30 May 2023

Exploring life at Hogan Lovells with associate Haylea Campbell

First up in our "Life at Hogan Lovells" series, where we’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes look into life at the firm, is full-time pro bono associate Haylea Campbell. Based in the London office, Haylea was driven to practice pro bono by a desire to make an impact on the big issues of today. She chose to do so at Hogan Lovells for our global platform and supportive leadership which enables her to fulfil that mission. To kickstart her day, you’ll often find her at a spin class, and outside of her day job she enjoys travel and attending drag shows. Read on to find out more about Haylea.

Tell us how you came to work at Hogan Lovells.

I started at the firm five years ago having joined the pro bono practice as a paralegal. While working, I sat the New York Bar exam and was taken on as a full-time associate within the pro bono department. I knew the firm had a varied international pro bono practice and I was inspired by the work of International Pro Bono Partner Yasmin Waljee OBE and the opportunity to work alongside her.

Why pro bono?

There are so many reasons why people should get involved in pro bono work. For me, it stands out as an interesting area of law with many opportunities to work closely with individual clients. I get to be very creative in the strategies we adopt to enforce human rights, and I get to make an impact on the big issues of the day. It’s also fun.

How do you kickstart your day?

Two or three times a week I aim to get up early enough for a spin class. It puts me in the right headspace to tackle the issues my clients are facing.

What is your greatest professional achievement to date?

It has to be the Manchester Arena inquiry. We worked on this inquiry for a number of years, throughout COVID, and with a lot of interaction with our clients in Manchester. At the final hearing we received some strong recommendations from the Chair, providing the answers our clients needed for why their loved ones died.

What opportunities are there for associates to contribute to the firm’s progress?

I’m always impressed by the networks we have throughout the firm. Such as Breaking Barriers which aims to support and drive gender equality, Pride+ to support LGBT+ equality, and the REAHL network which seeks to find effective solutions to address the underrepresentation of people from diverse racial backgrounds. These networks host events throughout the year where they encourage questions and invite members and attendees to challenge the ways the firm has traditionally operated. It’s a space where not only associates, but all people at the firm can have a voice. We also see many associates take part in pro bono activities, and our success is often down to their novel, creative and different ways of approaching problems.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I’m currently looking forward to, but also dreading, a skydive in July to raise money for the London Legal Support Trust. The charity raises funds for free legal services in London and the South East. I’m often planning my next trip, attending a drag or theatre show, or making the most of any sunshine we get in the United Kingdom.

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