A blog by Kysen MD Clare Rodway, capturing interesting conversations she has in the course of her work...
I'll admit, I became quite emotional at our Silver Anniversary Party. It was such a thrill for us, not just marking this 25-year milestone for Kysen, but seeing so many familiar and much-loved faces in one room, from so many different chapters in our story.
We celebrated together at the Six Clerks wing of The Law Society in Chancery Lane - just yards from where I started my legal career in Serjeants' Inn (and in the corner of legal London we were delighted to return to, from Mayfair, this Easter). Feel free to take a peek at our photo gallery here:
There were people on the night from our very earliest days - and also new friends that we have only just connected with. Some journalists in the room I had known since before I had children, when I was an honorary member of a Soho journalist's drinking club! Fast forward 30 years and one of my children joined the party celebrations - now an in-house PR at Charles Russell Speechlys who sells in stories to those very journalists! #FullCircleMoment.
We had clients at the party too who have supported us from our earliest days - and some we have only just met in the last weeks.
It was also great to see so many ex-Kysenites there too. We think of our alumni very much as our extended family and we are proud that so many have gone on to such great firms as Bird & Bird, Hogan Lovells, Linklaters, Browne Jacobson, Clifford Chance, Bolt Burdon Kemp, Farrers, Herbert Smith Freehills, Pinsent Masons and more.
And we couldn't be happier with our current team - Amelia, Liz, Chloe, Deisi, Gemma. They have some great role models to follow in our alumni... and they are great role models themselves, to others.
For me, this is what Kysen is all about: fruitful, enjoyable relationships. It really is such a blessing to look back on 25 years of interesting work with such lovely people.
This write-up wouldn't be complete without thanking harpist Siobhan Swider for entertaining us with her beautiful music - it made the evening truly heavenly! Also thanks to Phoebe Rodway for capturing the evening with her wonderful photography.
As I said on the night, when my co-director Adrian and I look back at the relationships we've enjoyed and the success stories we've shared, we know it's only been possible through the support of the clients, journalists, staff, alumni and other partners that form our circle.
Thank you to everyone who's been part of our journey! And here's to all our futures!
