Jobs And Careers Autumn 2018 - 71

I LOVE MY JOB

When I was younger I always wanted to be an
architect, but my school didn't offer technical
drawing so I didn't pursue it. Instead, I opted
to study law at university and qualified in
1995, beginning my career as a solicitor doing
criminal, defence and family law, commercial
litigation, debt recovery and personal injury
- anything that involved a court.
The firm I worked for had a large family
law department with several female solicitors. One by one, they
took maternity leave and I inherited their caseloads. I really enjoyed
the work - I didn't like going to police stations to see clients! Family
law appealed because I like people and I like solving problems.
Over the years, I worked for five different law firms, progressing
my career as I went. Then in 2002, I moved one rung up the ladder
to become an associate solicitor. When I joined another firm in
2003 as a salaried partner, I was conscious that my CV was starting
to look a little chequered.
I was 32 and quite young to be in that role, but within a few years
I gained more seniority and became a self-employed fixed share
equity partner. I was waiting for the holy grail of partnership.
Instead, a headhunter said, "Why don't you do your own thing?"
So, in March 2010 I set up Maguire Family Law, giving myself
three months to make a success of it. I'd gone from working in a
firm of 1,000 people to just one, with a letterhead I'd designed
myself and no savings! I now have 16 people working for me. It's
one thing being a lawyer, quite another to run a business but I enjoy
both. My colleagues are integral to my enjoyment of the job - many
people I've worked with before are now in my team.
Clients are critical, too. I love trying to help people. My father
always said, "Choose a career where every day is different" and
that's certainly true in family law. It's interesting and challenging,
but it can also be dangerous. In domestic violence cases, for
example, I've had clients who aren't far away from being killed.
I am always looking at ways to grow my company. The next task
is to have more offices in more geographical locations, including
Manchester city centre.
I'm not thinking about retirement yet - I want to be involved
even when I'm 70 as a consultant - but I want to develop my staff
members' careers so I can hand it over to them in the end. Maybe
then I'll focus on my sideline business as a photographer [see
jamesmaguire.co.uk] - that's where my passion for architecture
ended up materialising!
For more about James's company, visit family-law.co.uk

James's tips
* Think about who you know and ask for their help. This could
lead to work experience, mentoring or even a job.
* Go to networking events. Use social media such as LinkedIn
and Twitter to connect with people.
* Build your work experience into your CV. I love to see a CV
that is able to demonstrate the person's dedication and
interest in the profession.
* Never underestimate the importance of your covering letter.
So many are a copy-and-paste jobs - when that's the case,
they've lost me after 10 seconds.

JOBS & CAREERS /// 71
http://family-law.co.uk
Jobs And Careers Autumn 2018

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