansells is incredibly heart-warming. 

How do you balance leadership with life outside of work? 

The short answer is that I am constantly juggling, and I am not sure that I always get it right! My boys often tell me that I am glued to my phone, but I like to think that my strong work ethic has at least passed down to them – if only my love of cleaning would too!

My mother was an amazing role model who taught me that consistency is key: work hard, but play hard too. For me, that means exercising regularly and spending time with friends and family who keep me grounded. Having two sisters, a straight-talking best friend, and two teenage boys certainly helps with that! 

What excites you most about the future of Hansells? 

I am genuinely excited about the future and about helping others fulfil their potential. I look forward to building the business further and, in time, passing the baton to the next generation of leaders.

We have so many talented people at Hansells who care deeply about the firm and our clients. Helping them take Hansells to the next level will be a real privilege. 

How would you like clients and the community to view Hansells? 

I hope that clients and the wider community will see Hansells as a firm to watch and support. We have undergone much change, particularly in recent years, and I hope it is clear from our actions that we are, above all, about people and relationships – whether that is through the delivery of professional legal services, giving back to the community, or supporting our colleagues.

Hansells has always been and will continue to be a people-centred firm that values integrity, respect, and excellence. 

Kathryn’s story is a true reflection of Hansells’ spirit – a firm built on people, relationships, and integrity.