Experience
Innovation
Agility
Championing an office-wide agile working policy made a real difference to people’s quality of life. Encouraging everyone to work a day a week from home (pre-pandemic) promoted good mental health in the workplace, with no loss of productivity as a result - in some cases it increased. The scheme enjoyed an immediate uptake of 86%. It’s now two days a week remotely and counting.
Diversity & inclusion
Specific and dated diversity targets for senior leadership roles are important. They are much more effective than general aspirations. “Managing unconscious bias” training can help too. However, building active and organisation-wide inclusion is both the broader challenge and the real goal. I’ve consistently championed all of these.
Consideration
Developing a more considerate policy on communication etiquette in the workplace, was a great chance to learn from the younger members of my team. Together, we also introduced a more thoughtful work allocation process. Both steps improved people’s work/life balance and helped with the management and planning of their career portfolios.
Progression
Expansion
I enjoy contributing to growth in an organisation. Being instrumental in opening successful new offices in New York and Milan, was both satisfying and fun. And I enjoyed making the case for investment in new business units, both for innovative pricing and alternative legal services.
Growth
Mentoring promotion candidates and leading senior lateral hire initiatives has always been a pleasure. On the flip-side, I’ve also managed multiple partner exits, both planned and unplanned, in all cases ensuring the right result for the business, whilst maintaining good relations with the individuals.
Development
Leading multiple senior performance conversations has been an important part of what I do. Before turning to new business and personal growth objectives, celebrating success usually enhances the discussion.
Perspective
Effective implementation of any initiative requires support. “Bringing people with you,” requires respect for others’ views. I like to ensure that all voices are heard.
I’ve secured respected outcomes in many areas of business, perhaps none more sensitive than that of senior executive remuneration. Those involved are still speaking to one another.
Accolades
“A pleasure to work with…can be relied on to get you out of a ditch” *
"Absolutely terrific, has gravitas, deals with complex projects and gives consistent, high quality throughout…” *
"Remarkable knowledge and brilliant litigation experience…" *
“Technically able and commercially savvy… praised for his strategic overview, pragmatic approach and creative solutions…” *
“A great tactician….an outstanding lawyer...a leading light…” **
Source: * Chambers UK; ** The Legal 500
