Della is an Officer Cadet in the Army Reserve with 53 Military Intelligence Company alongside her civilian role as an Associate in the Competition and Foreign Investment team at Walker Morris. She has developed a particular focus on defence and national security – an area she cares deeply about, both professionally and personally.
My reservist service gives me a strong sense of purpose and connection to something bigger, while my civilian role allows me to engage with the defence sector in a different, but equally meaningful way. Being able to bring those two together has been incredibly important. I am fortunate to work for an employer that recognises that, and actively supports it. At a time when the strength, resilience and integrity of the UK’s defence ecosystem is so important, I feel strongly about contributing to that in any way I can whether through my legal work or my service as a Reservist.
What transferable skills do you bring to the workplace from your reservist duty, and vice versa?
My reservist service has strengthened a range of skills that translate directly into my civilian role,
including:
- Leadership under pressure: Learning to make decisions with imperfect information, remain calm in uncertain situations and take responsibility for outcomes;
- Strategic thinking and analysis: Military intelligence training encourages structured thinking, risk awareness and forward planning, all of which are highly relevant to advising on national security and complex regulatory issues;
- Clear communication: Being able to explain complex issues clearly and succinctly to a range of audiences;
- Teamwork and accountability: Working closely with others towards a shared objective and understanding the importance of trust and reliability.
- My civilian role also strengthens my reservist contribution. Legal practice requires careful judgement, attention to detail and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, all of which are valuable skills in a military context, particularly in intelligence and leadership training.
How do you balance reservist duty with civilian employment?
Balancing both roles relies on open communication, careful planning and mutual respect. I am open with my team at Walker Morris about my reservist commitments, and I take responsibility for managing my workload so that client service remains consistent. In return, the firm offers flexibility and understanding where it is needed. That relationship is important. It means I can commit properly to both roles, rather than treating one as secondary to the other. It also reflects a broader understanding of the value that reservists bring, not just in terms of skills, but in outlook and experience.
What does it mean to be a Reservist?
Being a Reservist means being able to serve while continuing to build a civilian career, but more than
that, it is about contributing to something of real national importance. It requires commitment, adaptability and a sense of responsibility. You are part of the Armed Forces, but also part of wider society, and there is a real value in bridging those two worlds. For me, it also provides a deeper understanding of the defence sector. This is not just as a professional area of work, but as a community and an operational environment. That perspective is something I carry into my civilian role.
What impact has being a Reservist had on your life?
Being a Reservist has had a very positive and lasting impact on my life.
It has helped me to:
- grow in confidence and develop as a leader;
- communicate more clearly and effectively;
- build resilience and discipline;
- gain perspective beyond my immediate professional environment.
One of the most valuable aspects has been working alongside people from such a wide range of
backgrounds. That shared experience reinforces the importance of teamwork, adaptability and mutual
respect, qualities that are just as relevant in civilian life.
How has your employer supported your service as a Reservist?
Walker Morris has been consistently supportive of my reservist role, which has made a genuine difference in being able to pursue it fully. This includes:
- flexibility around training commitments, including weekends and courses;
- a supportive and understanding approach to balancing competing priorities;
- encouragement to develop my interest in defence and national security within my legal practice.
Importantly, the firm has enabled me to align my professional development with an area I feel strongly about. I have been able to build experience advising defence-related clients and working on national security matters, meaning my civilian role and reservist service complement one another. That kind of support matters, not only for individuals, but for the wider defence ecosystem. It allows reservists to remain engaged, committed and effective in both roles.
