Daily Diary

Dealmaker's PA: Karen Bertram

Posted 16/04/2007 by The Daily Diary

From the people who brought you the Cheese Survey (and Nigel Boardman)…

While it is true that Sir Nigel of Slaughters has on occasion had a strained relationship with The Diary (long-time readers may recall the infamous Law Society ‘hero’ spoof), never let it be said that your correspondent doesn’t listen to reader feedback.

And so, at the express suggestion of the great man himself, The Diary is proud to launch an occasional brand extension to the Dealmaker column (or ‘that cheese survey’ as some partners call it) profiling the real power behind the rainmaking throne: the hard-working PAs.

Of course, anyone familiar with Slaughters’ iconic corporate guru knows that Nigel is unstintingly loyal to his long-time right-arm, Karen Bertram. And judging by her unconvincing claim that he has yet to display any irritating habits after two decades, loyalty is clearly a quality Karen isn’t short of herself. Suggestions for more Dealmaker’s PAs to profile can be sent to thediary@legalweek.com.

Secretary or PA?
PA.

How long have you been in the role?
Almost 22 years.

How did you get to work with Nigel?
While already working in the department for a junior assistant (now a partner), I applied for another partner vacancy and was offered the chance to work with Nigel.

What does a normal day consist of?
Checking my inbox (and Nigel’s, if he is away) and prioritising. A fair amount of admin, including arranging meetings, lunches, dinners, sports events and international travel for business trips.

What is Nigel’s the most annoying habit?
Er, he doesn’t have any!

What’s the most trivial decision or errand you have had to take on for Nigel?
Sticking a stamp on an envelope.

Who is the most popular partner in your firm?
Whoever’s birthday it is, as they have to buy us all cakes.

Do you have to make Nigel cups of tea/coffee?
Yes.

…and does he ever get you one?
The occasional cappuccino from our coffee bar.

What was your best/worst day on the job?
I enjoy arranging business trips and other administrative tasks – not so keen on typing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Still at Slaughter and May.

What is your favourite lawyer joke?
Q (Lawyer): Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
A (Doctor): No.
Q. Did you check for blood pressure?
A: No.
Q: Did you check for breathing?
A: No.
Q: So is it possible the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
A: No.
Q: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
A: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
Q: But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?
A: It is possible that he could have been alive and practising law somewhere.

What’s your favourite film?
Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Dealmaker’s PA will return sooner or later. Probably.