Meet Kerry Edwards

16th Sep 2025

Author: Butcher & Barlow

Following her qualification at the beginning of September, we took the opportunity to sit down with Kerry Edwards to talk about her journey into law, life at the Firm and what she gets up to outside the office.

Hi Kerry. Congratulations on your qualification. It must feel like a huge achievement!

Absolutely, it’s what I’ve worked for ever since I left school and I am so pleased to now finally say I have achieved my goal.

 What made you want to be a lawyer after you left school?

I originally planned to study English and Journalism at university, with the goal of becoming a journalist. When I received my A-Level results, I realised that Law was actually my strongest subject and that I had genuinely enjoyed studying it, even if I had not noticed at the time.

Growing up around the family business is what really sparked my interest in Corporate & Commercial law. I saw the dedication, risk and personal sacrifice that go into building and running a business. It made me appreciate how important clear, practical legal advice is to business owners. That experience pushed me towards a career where I could offer that kind of support.

That mix of real-world experience and a subject you enjoyed is a powerful combination. It also explains your calm, practical approach with clients.

What does a typical working day look like for you?
The first thing I do each morning is check my emails and review my to-do list. I add any new tasks that have come in, which helps me prioritise and organise my day.

I am often asked by the Team to assist with ongoing transactions. This can involve drafting documentation and reports, conducting legal research or organising and managing data rooms.

What are your career aspirations?

In the short term, I am focused on continuing to develop my knowledge in corporate and commercial law. I want to build on the experience I have gained so far and continue to learn from the team around me.

In the future, I would like to take on more responsibility and progress my career within the Firm.

We love to hear that. Growth at your pace, with the right support, is exactly what we aim for.

What has been a career highlight so far?

I have been fortunate to work on some complex transactions during my time as a Trainee in the Corporate & Commercial Team. One highlight was supporting on a series of company restructurings ahead of a planned sale. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with accountants and tax advisers and to understand how each adviser contributes to the overall transaction. Being part of that process was a valuable experience.

After a busy day at work, what do you like to do to relax?

I have always enjoyed staying active and my main passion is tennis. I have been a member of my local club since I was five, so it is a big part of my life. You will usually find me there most evenings and weekends; whether I am playing, supporting or just meeting friends.

The club is currently building padel courts, so that may well become my next obsession.

Who do you admire in the business world?

My Grandad. He grew up with very little but was determined to make something of himself. He worked full-time while attending night school to develop his knowledge and eventually took a huge risk to start his own business, putting everything on the line. His hard work paid off, but what really stuck with me was how humble and generous he remained. The biggest lesson he taught me was that in business, it is the people who make it.

That is a clear reminder that values and success can sit side by side.

If money was no object, how would you spend your days?

I would travel the world… but I would definitely like to do it in style. It has been on my bucket list for a while to see the Northern Lights, so I would love to visit Norway or Sweden. Hopefully I get there sometime soon.

A few of quick fire questions for you now Kerry!

You are a new addition to the crayon box. What colour are you, and why?
I struggled with this question. A couple of the ladies in the office suggested blue; calm and collected.

How would your friends describe you?

I think my friends would describe me as the sensible one of the group.

If you could tell your 15-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

Do not be afraid to ask questions and take up space in rooms you feel you do not yet belong in. Confidence grows with experience, and you are more capable than you think.

That is great advice for anyone starting out—curiosity beats perfection every time.

And finally, what key life skills would you pass on to a graduate starting their first role in a law firm?

One of the most important lessons I have learnt is that you will not know everything and that is okay. No one expects you to have all the answers, but what is important is having the initiative to try and find them. Do not be afraid to ask; that is how you learn.

Thank you, Kerry. We wish you all the best for the future.

If you would like to speak with Kerry or our Corporate & Commercial Team, we would be happy to help.  Kerry can be contacted on 0161 764 4062