M&S PROFILE: Nigel Shepherd

Nigel Shepherd, the head of family at Mills & Reeve, has returned to the position of chair of Resolution 20 years after he originally filled the role.

What was your route into the profession?

Law had never crossed my mind until after A levels when I worked in a bank and started banking exams. One of the components of the course was law. I seemed to have an aptitude for it, went to study a Law with German degree and then Part 2 finals and articles (as they then were), qualifying in 1981.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

Combining my role as chair of Resolution first time round between 1995 and 1997 with my full time day job responsibilities running a family law department and trying to find some time for my wife and young daughters. There just weren’t enough hours in the day. Thankfully with the greater support now available at Resolution and the changing responsibilities of my new role as head of fFamily at Mills & Reeve things should be more relaxed this time around, although there'll still be more than enough to keep me busy.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

The founder of Resolution the late John Cornwell, who had the vision to understand that there was a better way to do family law work and the commitment to promote that approach through the Code of Practice which remains at the heart of what we do.

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

On the basis that it’s too late now to be an international sports star or musician, probably a journalist and broadcaster—I like words and coming up with headlines/soundbites!

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

Atticus Finch.

What change would you make to the profession?

My change would not be to the profession, but rather to family law and it would be to get no fault divorce introduced. We need to end the blame game now.

How do you relax?

Playing the piano, listening to music, watching and playing sport and doing word puzzles.