Naomi Tarawali became a partner at global law firm Cleary Gottlieb aged just 33. She tells us how she did it in this week’s Square Mile and Me

CV

• Name: Naomi Tarawali
• Job title: Partner in dispute resolution at Cleary Gottlieb
• Age: 35
• Born: Kent, UK
• Lives: London, UK
• Studied: Law, University of Cambridge (Newnham College)
• Talents: Karate
• Coffee order: Latte, hazelnut
• Cocktail order: French 75
• Favourite book: The Memory of Love, Aminatta Forna

What was your first job?

Waitressing at a charming restaurant in Southwold on the coast of Suffolk. Service was busy and fast-paced, and I learned a lot dealing with customers and managing the chef’s temperament. It was my first ‘client service’ experience and I still rely on the lessons learned there today.

What was your first role in the City?

My first role in the City was as a trainee solicitor at a global US law firm. There was a strong emphasis on learning by doing as a trainee. Getting that sort of hands-on experience meant facing a lot of steep curves, but ultimately gave me great exposure and experience so early in my career.

When did you know you wanted to build a career in business?

Growing up, I’d always been interested in public international law and international relations and did a number of internships in that space, including at the........

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