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Ruj Dev

Ruj is our chief finance officer and is based in Manchester. She talks about what inspired her to choose a career in finance and how she's navigated her career as a senior female leader.

What inspired you to choose a career in finance in the legal sector?

To be honest, I found my way into finance within the legal sector by chance. I began my career in professional services, training with PwC, and I still vividly remember my interview with the first law firm FD I worked for - he told me, “once you join a law firm, you won’t leave a law firm.” While he wasn’t referring to that specific firm, his words certainly ring true of my experience in the sector so far.

My inspiration has largely come from the incredible mentors and leaders I’ve worked with. They championed my growth, challenged me, and opened doors to new opportunities. Their guidance deepened my understanding of the legal sector and helped me recognise its potential.

How have you found navigating your career as a female senior leader in finance?

Leadership - regardless of gender - comes with its challenges. It ultimately depends on what you want from your career and how you balance that with your personal life.

Being a female senior leader in finance is both rewarding and demanding. There’s often an unspoken expectation that you’re “representing” or “paving the way” for others, but I believe the key is staying true to yourself, and your ambitions, and being vocal about them.

A pivotal moment in my journey was navigating career decisions around starting a family - how much maternity leave to take, when to return, and how invested I wanted to be in work after that. These choices aren’t the same for everyone, but I knew for myself that continuing to build my 
career was important.

Growing up, my parents - first-generation immigrants to the UK - instilled in me the importance of independence and education. Their influence shaped my mindset and helped me embrace the challenges that come with leadership. Over the years, I’ve learned the value of resilience, continuous learning, and the power of a strong support network.

Why did you choose to move to Mills & Reeve, and how has your experience been so far?

I was drawn to Mills & Reeve because of its reputation and the insightful conversations I had with key individuals. The firm’s strong commitment to professional development and its inclusive culture were also major factors in my decision. As you gain experience in the sector, you develop a clearer sense of what’s the right fit for you - and, naturally, you become
more selective.

The opportunities and challenges presented by the firm, along with its strategic direction, excited me enough to take the leap. My experience so far has been incredibly positive - I have a strong team, a solid foundation, and plenty of opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the firm’s strategy. It’s an exciting time to be here.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to trust the journey and embrace every learning opportunity, and if you see something you want to be involved in, speak up. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone - these moments often lead to the greatest personal and professional growth. In my own career, the defining moments have come from pushing boundaries and taking on new challenges.

Building a career is a marathon, not a sprint, so patience and persistence are key. Finally, always seek out mentors and allies who can provide guidance, challenge you, and support your growth.