James N

BPP university alumni

Profile:

Being a white-male-Oxford-graduate, I do not usually stand out as particularly diverse. To quote Chris, I look and sound like a “stereotypical lawyer”. But, as AS has championed since its founding, diversity is more than that which meets the eye. I am also state school educated, dyslexic and LGBT+.

I studied history at university before moving onto the GDL and LPC at BPP in London. Whilst at university, I undertook several work experience placements in-house, at City law firms, the CAB, and a handful of mini pupillages. I completed my training contract with Clyde & Co where I stayed on qualification in their international arbitration group. I left Clyde & Co two years post-qualification to join Boies Schiller Flexner before transitioning with the majority of the London office to establish Pallas. I have also been a professional ambassador since 2014 and previously sat on the AS’s Junior Advisory Board.

Throughout my career to date, I have found my diversity characteristics to be a massive benefit. I have been actively involved in diversity and inclusivity initiatives at every stage of my career and have developed a wide professional network as a result. Even my dyslexia has proved to be (in most respects) something that has helped me be an even better lawyer; dyslexics think in a non-verbal, pictorial manner that helps grasp broad concepts and draw fresh connections in a way many other lawyers do not.

As a professional ambassador, I hope that I will be able to use some of my experience to help you start a successful career in the law. If you have any questions, queries, or thoughts that you would like to send my way then please do!

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