Aarti Mahesh Advani

LLB Law (4 years), 2020

Based in:

London

Formerly from:

United Arab Emirates

First job:

Graduate Technology Analyst at Barclays

Strangest interview question:

What is your biggest weakness and how did you address it?

Ambitions for the future:

I hope to have a successful legal career in-house, ensuring I make a meaningful impact to the legal field. I also hope to continue to advocate for making in-house legal careers more accessible.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

The best piece of advice I have received in relation to my career is to remain focused and avoid succumbing to imposter syndrome or the pressure to conform to a rigid "legal" mould. It is important to recognise that everyone’s career journey is unique, and embracing this individuality has allowed me to fully appreciate and navigate the path ahead with confidence and authenticity.

Trainee Solicitor, Barclays

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

I currently work in the Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility Legal team at Barclays. During my role, I am involved in a diverse array of matters, primarily focused on the interpretation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rules and provision of advisory services on the impacts of such rules on the Barclays Group at a global scale. Additionally, I contribute to developing sustainability disclosures, ensuring compliance with key climate-related frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

My motivation for pursuing this role stems from the intellectually stimulating and dynamic nature of the work, which presents continuous opportunities to tackle complex legal, policy, and regulatory challenges. This environment drives me to consistently seek innovative solutions and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of ESG regulations.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

I take great satisfaction in working at the intersection of law and policy, where I can apply my legal expertise to support strategic decision-making. This dynamic environment allows me to think on my feet and provide timely, effective guidance on a wide range of ESG initiatives. I am deeply involved in driving forward projects that contribute to the bank’s sustainability agenda, ensuring that legal considerations are seamlessly integrated with the bank’s broader goals. My role involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks and policy matters, which provides critical support to initiatives that promote long-term sustainability goals. This multifaceted work not only challenges me intellectually but also allows me to make a tangible impact in advancing the bank’s sustainability goals and ambitions.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

My academic experience at Warwick provided me with a comprehensive foundation in legal theory and practice, equipping me with three key skills: advanced analytical and critical reasoning, expert legal research, and the ability to synthesize complex information. The diverse and challenging modules I undertook throughout my Law degree allowed me to hone my capacity for scrutinising intricate legal texts, identifying key principles, and applying them to real-world scenarios. This rigorous training fostered my ability to approach complex legal issues with a methodical and strategic mindset. The ability to quickly synthesise information, draw informed conclusions, and communicate them effectively, has greatly enhanced my capacity to contribute meaningfully to projects and initiatives in my current position.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

From the outset, I had a clear intention to pursue an in-house legal career. My decision to study at Warwick was driven by my desire to build a strong academic foundation that would enable me to achieve this goal, particularly in the context of corporate and commercial law.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

It is important to remain resilient throughout the process. Apply to firms that genuinely align with your professional and personal interests, ensuring that you clearly articulate why you are passionate about pursuing a career with them. Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and understanding of the firm’s values and objectives will strengthen your application.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day involves working within a multi-faceted team that supports the sustainability business across a diverse range of tasks. These tasks include the technical interpretation of global ESG regulations that may impact the bank, as well as drafting responses to external stakeholders that clearly outline Barclays' position on various sustainability matters.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

One of my greatest challenges was managing the demands of studying part-time with complete dedication, while simultaneously pursuing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) on the weekends. Balancing these commitments required a high level of discipline and effective time management skills. I had to prioritise tasks, allocate sufficient time for study, and perform strongly in my role as a paralegal in the Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility Legal team at Barclays. Through this experience, I significantly enhanced my time management skills, enabling me to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work under pressure, and securing a training contract while ensuring I secured exemplary grades in the LPC examinations.