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 Valerie Curnow, an associate in our Employment team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
As cliché as it may sound, no two days are the same for me, which is what makes my work so interesting. I advise clients, both employers and employees on a variety of matters, whether that is discussing internal HR processes and workforce management, or advising on issues of potential discrimination. I particularly enjoy litigation, and the majority of my work focuses on advising clients on potential claims they could defend as an employer or which they may bring as an employee at an employment tribunal, and then helping them navigate through the litigation process all the way up to the final hearing if needed.
Why did you choose to specialise in employment law?
I have always enjoyed working with a range of individuals and learning about different people’s situations. Specialising in Employment law, I like the variety of working with both individuals and employers and the mixture of contentious and non-contentious work that naturally flows from employment advice.
Employment law is an area which is extremely relatable, most people will know someone who has had a bad experience at work, whether that is with colleagues, employers, or people who work for them. This is also what makes it so varied, as people are all so different and will experience different issues depending on their own circumstances and the areas they work in. By advising on those issues, I have learned so much about different businesses and the workforces behind them
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I really enjoy getting to know my clients and what is important to them. I welcome supporting them through challenging situations, tailoring the advice to their specific needs, and facilitating a good outcome during particularly stressful periods. We spend so much of our time at work, and so ensuring that this can be a safe and positive environment is always a big motivator behind the work I do.
The people I work with at Stephens Scown share these values and being able to learn from their depth of experience to ensure that I continue to develop and provide the best advice for my clients is also something I really value.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
I would probably be a primary school teacher. I spent a year working in a primary school and found it incredibly rewarding.
Alternatively, I would love to work in sustainability and biodiversity and be part of some of the incredible work which goes into protecting our planet. Pretty much anything that could get me closer to working with someone like Sir David Attenborough would be perfect!
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love to be outside, whether that’s just spending time in the garden or a bit more active like running or paddleboarding. I particularly like to be near the sea, and if dogs are around then all the better.
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
I was drawn to Stephens Scown as it is a business and employer that cares about making a difference in the South West and more widely. On joining in December 2024, it very quickly became clear to me that this isn’t just something they publicise but is very much something that is strongly felt and put into practice across the firm. Everyone I have been lucky enough to work with has been extremely supportive and friendly, and being employee-owned definitely helps drive collaboration and encourages everyone to share ideas to create a positive place to work.