James Richardson, managing partner of Lupton Fawcett, will lead the discussion at the inaugural Yorkshire Legal Webinar on 6 March.
- Richardson reflects on a career that transitioned from aspiring medic to a managing partner in law.
- He promotes a supportive environment at Lupton Fawcett, encouraging ambition and personal growth among employees.
- Yorkshire offers a unique, competitive legal market with down-to-earth professionals, according to Richardson.
- People remain the core motivator in Richardson’s legal career, underpinning successful firm management.
James Richardson, the managing partner of Lupton Fawcett, is set to spearhead discussions on attracting and retaining legal talent at the first-ever Yorkshire Legal Webinar on 6 March. With extensive experience in the legal field, Richardson’s insights are highly anticipated.
Richardson’s journey in law began with an initial ambition to pursue medicine in the army, but he found his true calling in law after joining Dibb Lupton and Co, now DLA. Progressing through the ranks, he achieved partnership in 1997, a milestone he considers pivotal in shaping his career. ‘I do actually like this, and I want to do more,’ Richardson recalls.
At Lupton Fawcett, Richardson fosters a culture where ambition and personal growth are encouraged. He notes that the current generation of legal professionals is ‘very grounded, driven, unpretentious, intelligent and straightforward.’ Richardson is particularly enthusiastic about aiding these individuals in reaching their full potential, whether as solicitors, senior solicitors, or partners.
Practicing law in Yorkshire presents unique advantages and challenges, as Richardson has spent his career in Leeds. He appreciates the down-to-earth nature of his colleagues and the need for fierce commercial awareness in the legal arena. He highlights Yorkshire’s competitive market, noting the presence of many established firms and new entrants.
The essence of Richardson’s motivation as a legal professional lies in his engagement with people. His routine involves personally connecting with colleagues in various offices, reinforcing the importance of understanding and empathy in firm management. Richardson believes that getting the ‘people right’ is instrumental to a firm’s success.
James Richardson’s approach to law emphasises personal growth, competitive ambition, and the importance of people in achieving success.
