Celebrating Volunteers’ Week: Alumna Kadambari Verma shares career insights

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we are proud to spotlight alumna Kadambari Verma’s return to the School of Law last November.

The talk, hosted by Federica Casano, Assistant Professor at the School of Law, provided a unique opportunity for students aspiring to pursue careers in commercial law and financial regulation.

A diverse career journey

Kadambari Verma is the current Managing Director in the legal division at Goldman Sachs in London. She joined Goldman in 2010 and over the last 13 years has covered a range of businesses and regulatory initiatives in the Global Banking and Markets division of the firm. Prior to Goldman, Kadambari spent six years at Clifford Chance LLP, where she did her training contract and qualified into the derivatives and structured finance group.

Kadambari came to England in 2000 after completing an economics degree at Delhi University and studied law at the University of Leeds from 2000 to 2002, graduating with honours.

Kadambari’s role at Goldman Sachs involves helping businesses execute transactions with a clear understanding of the legal position and risks, identifying and implementing new or revised rules, and managing a team of lawyers, balancing work and non-work commitments in London.

Sharing valuable lessons

During the talk, Kadambari Verma shared her career journey with honesty, offering students key lessons and perspectives. Reflecting on her time at Leeds, she emphasised how the experience shaped her critical thinking and broadened her worldview.

Nothing is black and white; you cannot put things into a box. My time at Leeds helped me understand that.

When discussing career planning strategies, Kadambari encouraged students to research thoroughly, diversify their options, and align their career choices with their values and priorities. “Sometimes the biggest law firm may not be the best for you,” she advised.

On resilience, Kadambari candidly acknowledged that rejection is a natural part of professional growth. “It’s crucial to keep trying,” she urged, inspiring students to embrace challenges.

Addressing a student question about AI’s role in the legal profession, Kadambari recognised its potential to enhance efficiency but underscored its limitations. “AI cannot make judgments the way humans do,” she explained, highlighting the enduring value of human expertise.

Kadambari also shared practical advice for interview preparation, encouraging students to research their prospective employers, rehearse responses, and approach interviews with confidence. “Don’t underestimate the importance of little things like eye contact, a handshake, and a smile,” she added.

Balancing work and life, she admitted, is often a challenge. “You’re not always going to get it right,” she said, emphasising the importance of prioritisation and understanding that everyone faces their own struggles.

Student and faculty reflections

Maria Eugenia Pulchino, a postgraduate student who attended the event and had the opportunity to have lunch with Kadmbari and a group of fellow students, remarked:

Kadambari’s advice on prioritisation, resilience, and the importance of hard work during student years was highly motivating. She was also very transparent and candid about her current challenges in maintaining work-life balance. I truly enjoyed the experience of a successful leader sharing her views in a more relaxed environment and connecting with other students, hearing their questions, and understanding their perspectives.

Federica Casano, Associate Professor who hosted the event, added:

“The event with Kadambari Verma was an incredible opportunity for our students to gain valuable insights and inspiration for their future careers. It was truly heartening to see our alumna share their experiences and wisdom, fostering a sense of community and support among our students. The event was a resounding success, providing our students with not only practical advice but also the motivation to pursue their professional aspirations with confidence. Talking with Kadambari was a real pleasure, and learning from her experience was a unique opportunity which students valued immensely.”

The School of Law has a vibrant alumni community with over 16,000 members in more than 110 countries. Explore their profiles to learn more about their diverse achievements and career paths here.