The Parabis partner reveals his legal inspirations & ponders an alternative career as a crime novelist
The former CEO of Connect2Law and head of Pannone Affinity has joined Parabis Law LLP as a partner.
What was your route into the profession?
It was a pretty traditional route in some respects. I studied law at Warwick University and then went on to do a BCL at Worcester College, Oxford. When I consider some of the people in my year on the BCL—people like Laurence Rabinowitz and Keir Starmer—I think I made a mistake in not going straight to the Bar! However, I had a very strong interest in academic law and writing, so I initially took a university law lectureship alongside being a retained consultant for Bird & Bird with whom I then qualified as a solicitor. During that time I co-wrote a book on Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and the Law which never made it to the New York Times bestseller list.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
In my last few roles I have been involved in running law firm mergers and acquisitions. This is a product of a legal market consolidating at all levels. I was very involved in the acquisition of Halliwells' insurance law business in 2010 which was challenging from beginning to end. With Halliwells' administration looming in the background it meant every aspect of the acquisition had to be done in weeks, not months. That was soon followed by the merger with Clyde & Co—then the biggest merger of two UK law firms. The hardest thing in these situations is dealing with the very difficult questions affecting peoples' roles and their future in the organisation. It is vital that the highest standards of honesty and ethics are maintained in these situations.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I was very inspired by Guy Beringer, the senior partner of Allen & Overy, during my time there. Guy was a person of great integrity and a highly innovative thinker who wanted to completely re-imagine what the firm could be. And, while it may look like I am shamelessly trying to curry favour with my new boss, I would also cite Tim Oliver. After all, that's why I wanted to move to Parabis! Tim has made all the talk about a legal services revolution a reality by showing how a traditional law firm can evolve into a sophisticated legal services corporation, securing strong investor support along the way.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Novelist, if I was good enough, writing legal crime novels. Failing that I would have to fall back on my electric guitar playing which is even worse than my writing ability. It looks pretty bleak! I have to say I am not one of those people who wishes they hadn’t gone into law: I really like most aspects of the legal profession.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
This is tough. It's tempting to take the high ground with an Atticus Finch type character who uses the law to change society. However, I prefer comedy to drama. I liked all the lawyers in the comedy series Arrested Development: Barry Zuckerhorn, Bob Loblaw and Wayne Jarvis, but particularly Bob Loblaw and his Law Blog!
What change would you make to the profession?
I wouldn't change much. The legal services reforms have created a platform for entrepreneurs to do exciting things in law. We need to let those forces mature now rather than make any further changes to the basic structure of the profession.
How do you relax?
With difficulty.
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