Matilda Stickels - Legal Counsel

What’s your professional background and how did you come to work at Diamond? 

I trained as a solicitor and have a Masters in Legal Practice (MLP). My university and professional backgrounds have exposed me to intellectual property and copyright law, which is what my role as Legal Counsel at Diamond is all about.  

In my home country of Australia, I worked in native title, which is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights. I also travelled a lot to Asia and Europe for educational opportunities, including a United Nations internship in Italy. In the UK, I applied for a job at Diamond where I learnt about the synchrotron and about the amazing science that Diamond does.  

What do you do here and how does your experience help?  

After starting at Diamond as a paralegal, I am now Legal Counsel, which is essentially an in-house lawyer. I look after the legal needs of several different divisions, working on matters like agreements to general legal advice. I work with the scientists who explain their projects and I bring my legal expertise to draw out what they need to be aware of from a legal perspective, such as legal risks. I look after many legal matters and having a broad overview is an important aspect of my role. 

Diamond is such an international space. There are scientists from around the world and my personal experience of working internationally really helps. I also have previous customer service roles with lots of multi-tasking which prepared me for the tasks I do now.  

What’s your favourite thing about working at Diamond? 

There's so much variety. I might work on a PhD studentship location agreement one day or a grant-funding collaboration agreement and do something completely different the next. I love helping with public engagement such as open days and hosting work experience students. It’s about being integrated in Diamond life as well as being a member of the legal team.  

What advice would you want to give someone wanting to get involved in your field? 

I would advise people to find something they can feel passionate about. It’s also important to learn about a company and find a role that aligns with your values. It helps to be open to in-house legal roles as opposed to law firms only.  

What’s the most interesting project you’ve been involved in? 

Diamond’s collaboration with the SESAME Project in Jordan stands out for me.  Back in 2018, Diamond received a grant to host and train employees from Jordan’s SESAME synchrotron. I really enjoyed being involved and watching the project develop. It’s this international impact which I find very interesting. 

What makes Diamond different from other organisations that you could work for? 

Being involved in projects that make a difference in the world. Even if I don't contribute to the science, it’s just as rewarding being involved from a legal perspective. The science at Diamond is very diverse so I get to work across many different teams and there’s a nice working atmosphere. I enjoy the culture – It’s small enough to be a valued member and big enough to make an impact.