Liam recently scooped the Trainee of the Year prize at the prestigious Northern Law Awards. Northern Insight Magazine caught up with him to discuss his story so far…
What were your career ambitions growing up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a singer as I used to love switching off and listening to music (and still do). I soon realised that I couldn’t sing, and a more suitable career path would be wiser. I’ve always wanted to help people and, whilst at school, I discovered I had a passion for the law and wanted to pursue a career in this. It probably helps that I can be quite argumentative
at times…
Tell us about your current role and what do you most enjoy?
One of the things I enjoy most about working in the Dispute Resolution team is the variety of work involved. No two matters are the same; you might be working on a housing disrepair claim one minute and an Inheritance Act claim the next. The variety keeps work interesting and allows me to continually learn and research different areas of law.
I have recently finished work on a Multi-Track Proprietary Estoppel case in which we managed to reach a settlement which
was incredibly favourable to our client. It was really rewarding to see how pleased the client was with this result.
How did you feel about winning Trainee of the Year at the Northern Law Awards?
It was quite a shock to be honest. I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I can’t fully remember what I said in my acceptance speech because of my nerves and disbelief.
I recently qualified as a solicitor in April 2024 (so just made the cut) and I was nominated by one of the Partners in my team and I am incredibly grateful to be nominated for the award and even reach the interview stage. I want to thank the judges and everyone at Swinburne Maddison who has helped me in my career so far, as I honestly would not be here without them.
What are you currently working on?
I handle a wide range of commercial disputes, including debt recovery, contractual disputes and injunctions and property litigation matters including possession applications, housing disrepair and general landlord and tenant disputes. Property litigation makes up the majority of my caseload and I can definitely see myself specialising in this area in the future.
Tell us about the team you work with?
I work within quite a large team, consisting of 13 fee earners and four assistants in litigation alone. We handle a wide range of litigious matters from property litigation to negligence claims.
Everyone is always willing to help, whether it’s helping clients or colleagues. There is a genuine atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration within the team where everyone just wants the best for each other.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I would hope to have progressed further in my career, perhaps to a more senior position with increased responsibility, both in terms of workload and mentoring less-experienced members of the team. Since qualifying, I often support our new and junior members of the team, answering questions which may come up.
I hope to perhaps specialise in a particular area of litigation, possibly property litigation and broaden my knowledge and really focus on this particular area – which is vast in itself!
Who are your heroes and mentors?
I look up to my colleagues every day. They impress me with their knowledge and experience and they really inspire me to excel in my role and be a better person. It goes without saying, my parents and family. I have a lot to thank them for in terms of my upbringing and values which I like to think I live by.
Who would be your four ideal dinner guests, dead or alive and why?
Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift – can you tell I’m a Swiftie?
How do you unwind outside of work?
I enjoy trying to switch off and relax. I spend a lot of time at the gym trying to stay healthy and active. Despite my singing ambitions, I now enjoy listening to music and spending time with friends and family.
Favourite book and box set?
Anything Games of Thrones related. I can’t count how many times I have watched the series in full – even Series 8… I’m currently enjoying House of the Dragon and not quite sure what I will watch once it finishes. I will probably just rewatch Game of Thrones again…
This article was originally featured in Northern Insight Magazine Issue 104 on pages 54 and 55. This can be viewed online by clicking here.
