What I Learnt From One Week In New York ??

Here's everything I learnt last week from my work trip to New York (from London) with Sonder Consultants .

??♀?You walk a LOT??

I walked over 110,000 steps in 5 days. I wasn't so confident with the Subway system so I found it easier just to chuck on some trainers and follow Google maps. I also love walking! It's the best way to see the City, and I convinced myself that all the walking balanced out all the food I ate.??

On to my next point - food.

I have no words. Just go to these places:??

?? Sushi 456 ?

?? Manhatta ?

?? Minetta Tavern?

?? Liberty Bistro?

?? Vietspot Noodle and Sandwich?

?? Leo's Bagels?

?? Suited

?? City Vineyard

?? Serafina Italian Restaurant?

?? Working in the City is different from being a tourist

I've been to New York twice before, but this trip has been so different for all the right reasons. Going into the office every day, grabbing a coffee en-route, and heading out to explore in the evenings with top tips from Elizabeth Ruocco , has been the BEST experience. I actually felt like a New Yorker at times, really seeing the best of the City, and why people love living here. While the city is fast-paced, I found it calming and relaxing walking around Tribeca and the waterfront. It was pretty hot last week, so people were out in the park, running and walking with friends, taking a breather and enjoying a slower side to New York.?

?? It really is the City that never sleeps

Anytime, any day/night of the week you can find something to do - even more so than London. Despite working 8am-5pm each day I managed to fit in the following:??

? Top of the rock viewpoint??

? A stroll around central park??

? Comedy night at The Comedy Cellar??

? People (and dog) watching by the harbour

? 9/11 memorial ??

? Walks and cocktails around Tribeca, Soho and China town??

? A Karoke night (don't ask)??

??Crazy pedestrian scene

The pedestrian scene in NYC can be… intimidating, at first. I was always taught not to jaywalk in America, but traffic lights are merely a suggestion here. People have the power on the backstreets over cars, for sure.

Grabbing food and my morning coffee was a challenge... Most servers struggled with my accent and tried to shrug me off, which was a little frustrating. However, by the end of the week, the lady in Starbucks knew what I wanted, so it was all good.

Walking in NYC gets easier after the initial adjustment period. By Thursday, I was a pro. Be confident and bullish. You will encounter some strange situations, but that's part of the experience! I met some of the best people along the way - mainly people with their dogs and our hotel staff were beyond friendly and couldn't do enough for you. Check out?Moxy Marriott .

?? A lot of dogs - everywhere

Being a dog-lover, I was thrilled to see the array of pooches walking about the city with their owners. I don't remember this from my last visit - maybe covid encouraged lonely New Yorkers to adopt a dog at the time. I made a lot of 4-legged friends on this trip, and it was great to see them playing in the dog parks and running alongside their owners by the waterfront.

?? The legal market is truly one of a kind?

The purpose of the trip was obviously not just to enjoy myself. From a work perspective, the week was invaluable. New York is the most prestigious market in the world for a reason. I interviewed Stefano Barbagallo on The Sonder Podcast and we spoke in detail about his experience working as a lawyer at Kirkland, and also Elizabeth Ruocco shared insight into her time at Weil. Legal professionals here work on the most sophisticated deals with the biggest clients in the world. They are pushed to achieve and need to have the right mind-set. I always find it so interesting listening to the stories of a NY lawyer.

Our team in New York is working around the clock to help and advise lawyers on how to position themselves for success in the current market, and I was so impressed by their work ethic and willingness to help everyone. The team is really going above and beyond to provide lawyers with all the resources they need.??

Being on the ground here, I've learned so much about the genuine challenges, concerns, expectations and opportunities for lawyers in this market. I've worked with the guys on some really helpful content to guide lawyers and help them find a law firm they thrive in. I'll be feeding this all through the Sonder Company page, so make sure you give it a follow .??

Shout out to Kevin Sinnott for inviting me on the trip, to Lauren Haggerty for being the best travel buddy and to Daniel Sweeney, Esq. , Stefano Barbagallo , Elizabeth Ruocco and Andrew Scholz for the strategy sessions, hospitality (and memories). What a week!??