In this series, we introduce some of the people that make up Stephens Scown. We learn about their expertise, what drew them to join the legal profession and find out a little bit about who they are outside of work.
Here we introduce Paige Prideaux, a senior associate in our Commercial Property team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
I am a senior associate in the Commercial Property team and have been with the firm since September 2023. Prior to my recent maternity leave, I joined our Healthcare team and enjoyed working with them on several large deals, including the sale and purchase of various care homes and a doctor’s surgery.
My work is comprised of a very diverse and interesting caseload, which has included; the lease of an opticians, the lease of a hairdressers, the sale of a dentist practice, a GP practice and a care home and the purchase of a care home.
I am based in our Taunton office, but I tend to work from our Exeter office once a week. A typical day for me, consists of a team meeting, client meeting, drafting documents, answering emails, answering phone calls, admin, training, and occasionally a Scowner Social!
Why did you choose to specialise in your area of law?
I always thought that I wanted to be a family lawyer, and my career decisions were based around this. I undertook my very first work experience placement in a family team, chose family modules at undergraduate and postgraduate, and even undertook a seat during my training contract. However, in practice, I am more suited to being a transactional lawyer and thrive on the process and predictability of property law.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It’s got to be completion, when months and sometimes even years of time and effort all come together in that one moment.
I also love getting out of the office and spending time with clients, referrers and other likeminded people. At Stephens Scown we are encouraged to give back to the community and I love to do this by volunteering, especially at local schools, whether that be assisting with careers fairs, interviewing prep activities or reading to primary school children on World Book Day.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
Easy one – an events planner!
My parents had their own businesses in the hospitality sector when I was growing up, so I was raised as a night owl. I am used to the long days and the late nights. I love making spaces look and feel beautiful and really enjoy bringing people together. This has very much changed since having children, and I find myself silently competing against them in an attempt to be the one to wake up first.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
With such a young family, what I would like to do, vs what I actually do are polar opposites. I am very much in my “party in the village hall” season, but I do love getting to the yoga studio, shopping, and going for bottomless brunches with my girlfriends when I can. None of the above is helped by our house renovation, which I am starting to come to terms with the fact that it will never actually be show home ready. I will never be the proud owner of a coffee table book with a metal pinecone elegantly placed on top.
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
I moved to the firm after having my children as I wanted a more proportionate work-life balance. Stephens Scown is renowned for being a “lifestyle firm” which is evidenced by our Employee Ownership and our B Corp status. I was a bit sceptical before joining, but Stephens Scown really is one of those unicorn firms that prioritises the well-being of its people, whilst still offering high-quality, varied work.