At 7 years’ PQE I went back full time all guns blazing after my first maternity leave only to find all my work had been redistributed to new childless recruits. I stuck out the commute, the increasing criticism for missing targets and the suggestions that I should spend my evenings on business development for a year. Then former colleagues told me the company next door needed a patent lawyer – but part time. I gained this company as a client, went “non-practising” and quickly gained a multinational cosmetics company and famous illustrator. That was 12 years ago and I haven’t looked back. The truth is, clients don’t care whether my non-availability is due to a nativity play, meeting with another client or trip to the dentists – they just value me as a trusted advisor and member of the team. And their west coast customers actually thank me for being willing to do 11pm calls – not a problem when your office is in your house.