Gabriella

I was directly invited back by my manager to assist with this year’s work including researching for re-shaping Grant Thornton’s Annual Corporate Governance Review, conducting benchmarking and undertaking client-facing work and responsibilities.

In anticipating the FRC’s new Corporate Governance Code 2018, I evaluated how FTSE 350 companies are approaching the various aspects of risks (principal and emerging), KPIs (beyond financial, more ESG), s.172 statements, and Purpose (how is it addressed and measured/progressed) in order to determine what other data this year’s review should capture. I analysed a 20% sample of the FTSE 350, and from this, made various recommendations which were adopted.

In terms of benchmarking, due to my previous experience and proven success, I was allocated a heavier workload, reviewing 95 Annual Reports this year (including BT, CapCo and The Berkley Group.) I undertook, and prioritised client facing responsibilities through managing a Corporate Governance Dashboard by which I would produce tailored benchmarking documents, when requested, for client and business development meetings (the intention being to shadow and partake in these meetings, but due to Covid-19, not being able to do so.

Moreover, I strengthened my teamwork, communication and leadership abilities by acting as a first point of contact for questions, as well as training colleagues on corporate governance best practice. Finally, I assisted with the Quality Assurance for the review, reinforcing my attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work.

I assisted with Grant Thornton’s 18th annual Corporate Governance Review and other governance projects through benchmarking of the FTSE 350’s Annual Reports. From this, I gained a sound understanding of the Listing requirements and evolving governance landscape.

I evaluated 78 Annual Reports across a range of sectors, including financial, real estate, retail, construction and energy (including Hays, Rolls-Royce, WH Smith, Just Eat and CRH) further sharpening my comprehension of these organisations and their operating contexts.

My benchmarked insights were utilised by Partners in discussions with a large distribution firm and a global hotel group, as part of the pitching proccess. I also attended Lunch & Learns covering early venture capital and effective working.

Following completing the work ahead of schedule and to a high-quality, I colllaborated with colleagues and utilised the insights to create and deliver a presentation and co-author an article focused on early corporate governance findings among the FTSE 350 with a specific lens on culture. My colleagues and I successfully presented our findings, taking it in turns to cover various parts of the presentation, to a Senior Partner, a Senior Consultant, an experienced Data Analyst and our two direct managers to extremely positive feedback and lively discussion.

I undertook a document review for a Silver Circle Firm, regarding a large, multi-party construction dispute utilising Relativity (e-discovery software). This involved coding documents by relevance and flagging documents for redaction and legal and litigation privilege.

Working independently and collaboratively within a close-knit team, I successfully delivered on time-sensitive deadlines for both stages of the review. I also identified irrelevant or commercially sensitive content within the client’s documents and carried out a ‘black-box’ redaction.

Following the disclosure, I reviewed the other side’s documents and coded them according to the relevant issues in the dispute, in order to identify whether there were any gaps in the disclosure exercise.

I actively engaged with leading City Law Firms. I attended numerous firm presentations and four University of York Law Society Careers Dinners, where I chose to sit at the table of a leading Firm yearly. I also partook in six insight schemes and open days.

I learnt about various practice areas, including litigation, capital markets, M&A and other aspects, including the business of law. I engaged in negotiation exercises, debates, and studied the intricacies of a M&A deal. Significantly, I learnt that my passion lies in corporate and commercial law - working on ground-breaking, cross -practice transactions in or across multiple jurisdictions.

I worked in the Legal Department, where I evaluated and marked-up several contracts, share purchase agreements and investment proposals. These related to renewable energies, acquisitions of other insurance companies, the setting up of a new entity and global partnerships. I gained an insight into the processes of a larger commercial acquisition from the purchaser’s perspective and developed an understanding of the legal, regulatory and commercial matters driving investment and M&A projects.

During conference calls for gloabl partnerships and business growth, I created minutes for these regarding a partnership with a Chinese Bank, and the establishment of a new entity in Switzerland. With reference to the partnership, I drafted and marked-up a memorandum of understanding and letter of intent, demonstrating good drafting capabilities.

I also investigated how the European regulatory framework affects Allianz’s business, including: obligations of the Supervisory Board under the Solvency II Guidelines. Additionally, I developed a definition of ‘securitization’ drawn from examining the Solvency II Directive, the Level 3 Guidelines, the Capital Requirements Regulation and Directive, and considered the definition of ‘financial contract’ with reference to the European Directive on Credit Agreements. These tasks were part of investigating how this regulatory framework affects Allianz’s business.

Further, I researched law firms to be mandated by Allianz in Asia according to specific criteria, leading to two potential options for Allianz.

I worked in the Compliance Department collaboratively with a colleague to produce Economic Sanctions & Embargoes Training for Underwriters and Claims employees. I researched these, the role they play in Allianz’s business, and sought out further expert knowledge from colleagues, initiating meetings to discuss this.

I led the redrafting process, as I proposed to my colleague that a narrative format with a central character, instead of a script format, would be more impactful. I actioned a mutually agreed final version incorporating all my manager’s feedback ahead of schedule. Further, I redrafted key internal policy documents, including the ‘Anti-Money Laundering Guidelines’, ‘Compliance Basics’ and ‘Compliance Newsletter’ and undertook AML checks when requested.

Regarding the roll-out of the Basel Anti-Money Laundering Index, I drafted internal e-mails, directed at Allianz operating entities, which my manager utilised. I also participated in a meeting regarding changes required to the internal control system under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This further developed my understanding of how regulatory changes can signficantly affect the way in which businesses operate internally and externally and the financial impact of these changes.

For an intellectual property litigation, I analysed relevant contracts and identified the key clauses.

As part of organising an estate, I attended a will signing, and talked to the client and her present family, gaining an insight into, and a personal appreciation of, the client’s circumstances.

I collaborated with a colleague to combine evidence for our client and compile bundles for a divorce dispute.

I supported the London Legal Support Trust team in organising and executing the London Legal Walk.

Within this, I created and scheduled marketing tweets and Instagram posts, amended key organisation contact details and managed donations, collaborating with the Events and Marketing Managers in doing so. I regularly utilised Salesforce, Canva and website editing tools and was entrusted with collating and posting crucial Legal Walk material to participating organisations.

For the London Legal Walk on 21st May, I set-up the street on the morning of the event, working with the team, oversaw road closures, managed a registration table and registered teams, and worked at the raffle stand, ensuring its success. I contributed to executing a record-breaking event with 13,000 walkers and over £800,000 raised.

I assisted with post-walk matters, such as thanking participants and keeping track of incoming donations as well as organising and promoting upcoming London Legal Support Trust events, including the South East Legal Walks and The Great Legal Bake. To improve the Trust's operation and ensure it's continued fundraising success, I initiated and effected a new, innovative press contacts system.

Throughout, I lived alongside undergraduate students of the College to provide pastoral support. I worked as part of a team of six, assisting with the successful implementation of the University’s college strategy of respect, inclusivity and support, to ensure that students were excellently supported throughout.

As part of a twenty-four-hour phone rota, I answered student queries, effectively communicating with students and utilising information capturing systems to project-manage ongoing student cases. I monitored long-term cases, responded and adapted appropriately to new, or continually evolving circumstances, often building strong relationships with students resultantly.

Working collaboratively with other tutors and colleagues, I ensured that students received excellent service and were well-supported throughout their college experience.