This week in our MHC Life series, we speak to Corporate Partner, Ron Boucher. Ron talks us through his journey to MHC, his typical day working from home and some TV shows he has been loving.
Tell us a bit about you and your career journey to MHC – what inspired you to get into this career?
Having done my Transition Year work experience in a solicitors’ office, I was convinced I would never be a lawyer! I did go on to the BCL in UCD as it was a good degree to do and the hours weren’t too challenging. It wasn’t until I did a summer internship with a law firm that I knew I really wanted to pursue a career in law. Solving real world problems for clients was something that really excited me.
Having qualified into the Corporate department of the law firm I did my internship with, I moved to London and worked with two top US firms focusing mainly on private equity transactions. MHC is a really entrepreneurial and forward-thinking law firm so when the opportunity to join came along last year, I knew it was the right one for me.
Favourite thing about my role
My favourite thing about my role is providing quality service to clients. Many of our clients have to run a business alongside the transaction we are working on with them. Making sure their minds are at ease and that they know everything is being handled well during the process is important. Clients appreciate you making their life easier.
Talk us through a typical day for you during the COVID-19 pandemic
Routine is much needed when working from home. I typically get up early to do some exercise and get some fresh air. Over the years, I have realised this is as much for the mind as the body. I’m usually at the desk for around 7.30 or 8am. The quietness of the morning is important to me. I find I get a lot done early with less interruptions and demands on my time. I typically do the work that requires most concentration such as drafting agreements in the morning. I try and carve out an hour in the middle of the day to have lunch and get out for a walk with my fiancée, if I can. I try and schedule most of my client calls for afternoon and then try and finish up work around 8pm, cook dinner and wind down. I find cooking very relaxing and with no commute it’s nice to have prep and cooking as a transition period. At the moment it can be hard to avoid work when my phone is beeping and my work station is visible from the couch so sometimes I will do a bit more after dinner. One thing I have found important is to carve out time where I don’t look at my phone. I try not to watch too much TV during the week but sometimes it’s nice to zone out with a good movie.
What tv shows have you binge watched during lockdown?
I find TV shows that you can’t binge are more enjoyable. The Last Dance was brilliant during the first lockdown as they released two episodes every Monday. Line of Duty is the Sunday night show of choice at the moment. My guilty pleasure binge during lockdown has been Death in Paradise.
Favourite quote?
“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” – John Wooden
What's your idea of a perfect holiday/favourite place you've ever visited?
I spent some time in Cefalu in Sicily, which is a beautiful part of the world. The sea and sky were the bluest I have seen, the pace of life was wonderful and the food was delicious. I do really want to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans next year, which would be a change of pace and a bit more of a carnival atmosphere. Japan is on the list too.
