Mini biog – Michal Freeman-Shor
I am a senior associate solicitor in the Corporate and Commercial team at Gardner Leader working full time, a Back to Law Ambassador for the Law Society and an Executive Committee member of MDAUK, actively raising money and volunteering in my local community, and synagogue and a private investor. Currently I am also studying Private Wealth Management on the STEP PPGD program and am in the process of co-establishing the Thames Valley part of the Women Lawyers and Mothers network.
What are the components of your portfolio career e.g. study, paid freelance work, part time job, volunteering etc.?
Corporate lawyer, various voluntary roles to support women solicitors to return to the law and working women solicitors mothers to have support, and in my local Jewish community.
How did your portfolio career come about?
I have always enjoyed keeping active and being involved in various projects simultaneously. I always chose roles that inspired me and enabled me to live a balanced lifestyle whilst giving back to the community around me. Investment in property was one, which enabled me to do voluntary activities in our community.
How has your portfolio career changed over time?
I have recently returned to work full time for Gardner Leader. I was a director of Maidenhead Synagogue for 8 years, running a not for profit shop, cooking for the homeless and elderly people. I also taught law and business modules at GCSE and A level at Windsor Girls’ School for 4 years. The girls achieved good grades in their exams and some were inspired to continue to study law or business in higher education.
When people ask you ‘what do you do?’ – what do you reply?
A corporate lawyer and investor.
To what extent did your portfolio career happen by chance/luck and to what extent was it planned?
In some way I have always had a portfolio career. I was adapting and changing the roles I undertook as my personal circumstances altered. I always embraced change and progress and I was always planning to return to practice corporate law when my son was old enough. I also wanted to make a difference, and support both women solicitors who are working mothers, as I am, and returners wanting to return to the law. My local community is very important to me, and will always play a big part in my portfolio career.
What do you most love about having a portfolio career?
I love the variety and stimulation, meeting inspiring people and making a difference.
What are the challenges of having a portfolio career?
Time. I have to be very organised and say ‘no’ to things that I don’t have the time for, even if my enthusiastic side would like to say yes! You do have to be realistic as Corporate work can be long hours. Social media and a Smart phone are essential.
Who or what helps you to manage your portfolio career?
Having a support network is essential. My husband and son are a constant inspiration and my pillars of strength. I have brilliant friends, colleagues and past colleagues who constantly keep me on my toes and provide unweathering support. Having a great encouraging team at Gardner Leader also helps a great deal.
How do you approach marketing your portfolio career?
I am naturally a very proactive and passionate person and I embrace change. I was resistant, like many lawyers, to social media at first, but I have seen how it enables you to create visibility amongst more people than can be achieved with just face to face networking. This is especially so for working mothers – I want to spend quality time with my family in my free time. Being a Back to Law Ambassador for the Law Society and being active on LinkedIn has built a following and interest fast.
What if any, is the personal brand used for your portfolio career?
I don’t really have a brand per se. People who work with me know that I am genuinely passionate, professional, diligent and commercially minded.
What advice would you give to someone considering a portfolio career?
Create it and edit it around what you are passionate about and your personal values. You cannot do everything, so be selective and realistic about what you can fit in and review what you are doing every 6 months or so. Make sure that you make time for yourself to keep yourself energised.
What benefits do portfolio careers bring specifically to women and mothers, rather than to men?
Flexibility and control, doing what you love on your own terms. We can multitask so why not use it?
What 5 tips can you share for people considering a portfolio career?
1 Chose roles that fit your personality and home life.
2 Learn to say no and only say yes to what you enjoy and feel inspired by.
3 Have a plan and be willing to change it when your circumstances change.
4 Keep organised with a robust time management.
5 Be proactive, get out and network your socks off with people who inspire you.
More
Interested in a portfolio career for yourself?
Why not download your copy of the free Energise LLClub report: ‘Discover Portfolio Careers’:
https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/who-has-portfolio-careers/
