Rachel Fowler
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Mourant Ozannes (Jersey) LLP
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
After completing a masters in European Law in France, including a 5 month placement at the European Commission in Brussels, I trained as a solicitor with Hogan Lovells in London and qualifying into the infrastructure team. I now work as an offshore funds lawyer for Mourants in Jersey with a specialism in alternative investments, and I am a co-director of my husband’s financial advisory practice.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose law after my secondary school English teacher joked that I had the “gift of the gab”! I enjoy the intellectual stimulation that my job offers, coupled with the challenge that comes from working with world class clients to complete significant and complex transactions.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was a member of the Bracton Law Society, and I trained and played with the EUWRFC.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I really enjoyed the year I spent studying in Rennes, and it opened up so many opportunities for me that I couldn’t have anticipated.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
I loved getting to know the city and supporting Exeter Chiefs!
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
The law school has an excellent reputation, and is one of the few institutions that offers the joint honours program of the type I studied. After attending the campus for an interview I felt instantly at home and knew that this was the right place for me.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
The ability to be adaptable is essential – whether that is taking on new challenges or being flexible when under pressure, a willingness to get stuck in and help out will always stand you in good stead.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Do your research and have confidence in what you can offer. This is a competitive environment and a sure fire way to stand out from the crowd is to know what you want to achieve and, crucially, why. Have a clear picture about how you think you can get there, and don’t be afraid to ask for the support that you need to do so.
What are your plans for the future?
One day I would love to be able to devote more time to pro bono/charity work, which I have pursued throughout my career. I would also love to go back to university to study medieval history.
