“While we’ve absolutely got the technical expertise here, our USP is how we deal with people and respond to our clients,” says Nusrat. “My main goal is to help people. I really thrive on developing relationships with clients and being a sounding board, supporting them through the whole lifecycle of their business. My approach is not necessarily traditional or hierarchical; I pride myself on treating everyone the same.”
She adds: “I’ve discovered that clients don’t always want to hear all the complex legal ins and outs of what’s going on, they just need a clear explanation that’s understandable. I’ve had some really positive feedback from clients and that means a lot.”
Nusrat notes that this culture is reflected throughout the workplace at CooperBurnett.
“The way in which Victoria and Joe lead CooperBurnett is refreshing and beneficial,” she continues. “Everyone is accessible and ready to help each other. There’s a real sense of loyalty and that’s a two-way thing. There’s a reason people stay here a long time and the good working environment is a big part of that.”
Nusrat joined CooperBurnett from another local law firm and has worked in the City too, building up wide experience and expertise in corporate law.
“Over the years, I have helped businesses to manage all their corporate affairs, from high value M&A work and share acquisitions and disposals, to general corporate advisory work,” she says. “I have supported a wide range of businesses from both private and public companies to start ups, family businesses and private individuals who are looking to take the next step to realise their strategic objectives, whether it be the raising of finance, acquisition or an exit strategy, or just ensuring that their business has in place robust corporate structures.”
Nusrat says that the workload is ‘pretty buoyant’ at the moment, with a ‘mixed bag’ of activity including share sales, partnership creations, cash injections and new share issues. She’s also been working alongside Sarah Strong, Senior Associate in CooperBurnett’s Private Client team, to provide support to clients as they put plans in place within their business for end-of-life transition.
“It’s not always something people want to think about,” Nusrat explains. “But it can provide real peace of mind to know that there’s a plan in place if a business owner dies.”
Nusrat always wanted to be a lawyer.
“When I was at school, I had a keen interest in politics and dreamt of joining the United Nations; I wanted to change the world,” she says. “More simply though, I felt driven to help people and I’ve found that, through corporate law, I am able to do that.”
When she’s not at work, Nusrat says that her family have a National Trust membership and she admits to getting a real ‘thrill’ from days out visiting places like Knole and Chartwell.
In addition, she also makes time for trips to the cinema and the theatre – recently enjoying Witness For The Prosecution at County Hall - as well being a keen member of a local gym in Tunbridge Wells
