Relocating to Bristol: Insights from two lawyers who made the move

Bristol is well known as a legal hub with its original Bristol firms Osborne Clarke, Burges Salmon, TLT, as well as the likes of international and national law firms CMS, Clyde & Co, RPC, Freeths, DAC Beachcroft, Womble Bond Dickinson and Shakespeare Martineau based in the city. We also shouldn’t forget the many SW law firms including Foot Anstey, Bevan Brittan and Ashfords, to name but a few. In summary, there are many firms in the city and across the region, and most of these are seeking new talent at some level or other. There is absolutely no doubt that there are a wide range of opportunities available for ambitious lawyers looking for their next career move.

So why move to Bristol? Yes, we have great law firms offering varied and quality work, but Bristol is also a great place to live. It’s been praised for its big, cosmopolitan city feel but small size. As the last mayor explained “Pinpointing what makes Bristol special isn't easy. It's a combination of many things from the people to the place itself, but at the heart of it is our cultural diversity and independent spirit.”

The economy of the city has grown steadily, and we are seeing impressive ongoing developments such as Bristol Temple Quarter which will create nearly 20,000 jobs and add a further £100m a year to the city’s already booming economy. As city famous for the likes of Banksy, Massive Attack and an incredible array of festivals including the Balloon Fiesta, the art and culture scene is fantastic. There is simply plenty of glamorous, creative, hi-tech and professional jobs for all including lawyers, as well as a brilliant food and drink scene! What’s more, you are within easy reach of some of Britain’s most stunning landscapes, such as the Cotswolds, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, Devon and South Wales countryside and coast.

At Chadwick Nott we place lawyers of all levels from partners to NQs into roles at many different firms and we asked just a couple of Associates, that we very recently assisted to relocate to Bristol, to give their personal views on the city that they now call home.

What attracted you to Bristol?

I was a student here so knew what a vibrant city Bristol is to live in. You're never far away from green space and there are so many different areas of the city that I thought it would be an interesting place to live and work. 
A big legal sector, close enough to my family in London, surrounded by stunning locations and Bristol itself having a lot of variety and being a more manageable sized city. I also already had a couple of friends I knew in Bristol.

What was your biggest challenge when moving here? (other than the job search!)

Finding accommodation/property to rent in a short duration of time, especially not knowing each location well.
I think overcoming that sense of being quite far away from family and friends. I'm from up North so I had to get used to the fact that my immediate support network had suddenly changed, but I found it helpful planning trips home and scheduling specific times to call my family. I also made an effort to throw myself into any social opportunities that came up - whether that was through my new flatmate or at work. I made a conscious effort to say yes to things and that helped me to make friends in the early days.

Has your new firm been supportive in the moving process?

Everyone has been really friendly, the training opportunities are there, and they have given me work gradually and anticipated I will need more time to learn new areas. Also, there are various work activities such as planned and spontaneous socials, a choir and a netball team which has made it easier to make new friends across departments. 
Very supportive! There are so many social activities going on and the firm culture is very inclusive. I had lots of my colleagues and my manager asking how I was settling in which was nice.

What are your 3 favourite things about living in and around Bristol?

The character of each location, how everyone is more relaxed and friendly, the fact that there’s a big focus towards work/life balance with various easily accessible outdoor and arts/music related activities.
Access to green space, friendliness of the people and how each part of the city is distinct and unique.

The legal social hub of Bristol is hugely popular, have you attended any events for professionals or joined any groups?

I have attended a barrister chamber’s networking and presentation event so far
I have attended two networking events at my firm aimed at young professionals in the city. I also attended the first Bristol Young Professionals event. Also, the Left Handed Giant (a brewery) run a club which is popular amongst young professionals. I played softball on the Downs against a firm of property agents.

Bristol is a superbly diverse and cosmopolitan city – how have you embraced this aspect of Bristol?

So far, I’ve listened to a drag singer or two in Seamus O’Donnells and I would love to attend St Paul’s Carnival; I have also noticed that there are bars and pubs have signs and messages encouraging inclusivity, such as the Exchange.
Just by getting out and about and seeing what is going on. This weekend I attended the Harbour Festival and the other week I watched a choral orchestral performance at Bristol Cathedral.

Where would you recommend for coffee or a lunch?

Pizzarova for amazing pizzas, Oddshop for brownies and brunch at Mud Dock Café.
Spicer and Cole for coffee! Eat a pitta for lunch.

Did you have enough time for the move before starting your new job?

Only just, it was a struggle to find a place to rent especially because most estate agents prefer in-person viewings; I did need to stay somewhere else temporarily for a week.
Yes, I wasn't working at the time, so I had plenty of time to prepare.

Do you have any advice for someone else who is relocating?

Just take that leap of faith, it’s worth experiencing something different and pushing yourself to build a new social circle and explore new activities. 
Say yes to every opportunity - even if you don't feel like going to something, push yourself out of your comfort zone as you never know who you might meet. Also be patient with yourself as to how long it takes you to properly set in - there's no hard and fast deadline.

At Chadwick Nott, we have found that Bristol attracts many relocators from right across the UK – one of the solicitors above came from London and the other from the north of England. Please do not hesitate to contact me for the lowdown on the Bristol legal market and what opportunities there might be for you in this marvellous city.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Emma Lester at Chadwick Nott.

(t) 0117 917 1929
(e) hannahsomers@chadwicknott.co.uk