M&S PROFILE: Richard Nelson

Richard Nelson is senior partner of Richard Nelson LLP.

What was your route into the profession?

I chose to study law at university because I thought it would be useful in business. At that stage I had no intentions of practising. This was despite my childhood ambition to be a retired judge after learning that in those days they could not be told what to do by anyone and retired on a full salary pension. I took the solicitor options because they were more suited to commerce and later I decided I may as well obtain the qualification. It was on entry to a solicitors practice to undertake my articles that I met and advised my first client and from then on I was hooked on law as a profession.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

This is a difficult question to answer because there have always been at least two sides to my practice: representing clients and management. Being able to ensure that a proper and thorough job is done for the clients against public funding cuts in particular has presented a wide range of problems but perhaps the greatest challenge and excitement has come from starting a firm from scratch. I enjoy using the experience I have gained over the years to help other solicitors who have practice or disciplinary issues.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

It is difficult to name an individual. What does impress me is the quality I frequently come across in solicitors across the country and the commitment they show to their clients. They are often underappreciated, not only for their commitment but for the depth of knowledge, skill, expertise and common sense they apply, however small their practice.

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

I take pleasure from expertise, growth and the ability to build. I would either be an owner/manager of a business or perhaps an arable farmer.

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

Apart from the one in my head, Horace Rumpole.

What change would you make to the profession?

I would like to re-establish its standing in the community and its reputation in society. As a profession I would require that all regulators would have to be lawyers with considerable experience in private practice so that they are sympathetic to the profession in what they plan, expect, and judge. I would also hold the Regulators to account.

How do you relax?

I am a schizophrenic Gemini so there are four of me. One of me is always on the go. I enjoy sport and love to fish. I enjoy growing produce in the garden because I see a tangible result for my labours. Above all else, I enjoy laughter in the company of my family and friends.