Francesca Bennetts

What attracted you to Allen & Overy?

The reputation, the breadth of work and the international element.

Describe Allen & Overy in 3 words.

Progressive, ambitious and preeminent.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The quality of the people you get to work with every day. By this I mean everyone you interact with, be they clients, fee earners or support staff. Everyone at A&O takes real pride in doing their job well. It creates an inspiring atmosphere.

What is the toughest aspect of your job?

Managing conflicting pressures and demands. It is a juggling act, but not necessarily one that is impossible. Flexibility and a good support network both at home and at work are key.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, outside the office?

I am half Italian, so I obviously love cooking and spending time with my family.

What was your first ever job?

Washing hair in my uncle’s hairdressers. See above re being half Italian.

What’s your favourite thing about One Bishops Square?

The location is awesome. I love wandering around the market. I also dreamed about the pasta from Lavanda while on maternity leave.

What’s been your proudest professional moment?

I am always ridiculously pleased when something I am working on hits the press. I love being able to show my family what I have been working on.

If you could spend some time in any of Allen & Overy’s international offices, where would you most like to go and why?

Probably Singapore as I have always wanted to visit and my brother has recently moved there and I miss him!

If you could invite any three people to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?

Possibly not the answer I am meant to be giving but actually my dream dinner party would be with friends somewhere hot and by the sea. There should also be lobster.