Since entering the market space as a single person’s passion in 2017, Trenches Law has evolved significantly. Blending technological innovation with some of the industry’s finest talent, we’ve grown to become one of the most renowned legal firms in a fast-growth sector. Our ever-expanding trophy cabinet is evidence of our impact!
But it’s the commitment and expertise of our people who make these high standards so achievable. That’s why, in our new-look spotlight, we’re keen to tell you a little bit more about them. Next up, it’s Rebecca Short, our wayleave officer. Take it away, Rebecca…
Tell us a little bit about your role, and the part you play in Trenches Law’s success:
I am a wayleave officer and I currently work with our smaller clients — speaking with freeholders, managing agents, and solicitors to negotiate wayleave agreements on behalf of these organisations.
And what attracted you to the job in the first place?
I worked within wayleave before the pandemic for a few years and I loved it, so I knew that I wanted to continue in this sector. I then found Trenches Law and read about the business, and thought that it looked like somewhere I’d love to work.
They have since been very accommodating, as I run a small wedding floristry business in my spare time. Working part-time for Trenches Law and also running my own company means that I can do my two favourite jobs! I am very lucky.
What’s been a key highlight for you career-wise, during your time at the business?
Each time I speak with freeholders and solicitors, with the objective to get a wayleave agreement to work for all parties involved, is a true highlight for me. The amount of work that goes into negotiations and discussing the clauses can take weeks, if not months, so to get a signature at the end of it and complete it, is a brilliant feeling.
Finish the following sentence: Trenches Law is…
By far the best company that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of. They are a wonderful, hard-working group of people who all collaborate and help each other every day, to benefit colleagues and clients alike. What an amazing team!
Who would be your dream client, and why?
My dream clients are actually the ones I work with now! I focus on the small clients, which means I work more closely with them — not only is the communication much more streamlined, but it’s more of a personal approach too.
Name another organisation you think is making waves in the sector right now:
I really think that our smaller clients are making waves in the telecoms sector. This industry can be very hard to push through – especially with the larger, more well-known companies taking control. The smaller ones really need to work hard to be seen, and I think they’re doing a great job of this.
What do you think is one of the biggest challenges in the telecoms space right now, and how can it be overcome?
I think that lack of knowledge and understanding from freeholders and managing agents is a big challenge, specifically when it comes to obtaining wayleave permissions, as it can be difficult to get agreements reviewed and signed.
The tenants have the right to take out and receive telecoms services from whichever provider they wish to use. The overriding principle behind the Code is that no person should unreasonably be denied access to an electronic communications network or services.
By building a relationship with the managing agents and/or the freeholders, I can answer all of their questions regarding the wayleave agreement and help them understand how giving the tenants options to several telecoms services will benefit them.
Tell us something you’d like to achieve over the next twelve months, both individually and as part of the business:
Obtaining even more signed wayleave agreements and having great relationships with our clients is very important to me within Trenches Law. Communication is key!
In terms of myself – being happy and healthy are the most crucial things to me. Something as huge as the pandemic really puts everything into perspective and makes you realise what’s important. So just continuing to be healthy and happy is my goal.
Values play a key role in strengthening Trenches Law’s culture. Can you tell us what being ‘visionary’ means to you?
I think being visionary means reviewing what works well currently (or what doesn’t work well!) and exploring how this can be improved and built upon moving forward. There’s the well-known saying which often pops into my head – “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”.
Finally, how do you switch off when you’re ‘out of office’?
I love enjoying meals and spending time with my family and friends. Living in the countryside means there are so many places to visit and explore while walking my dog, Geoffrey! I also just enjoy relaxing at home with my husband bingeing a good series on a Sunday evening.
Thanks Rebecca! If you enjoyed learning more about our wayleave officer, you’ll love reading the content we share over on LinkedIn and Twitter. Why not follow us?
