How did you get into legal recruitment?
I was a Solicitor for 10 years. I never really enjoyed it if I am being completely honest. I didn’t want to be a Solicitor but didn’t know what else to do and leaving the industry altogether seemed like a massive leap of faith. I had friends who were recruiters. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves and earning some decent commission, so I thought why not give it a go.
Who is your closest colleague?
Joe by default. I’ve known him for 30 odd years. We have been described recently by a lawyer we know as being the Ant and Dec of recruitment. I’m not sure what that means. It can’t be good!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Winning Best Start Up at the Merseyside Independent Business Awards was fun. Turning a profit inside 3 months of starting TL was fun too.
What advice would you give someone wanting to start their own business?
It is much easier to succeed if you have a good support network of people to give you advice. Ask if you don’t know the answer to something and make sure you have a plan for the first 12 months. That and watch your pennies!
What would you say is your biggest failure in business?
I am hung up on very minor and often irrelevant details. The small decisions take ages for me to make. I’m pretty good at making the big decisions quickly.
What do you do to relax?
I spend most of my time outside of working failing to relax. On the rare occasions I am relaxed it usually involves a combination of the seaside, sunshine and alcohol.
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
I play golf, badly. I’m lucky enough to be a member of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. I play off 14 and should be better. I’ve wasted a lot of money over the years on lessons, books, magazines and new clubs. I will never improve.
What is your favourite book?
The one book I have read more times than any other is The Great Gatsby. Its poetic and haunting. I also like the themes it explores of tragic hope and the decaying influence of materialism on society. I also like anything by Evelyn Waugh. Decline and Fall is a firm favourite.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I hate conflict.
What is your favourite quote?
“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” – Woody Allen
Thornton Legal is a leading legal recruitment company, recruiting for legal jobs in across Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire and the West Midlands We are passionate about providing a professional, innovative and reliable legal recruitment service that is focused on quality and ensures our clients are matched with the strongest legal talent available. Contact one of our legal recruitment consultants today to see what we can do for your law firm or legal career.