Martine Helleputte

In 2006 I joined Allen & Overy's Intellectual Property (IP) department as a legal PA. From the very first day I felt at home here. What immediately struck me when I started was the very informal and friendly corporate culture and the mutual respect people showed for each other, whatever their job or role.

As a PA to Geert Glas, chair of Allen & Overy's global IP group, I have the chance not only to work on interesting and challenging client matters but also to be involved at the broader international level. This creates plenty of opportunities for me to have contact with colleagues all over the world.

I think that the very essence of the PA role is to add your own talents and skills to the excellence of the lawyers you are supporting. It also means it can be as demanding and interesting as you want it to be. It gives me great job satisfaction when I can actually 'create' extra time for them and enable them to focus on the essence of their own job.

Last but not least – it is great fun to work in an organisation where you never get bored. After many years at Allen & Overy,  I am still enjoying the wide variety of work, the friendly surroundings, the contact with clients, being part of and contributing to the excellent work my lawyers are delivering, and to be appreciated and respected for it.