Meet Sue Southworth, our long-standing Legal Receptionist at Barker Booth & Eastwood. Sue has worked at the firm for an impressive 21 years and is the first friendly face you meet when visiting our offices…
Sue, tell us a bit about you and your role at Barker Booth & Eastwood…
I have worked for Barker Booth & Eastwood for for 21 years joining in 2003. My role is to be able to answer any questions that a client may have as a first port of call to be able to get them to where they want to be swiftly but in a friendly way. However, each day is different and you have to be able to read and adapt to every situation that may come through the doors. I like to think of myself as an ambassador for the firm. Typically, I work from 8am until 5.15pm every day.
21 years is an impressive feat, what is it that you enjoy so much about being on reception?
I love being on reception! Ever since I was 17 years old I have worked in the hospitality, public and legal sector. It’s the client contact, the conversation, and the helping someone when they need it most. Obviously I am a bit of an organiser so it goes without saying I have a place for everything and a good routine to help fee earners and clients alike do the job that they have to do. I really enjoy the client interaction that I have. Many clients that return like to see a face they recognise and I have watched them, their children, and even their children’s children buy and sell houses, make Wills and deal with sensitive issues. I like being that warm, welcoming face to provide reassurance. And who doesn’t like a good cup of tea or coffee whilst waiting to meet their solicitor in a comfortable warm reception?
What is it like to work at Barker Booth & Eastwood?
The people here are brilliant and a joy to work with. I think am the oldest employee now, so I’m kind of a ‘nana’ figure to the young staff here who always know I’m here for a chat. Everyone here knows I love to sew, a skill handed down to me from my mum from 6 yrs of age. So they all know who to come to when a hem needs turning up or a pair of trousers needs taking in!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work Sue?
Outside of work, my garden is my chill out place and my 2 grown up children and 3 grandchildren take up my other bits of time, together with a bit of home baking and big gorgeous black labrador called Rocky.
