Associate Partner, Head of Wills & Estates Team.

Finalist: Team Leader.

Leo Abse & Cohen is a full service law firm with 130 employees and offices in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport.

Claire’s proactive attitude has gained her the respect of her team and colleagues throughout the firm as well as in the south Wales legal profession. She continually demonstrates her commitment to the Firm and her clients whilst inspiring those around her.

Claire leads her team by example and encourages her team to share examples of best practice and offers her own for scrutiny. Claire provides guidance and advice and has an open door policy which means her team know they can always approach her for professional advice, support and direction. Claire seeks to make everyone feel valued by creating an environment in which everyone consults and shares knowledge. Promoting the personal development of others is seen by Claire as key part of her role and her team members are actively encouraged to gain extra qualifications to expand their professional knowledge.

As well as being an example to her team, Claire’s leadership style has brought tangible results. Her strong reputation in the south Wales legal market has been a decisive factor in growing the department from a sole practitioner two years ago to being seven strong today. Since becoming team leader Claire has seen her team exceed their annual targets and holds regular celebratory occasions when targets are reached. Claire has developed the department so that it offers specialist legal advice to more sectors than ever before and is leading the team’s continuing expansion into new and potential growth areas.

Claire’s motivational, innovative and caring approach to leadership has transformed her department and enthused, encouraged and excited her team to work with her to continue building on its success.