In the next interview from our MHC Life series, we chat to Laura Keane, an Associate in our Insurance and Risk team. Laura tells us about her favourite holiday destination, meeting Barack Obama and how Ally McBeal inspired her law career.
What inspired you to venture on this career path and what appeals to you about your job?
There were a few 90s legal dramas that portrayed the glamorous, exciting side of the courtroom and I think they are what really drew me and a lot of other late 80s kids to law. They certainly didn't show the hours of trawling through paperwork that come with running a hearing! I don't think I ever saw Ally McBeal reading through hundreds of pages of discovery! That being said, no day is ever the same and you constantly have to think on your feet. I work in defence litigation, which is particularly fast moving and timeline focused so there is never a dull moment.
Career advice I would give
One of Theodore Roosevelt's famous quotes says that nothing worth having ever comes easily. Hard work always pays off. In this industry, honesty and integrity are also vital.
What sports/hobbies/pastimes do you enjoy?
I'm not really a sports fan but somehow found myself in Yokohama at one of the Rugby World Cup matches as part of my honeymoon in September and enjoyed every minute of it. The Kerry GAA supporter in me comes out once a year for the All-Ireland!
My actual interests include interior design and fashion. I'm also a fine-weather-runner and drag myself to the gym a few times a week.
Have you ever met anyone famous?
I met Barack Obama in the White House for the annual St Patricks Day celebrations about 3 years ago. He had such a warmth about him and seemed like a genuinely nice person. I had seen him from a distance in Hanauma Bay in Hawaii on his presidential campaign trail years ago when I was on a J1. I never approached him, which I regretted as soon as he was inaugurated! So I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet him in the White House.
Favourite place you've ever visited?
I got married in Sintra in August so that will always have a special place in my heart. I also loved Bali and Cuba but my favourite place on earth is Ballybunion beach on a sunny summers day.
What was your first job?
My first job was in my Dad's pub in Listowel. My Granny always said that working in a bar is the best education you can get and I think she was right. It's a great way to understand the human psyche and how to deal with different personalities.
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