Having obtained a primary degree in Economics, Gillian subsequently qualified as a Solicitor in 1997. She moved to Brussels to work in the European Commission's DG Competition. On her return to Ireland she worked in the corporate finance department in one of Irelands' leading commercial law firms. She returned to Cork in 2000 to work for JW O'Donovan concentrating on commercial and corporate law. Gillian was made partner in the firm in early 2003. Gillian now concentrates on corporate finance and insolvency law. Gillian is a frequent speaker to start-up companies at seminars hosted by Enterprise Ireland's Genesis programme. She also gives regular talks to professional bodies on corporate finance issues. Gillian is a member of the Business Law Committee of the Law Society of Ireland.