Associate to Partner in five years: Maxine Hodson’s journey at gunnercooke

Commercial Real Estate Partner Maxine Hodson joined gunnercooke five years ago as an Associate, taking her first step into a self-employed legal model after many years in traditional private practice. Working closely with experienced Partners, she used that initial period to adapt, learn quickly, and begin shaping a practice that reflected both her personality and values as a lawyer.

Since then, Maxine’s role has evolved significantly. Progressing from Associate to Partner via a route different to a traditional law firm, she has built a thriving practice through collaboration, internal referrals, and a strong support network, while also developing the commercial and leadership skills needed to run a business in her own right. Reflecting on her journey, Maxine shares how the gunnercooke model supported her development, what partnership means to her, and the advice she would give to others considering a similar path.

Looking back over your five years at gunnercooke, how has your role evolved from when you first joined to becoming a Partner?

When I joined gunnercooke 5 years ago, I initially joined as an Associate to a couple of its Partners, this was a great entry point as it allowed me to adjust to the self-employed model, having previously been in private practice and employed for many years. For me, it was also a wonderful opportunity to work more closely with experienced Partners and have that advice more readily available compared to a traditional firm.

Personally, I also feel that I actually learnt more in those initial months that enabled me to progress much quicker than my peers and friends in firms outside of gunnercooke.

What originally attracted you to gunnercooke as an associate?

One of the main factors that appealed me about gunnercooke was the ability to build a legal career that worked for me, having recognised that as a career change lawyer, I needed a firm that reflected my personality but also how I wanted to practice law.

After successfully progressing to a self-employed Associate, I was able to take this next step and create a practice that allowed me to deliver legal advice that was bespoke and individual to my clients whilst also showing personality and that lawyers are not what we see in movies or on television.

What was also important to me was having the ability to show that it does not matter what your path into law is or where you come from, the opportunities are out there and with the right people around you, it is achievable, and through gunnercooke, its leadership team and our colleagues within GC Trust I have never been more supported and encouraged in my legal career.

gunnercooke welcomes associates who are employed by partners as well as self-employed associates on the fee share. As a previous self-employed associate, tell us more about how this works and how you collaborate across the firm and win work?

I was initially given a few internal introductions by gunnercooke to Partners with established practices and embraced every opportunity that was presented to me, in turn, I became a more rounded and commercially aware lawyer.

I was never concerned about sitting there worrying about what to do should something a little more challenging come up as there is always someone that you can ask. What gunnercooke is brilliant at is encouraging Associates and Partners to share knowledge, asking our peers if they have experience of a particular situation and given the breadth and depth of knowledge within gunnercooke, there is always someone that is more than happy to help, support, encourage and even share a precedent clause or document.

How did you build up your network and client base?

People always say that word of mouth is one of the most important accolades and I can honestly say that this is true; this is how I have built up my practice, through internal recommendations. I was given my initial introductions, and I have built a legal practice, of which I am so incredibly proud of, from very little.

The gunnercooke model provides each and every one of its self-employed solicitors with flexibility – to have a better work life blend – to work wherever you like in the world – to work hours that suit you – to build a practice that is yours and is how you want to practice law.

My pathway to partnership has been different vs a traditional legal path but I certainly would not change it for the world. I have learnt so much more, not just about being a lawyer but about running a business, thinking commercially, being a leader in your own right and on your own terms.

I used to think that leadership mean that you were a Peter Jones or a Deborah Meaden but in fact, its not. gunnercooke has enabled me to see that leadership and partnership comes in many different forms and that is what is needed in a world that is forever evolving and changing and the future of law, is slowly but surely changing.

What has been your highlight of the last five years?

For me, there have been so many wonderful highlights. The comments from clients when you do an amazing job mean so much more. I’ve been championed by colleagues internally, which lead to a growth in my practice. I have the best support group backing me and there is always someone with a friendly ear and a sneaky square of chocolate, for when we have those matters that just do not go as you had planned.

But the highlight really was being told that I was being made a Partner, I was able to look back at my journey to when I was turning 30 in freshers week and be incredibly proud of what I have done as it has been tough at times, but also, I can say that I am living my dream.

What advice would you give to people looking to join as associates?

If anyone is considering becoming a self-employed solicitor (Associate or Partner) my advice would be do it, you will never look back. The rewards, whether its financial or personal are amazing.

I do not know anyone at gunnercooke who is not happy with what is on offer and available to them, you just have to do it, change is good. I am really excited for the next chapter and seeing my little practice grow from strength to strength, to continue to show the next generation of lawyers that it is possible to achieve your dream, if you have the focus, drive and support behind you; of which I 100% do from gunnercooke, the sky is the limit!

You can read more about Maxine and her practice here.

Whether you’re a Partner or an Associate, feel free to reach each out to the gunnercooke team below for a confidential chat about how the model could work for you.