Saiful Khan

Having worked in a range of fields and environments before joining Potter Clarkson - in engineering and intellectual property, in industry and private practice, both within and outside London - it would be fair to say that my varied background has provided me with the opportunity to experience life from many different perspectives.

I have always looked for a working environment that is friendly, progressive, supportive and focussed, and have certainly found this at Potter Clarkson. For me, it is also important to strike that elusive "work-life balance". I believe I have succeeded in doing so here, and long may it continue! In fact, there is a general recognition at Potter Clarkson that "wellbeing" is of utmost importance, and a focus on this is ingrained into the firm's ethos.

"a rewarding, positive environment in which you can be yourself"

Of course, as in any professional environment, work can occasionally be stressful. Working life in our profession, particularly in private practice, can often be a solitary affair in which you are buried under a pile of paperwork. But here at Potter Clarkson, there are formally and informally organised opportunities to socialise with colleagues, both during and outside working hours. I have found it refreshing to be encouraged to get out from behind my desk and meet my colleagues in a relaxed environment.

I have particularly enjoyed the regular opportunities to travel overseas, and not just for oral proceedings! As you progress, you can also become a member of an internal committee to help the running of the firm. You are encouraged and supported to participate in CIPA activities, and in numerous business development activities.

There is a positive emphasis on training at Potter Clarkson and the fantastic exam results over the years have reflected this. There is also an increasing focus on teamwork, which I think can only improve the cohesiveness of a firm as large as this one.

I have said much about working here. Well, what about living in and around Nottingham? I would say that if you are looking for comparatively affordable housing in a picturesque, safe (despite what the press may say!) environment, then Nottingham and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of choice. I am now fortunate enough to live in a lovely green, quiet area where birdsong greets me as I leave for work each morning and arrive back home in the evening. There is also a range of stylish accommodation available within the city if urban life is more to your suiting. For me, first class education for my young children is a priority. We have found this locally, and this hasn't, at least as yet, required the payment of school fees. Shopping is also one of Nottingham's fortes (hence the tag "Shoppingham") with an abundance of choice in the city centre and further afield.

At Potter Clarkson, as with any private practice firm, you need to prove yourself. However, in my experience, if you do prove yourself, promotion can be quick. I particularly value the professional focus throughout the firm, and have welcomed the autonomy, freedom and support to develop my practice area. No place is perfect, and not everyone's perception or experience will be the same, but I would say that Potter Clarkson provides a rewarding, positive environment in which you can feel comfortable and be yourself. I also think that we are fortunate to have a comparatively young and mixed partnership, which is well positioned to steer the firm through a dynamic, ever-changing business environment.

Find out more about Saiful Khan in his personal profile.