Amanda Jones
Sometimes in life the big decisions just happen to you as opposed to being deliberated by you. This is what Amanda had to say when asked how she became a Vario freelancer and it is also the perfect synopsis for her legal journey. Amanda appears to be exactly where she is supposed to be in her career and her compelling career is our most recent Vario Story.
Not everyone finds their dream career at the first time of asking. In Amanda’s case, this is certainly true; she turned to the legal profession via a post-grad diploma and later undertook the LPC whilst working as a Hospital Sales Specialist.
Amanda decided to pursue sports law as a vocation and as a result of this she only applied to one firm for a Training Contract, which she was duly offered. However, Amanda’s path to qualification was anything but simple from here. The firm who she was to train with had been bought out by the time her LPC was complete and the sports law department migrated elsewhere. Amanda’s new firm honoured the offer she had received, but by the time she finished her training contract, this firm too was no more.
Fortunately, the next few years were smoother sailing. Amanda found a new firm and stayed with them with 12 years, rising through the ranks at quite a pace.
I stayed with them for 12 years from being an NQ and was promoted through the ranks to associate, partner and eventually Operating Partner.
In February last year Amanda was made redundant. She found herself needing work and faced with a change in direction within her career. It was at this stage that an opportunity presented itself when a previous colleague, Julian Diaz-Rainey, offered her the chance to become a Vario to work with him on a large public enquiry. Not only was Julian an old colleague, but to bring things full circle, he also has a successful sports law practice!
I had known and worked with Julian Diaz-Rainey during my TC and loved very minute. When I needed work and the opportunity came to re-connect with Julian, I seized it.
Amanda might be a new Vario, but she acknowledges a common thread running through her career, “Sometimes change really is good.”
If you enjoyed reading about Amanda's Vario Story, why not take a look at Cathy Philipp's for more...