M & S PROFILE: Anthony Nagle

The commercial technology specialist has joined Browne Jacobson as partner.

What was your route into the profession?

My original early career plan envisaged that I would become a dentist but, within a few years, I had somehow signed up to do a law degree. I did my training contract at DLA Piper and, at that time, the dot-com boom was at its peak and this had a major influence on me becoming a technology transactions lawyer. 

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

Trying to increase demand for my firm’s legal services during the recession, when demand was not growing for the industry as a whole.  

I took on the challenge of trying to persuade Cherie Blair that she and Tony (PM at the time) should get away from it all and stay in a hide-away cottage in Ireland, which is what happens when a trainee solicitor is sent to Chambers to collect documents and finds himself talking to the star QC.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

I can’t claim to be inspired by any one individual in our legal profession but I greatly admire and am inspired by lawyers who spend time doing pro bono work for needy persons in their local communities.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?

I would like to be a tech entrepreneur and would enjoy launching a start-up venture and seeing how far I could take it. If my career choice was limited to one of the traditional professions, I’d become a dentist as I have always assumed that they can block out dates in their diaries at will and head off to events like the World Cup without having to worry too much about their clients. 

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

I have two favourites. Atticus Finch for putting the truth above everything else and Patty Hewes for being one of the toughest and most ruthless lawyers on film.

What change would you make to the profession?

I have always had a big interest in diversity and I would like to see more initiatives introduced by law firms and the Law Society to encourage workplace diversity, in particular, to weed out any latent prejudices in law firms’ recruitment and selection processes. I would also like to see more women promoted to the partnership ranks.  

How do you relax?

I spend a lot of my weekends in Waterford or Kerry in Ireland. Everyone is so friendly and relaxed over there and, better still, there is little talk of the Square Mile, banking, clients or legals. I always come back refreshed and ready to face the week ahead, especially if I have taken in a rugby or hurling match over the weekend.

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