As we celebrate our 40th year in business, we’re also marking another very special ruby anniversary with Pauline Williamson, from our Legal Team, who clocks up 40 years with VMH in October – officially our longest serving member of staff! We caught up with
Pauline to look back and learn more about her time with the company, along with some photos of staff and events over the decades.
Did you always want to be involved in the legal profession?
“I actually didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school but in my 5th year, I did a crash “O” grade (yes, I am that old!) in Secretarial Studies, which I really enjoyed. I think that’s what made me apply for office-based jobs. My dad and my sister both had law degrees but I didn’t fancy doing that at that time.”
How did you become involved with VMH?
“My first job was with Neilsons in Corstorphine – very local to me and walkable from home. I started there at 16 but left at 19 to be an Au Pair in Italy for a few months. On my return, two of the Partners of Neilsons at that time (Phil Valente and Iain McCombie) were starting up their own firm and asked if I wanted to work for them in their new office at Morningside, which I did. That was the start of the name Valente & McCombie.”
As officially the longest serving staff member, what’s encouraged you to stay with the firm?
“I genuinely do enjoy the job and always have done, something I know a lot of people can’t say about their jobs. I have made many lifelong friends through working here, who know my whole life story, my family, my children, my friends and I know theirs! Having the support of your work colleagues, who are genuine friends, is massive to me. It is not a concern coming to work on a ‘bad day’ as you are with your friends. It doesn’t actually feel that long. That is scary!!”
What are the biggest working changes you have experienced?
“When I had my children, I decided to go part time (first four days then three days a week, which I have continued). At that point I
was a paralegal with my own office and own clients, but I felt that was too much to do part time and I really wanted to remain part time, to have days off with the kids and time for myself as years went on. I am happy in my present role but still using paralegal skills.”
What have been the biggest personal changes over the last 40 years?
“The main events (that’s a long time to remember!) have been passing paralegal and advanced paralegal exams; passing my driving test; getting married; moving house (this is my fourth home but we have been here for 26 years); having my two children (now 27 and 22); finding Pilates over ten years ago when I was having horrendous issues with an undiagnosed arthritic hip; finally having my hip replaced a year ago, which has changed my life massively; and lots of travelling (everyone knows I love a holiday!)”
What was Edinburgh life like for you 40 years ago?
“I initially walked five minutes to work and went home for lunch! I bought a flat in Gorgie at 19 with a friend, which we absolutely loved, and became much more independent. We both worked in a local bar, twice a week after work, to make ends meet (and fund our champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget!) Work often used to go out on Fridays straight from the office. One of the favourite places was Henry J Beans at the West End. Saturdays I used to go to Buster Browns with friends, and pubs in town. I had energy then! I have been to loads of concerts over the years from the Skids to Blondie, Westlife, Blue, Take That, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Michael Bublé, George Benson, Whitney Houston, Barry White and loads more, to my most recent favourite, Benson Boone!!”
Looking into the VMH crystal ball, are there any changes within the legal world that you would like to see happen in the future?
“I think it’s time for me to leave any changes to those who still have plenty years to work. I need to start planning my retirement!”
What are your own hopes for the future – for the next 40 years!
“To stay alive and well as long as possible!!!”