As a Partner at Spire Solicitors LLP, Rebecca Johnstone has carved out an impressive career in the legal industry. With a strong commitment to her clients and a passion for mentoring the next generation of solicitors, she’s a shining example of female leadership in East Anglia. We spoke to Rebecca about her career, the challenges she’s faced and her advice for women in business.
Q: Rebecca, could you tell us about your path to becoming a Partner at Spire Solicitors LLP? What drew you to the legal profession?
Rebecca Johnstone: My journey into law was driven by a love for problem-solving and helping people. I envisioned becoming a solicitor from a very young age but my route to achieving my career aspirations was not a direct path. I have had various roles whilst both at University and after which taught me about business, relationships, client focus and hard work. My path only hardened my desire work in the law. I’ve always been intrigued by the way law affects lives and businesses and I wanted to be part of that. After making the decision to return to East Anglia, I joined Spire Solicitors in 2013 and I’ve never looked back. The opportunity to work in East Anglia, where I could grow my career and make a real impact, was one I couldn’t pass up. Becoming a Partner has been incredibly rewarding—it’s allowed me to play a pivotal role in helping to shape the firm’s future and supporting our talented team.
Q: What does being a Partner mean to you? How has it shaped your career?
Rebecca: Being a Partner is much more than just a title. It’s about leadership, relationships, innovation, responsibility and working towards a shared vision for the firm. I’m involved in strategic decisions and mentoring younger solicitors,. It’s rewarding to see the firm grow and to have a hand in developing the next generation of legal professionals. Being in a leadership role as a woman in law, particularly in a traditionally male-dominated field, also carries its own significance. I am proud to be a part of a law firm where the firm is owned 40% by females and the workforce is over 75% female.
Q: What qualities do you think have been key to your success in law?
Rebecca: I’d say adaptability and emotional intelligence have been crucial. The legal landscape is constantly shifting and you have to stay ahead of the curve to meet client needs and changes in the law and environment, including technological changes. Emotional intelligence is equally important. Legal issues often involve stressful and sensitive situations and being able to Listen, understand and empathise to provide clear advice are key to building trust with clients. Perseverance is another quality that has served me well—success in this field takes time and you have to be willing to thrive in the challenges that you are faced with.
Q: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to succeed in law or business?
Rebecca: My advice is simple: believe in yourself. It can be daunting, especially in a male-dominated field, but don’t underestimate the value of your unique perspective. Surround yourself with mentors and people who will support your journey—mentorship has been a huge part of my success. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve, whether that’s more responsibility, opportunities for growth, or work-life balance. Women in business need to be proactive in shaping their careers and having the confidence to advocate for yourself is key.
Q: Looking to the future, what excites you about your role at Spire Solicitors LLP?
Rebecca: I’m excited about the continued growth and evolution of the firm. We’re at the forefront of adapting to technological changes and exploring new ways to serve our clients more efficiently. As a Partner, I’m also looking forward to continuing to mentor and support young solicitors in finding their place in the industry. The future of law is full of opportunities and I’m eager to be a part of shaping that future at Spire.
