Our Director Mary Pat McFarlane recently clocked up 21 years with VMH – about time we found out a bit more about her!
Did you always aim for a career in law?
“When I was wee, I wanted to be a singer or on a stage. Too much time spent watching (and pretending to be) Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music! Had I been born more recently, I think I would have aimed for a career as a professional sportswoman, but that option wasn’t a possibility when I was young. It was only once I got to High School that the idea of law took hold.”
Were any school subjects useful for your career and what was your course of study into the profession?
“I absolutely loved Modern Studies and Economics when I was at High School. The teacher made an effort to prepare us for learning in the style of university lectures and encouraged lots of self-study. Plus, we got the chance to engage in debates about numerous chosen subjects. After High School, I went straight to the University of Edinburgh where I did my law degree and Diploma in Legal Practice. A traineeship in a small Edinburgh firm followed and I’ve been with VMH for over 21 years now.”
Given your rugby career, did you find any aspects of playing/being in a team that were helpful in your legal career? Or did aspects of training in law help rugby?
“Definitely. In a close sporting environment where you’re playing and training together at least 3 times a week, you have to learn how to get on with all types of people. You also have to make split-second decisions in as clear and calm a way as possible. The habits of good communication and being able to think rationally under pressure have been invaluable to me at work over the years. However, putting the (rugby) boot on the other foot, I’m not sure that training in law necessarily helped me at rugby. The analytical reasoning might not have been appreciated by the referees as much as I thought it was at the time!!”
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in law now?
“I would recommend that anyone contemplating studying law gets used to reading lots and lots of text, some of which can be quite dry. But to stick with it and find the area of law that suits them best. There are plenty to choose from and I’m happy that I’ve found my way to doing something that I enjoy every day.”
You’ve recently celebrated a milestone 21 years with VMH – what has encouraged you to stay with the firm over that time?
“I feel fortunate that my contribution to the firm was recognised quickly when I came to VMH, so much so that I was promoted within 6 months of joining. Feeling valued by management at the time and being part of a group of people who enjoy working together, has always made it fun to come into work.
What’s best about working and living in Edinburgh?
“When I was working and living in Edinburgh, I loved being able to walk to the office each day. It gave me time to clear my head before work and time to shake off any stresses of the day before I got home at night. Now I live out of town, I do the same thing but on my train journey to and from Edinburgh. I definitely miss the views of the City!”
Outside of work, what are your interests?
“I’m still really interested in sport, coaching Mini Rugby and playing Touch rugby when I get the chance. I also enjoy spending time with my family and travelling for weekend breaks with friends, often with a sporting context.”