Name: Lauren Perdikis
Job title: Partner, real estate, HCR Law
What I do: I am a partner specialising in real estate at HCR Law. I provide a full range of advice on commercial property and development matters with a particular focus on data centres and digital infrastructure.
Why I got into the property industry: By accident! During my training contract, I was told I was spending six months with the property team. I was a little nervous – my property module at law school wasn’t my strongest (in fact it was my weakest)! But once I got started, I found myself really enjoying the work, especially because the clients were so engaging, fun, and genuinely passionate about what they do. So, at the end of my training contract, I decided to qualify into real estate and never looked back.
How I did it: After completing my LLB at Warwick University and the legal practice course, I moved to London and I was lucky to secure a training contract at Greenberg Traurig.
My first proper job: My first job, was at 15, working in the gift shop at ‘Diggerland’ a children’s adventure park. I should have known then that a career in property was for me!
My first big break: My big break was getting a job at AtlasEdge Data Centres. Stepping into an in-house role gave me exposure to the inner workings of a fast-growing, highly technical sector and it allowed me to build expertise in an industry that is rapidly evolving and advancing. That combination of hands-on experience and sector-specific knowledge has really propelled my career.
My inspiration(s): My biggest inspirations are my parents. Their endless sacrifices – many of which I didn’t fully understand until I got older – have shaped the opportunities and values I have today. They have consistently put my needs before their own and have instilled in me a strong work ethic. Teaching me that effort, resilience and integrity are the foundation for anything worth achieving.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My greatest achievement to date was the work I did at AtlasEdge Data Centres. In a relatively short period of time, I was involved in acquiring and developing assets, helping the business achieve substantial growth. Being able to contribute to and manage tangible, high-impact projects so quickly was incredibly rewarding and gave me confidence in my ability to deliver results in a fast-moving sector.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: One of the biggest misconceptions people have about the property industry is that it’s slow moving and stagnant. The industry is highly dynamic and adaptive, using the latest technology advances. It’s an industry that demands agility, creativity and forward-thinking – which makes it an incredibly exciting industry to be a part of!
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I’m passionate about DE&I because I truly believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. Too often, people’s potential is limited not by their abilities but by systemic barriers, lack of access, or environments that weren’t built with them in mind. Creating spaces where everyone is seen and valued, isn’t just the right thing to do, it also leads to better ideas, strong teams and more meaningful outcomes. DE&I is about ensuring everyone has a fair chance to grown, contribute and succeed.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: In five years’ time, I would like to continue working within the datacentre and digital industry, being a market-leading real estate lawyer in this sector. Equally important to me is playing a prominent role in supporting and mentoring women in the industry, helping to create pathways for the next generation of female leaders. I want my career to reflect both professional excellence and a commitment to fostering a more supporting and inclusive industry.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Jacinda Ardern, Michelle Obama, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Sanna Marin – strong female leaders!
What I do in my downtime: My ‘downtime’ is mostly spent running around after my one-year-old daughter and trying to spend as much time with her as possible. I am also slowly renovating my home, which has been a long process but one I am enjoying!
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Interior design – although I am not sure how good I would be!
My advice for someone just starting out: My best advice is, get out and meet people. Even with all the advances in technology and our reliance on digital communication, at the end of the day, we still work with, and buy, from people. Building genuine relationships, understanding what is important to others and connecting with a wide network will not only open doors but also teach lessons that you can’t learn from a screen. The relationships you build early in your career often become the foundation for both opportunities and support as you grow.
My motto/mantra: “Lift others as you climb”. For me, this motto reinforces the idea that success isn’t a solo journey. Building culture of trust where progress is collective, not competitive and where everyone has a chance to rise up the ranks in incredibly important
