What was your route into the profession?
It is popular to note these days (and even de rigueur when announcing senior appointments), but I was the first person in the family to go to grammar school, the first to university, thence to Cambridge, thence to a double first, thence to a PhD. No lawyers or connections in my family whatsoever. My sixth form master dissuaded me from English (which I sometimes regret). But once I started law at Cambridge, I took to it. Undoubtedly my progress was down to many of my mercurial teachers, Professor Sir David Williams (my senior tutor), Sir Bob Hepple and the magical teacher John Hopkins.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Adapting to new ways of working, increased regulation and, simply higher client expectations. But we must embrace this, and I hope I have.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Lady Brenda Hale has left an indelible mark on judicial excellence, independence and is an inspiration to all.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Well, I mentioned my English teacher’s discussion with me. And I love writing. So, it would have been a writer.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Everyone says Atticus Finch but I go for Horace Rumpole. (I’d better not go for Jimmy McGill, aka Saul Goodman, from ‘Better call Saul’!).
What change would you make to the profession?
Not change, but continuous self-examination and improvement.
How do you relax?
Travel, reading, films, opera; and trying to have fun.
Dr John McMullen is an employment partner at Spencer West LLP. Based in the City of London, the firm advises organisations across the UK and the world (www.spencer-west.com/).
