The Weightmans partner calls for equality & diversity at the most senior levels of the profession
Colette Morgan-Ford, partner at Weightmans, has recently joined the firm’s construction team in Manchester. She joins Weightmans from Pinsent Masons, where she spent nine years specialising in dispute resolution for construction and engineering projects.
With over 15 years’ experience advising on a variety of construction cases, Colette discusses her route into the profession and all things legal.
What was your route into the profession?
My route into law wasn’t necessarily a conventional one. I left full-time education at 17 to work in an in-house legal team in an insurance company. During my four years in that role, I completed my B-TEC National Certificate at night school before enrolling onto a full-time LLB course at the age of 21. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I studied for a master’s degree.
After my full time studies I returned to an in-house legal role at another insurance company. During that time I completed my LPC at night school which meant I was able to continue to work full-time and gain further valuable experience. The LPC was funded partly by the insurance company I worked at, and later by Berrymans Lace Mawer (BLM) when I joined as a paralegal. I qualified into BLM and became interested in construction law. I left BLM at four years qualified and then joined Pannone, where I stayed for three years. I then joined Pinsent Masons for nine years, where I practiced as a solicitor, associate and senior associate before joining Weightmans as a partner.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Achieving my potential as a lawyer, and spending time with my kids (it’s a challenging juggle). In that context, the decision to join Weightmans as a partner was an easy one. It felt like a natural fit—it is an ambitious firm with a great culture and a strong reputation for looking after its people and its clients. I’m looking forward to building on this further as I seek to develop and look for growth opportunities with both current and new clients.
Which person in the legal profession inspires you the most?
Nelson Mandela was a lawyer and he was hugely inspirational. His legacy lives on through other lawyers and campaigners championing civil rights throughout the world.
The Law Society’s Social Mobility scheme is also an inspiration. The solicitors here have overcome economic, social or personal barriers to get their foot on the legal ladder and are now helping other budding solicitors from similar backgrounds. Helping people achieve their potential, irrespective of their background, is really important to me, particularly as it’s something I can relate to.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternative career?
To be honest, I can’t imagine doing anything else. But if I had to choose, something related to health and fitness.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
CJ Lamb from LA Law… I hope that doesn’t show my age!
What change would you make to the profession?
I would encourage more equality and diversity at the most senior levels of the profession, so that people do not feel hampered by their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background, sexual orientation or religion. Talent is diverse!
How do you relax?
I love to run and I’ve completed five marathons already, but I’m always looking for a new challenge. I also love spending time with my partner and our young children. Whenever we can we spend time in the great outdoors.
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