Nick Rossington’s Post

As I approach my PQE anniversary, I have been reflecting on how I spent my time in private practice. One thing that I have always been relentless about in my pursuit is creating opportunities where I can trade time for value as opposed to trading time for money. The PQE model may appear to be a ladder of "natural next steps", however, this is not necessarily true as no two people's careers or potential are the same. My advice is to always seek to create the opportunities that will most likely contribute to your potential being realised. If you are currently relying on the PQE current to carry you to the next level and are not actively managing your career alongside sponsors, coaches and mentors then perhaps it is time to reevaluate how you are spending your time. Decide whether the pain you may feel swimming against the current outweighs the pain you may feel grieving your potential.

In our latest USC Thornton Student Ambassador blog, Madeline Cheng, Tanner Dodt and Celine Chen discuss the extracurricular opportunities on campus. They share some ways they've been able to explore their interests and get involved in the USC community. Learn more about getting involved at USC below.

🚨 QMUL Students 🚨 As your Hogan Lovells Campus Ambassador, I'm thrilled to announce a unique event designed exclusively for QMUL students! Understanding the importance of a strong application, I’m offering personalised, one-on-one sessions to help you craft compelling answers that showcase your strengths and align with Hogan Lovells' values. ❗Event Details: ⭐️ What? One-on-One Hogan Lovells Application Review ⭐️ When? 28th February 2024 ⭐️ Where? Mile End Library – Exact location to be confirmed. ⭐️ How? Secure your 15-minute slot! https://lnkd.in/dkw9H_5P Whether you're grappling with how to articulate your experiences, seeking advice on what Hogan Lovells looks for in candidates, or simply want a second pair of eyes on your application, this is the perfect opportunity for you! ❗Why Attend? 🌟 Tailored Guidance: Get bespoke advice on developing your Hogan Lovells application answers. 🌟 Boost Your Application: Enhance your chances of making a strong impression. 🌟 Insider Insights: Leverage my role as your campus ambassador and first year scheme attendee to gain insights into the firm's culture and expectations. ❗How to Book Your Slot: Slots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please include your name, contact information, and a brief note on what you'd like to focus on during our session. Don't miss out on this chance to refine your Hogan Lovells application with expert advice tailored just for you. Looking forward to helping each of you shine!

Resharing this article from Toronto Caribbean Newspaper. It is time we rethink the typ of education we are pursuing. The opportunities in the skills present tremendous opportunity. "Skilled trades are a foundation for entrepreneurship. Many tradespeople eventually start their own businesses, becoming employers and contributing to job creation in their communities. Skilled trade jobs offer competitive salaries, especially after completing apprenticeships, or vocational training programs. This financial stability can positively impact the lives of individuals and their families." #skilledtrades #tradespeople #entrepreneurship

This week I had the pleasure of listening to representatives from top law firms in the UK. They shared their wealth of knowledge around their practice areas, the opportunities available to join their firms, as well as their top tips for applications. It was particularly interesting being able to hear from those on the recruitment side of things, as well as those who have gone through the application processes themselves. Despite the event focusing on apprenticeships for school leavers; I believe the advice given by the recruitment panel is significant to all who are making applications within the field of law regardless of the level… 1. Do not just apply to firms because you feel you should or because they are the top firms! Take a step back to recognise what you are interested in yourself. Take the time to research and understand why a particular firm would be the right fit for you. 🤔 2. Pay attention to detail! 🔎 3. Be resilient. Results are not always indicative of you as a candidate. Try and try again. 💪 4. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion! Don’t be conscious about showing off your experience. 🤗 5. Be adaptable. As no working day will ever be the same, it is important not to limit yourself to one area of law. Explore multiple areas! Thank you Young Professionals for hosting and a big thank you to Rebecca Reese, Chloe Rose Johnson, Hannah Bramley, Grace Baker and Joanna Stevens as well as all those on the apprentice/graduate panel for your insights!

✨ REMINDER ✨ TOMORROW, on the 16th Nov. from 3-4pm I will be hosting a Clifford Chance virtual workshop event with a future trainee at Clifford Chance who graduated from Sheffield University, informing you all things about... 💫 the SPARK scheme 💫 the upcoming training contract deadline 💫 the application process 💫 exclusive top tips and insights into applications 💫 studying a non-law degree and going into a legal career and MORE! All of this will be ended off with a Q&A session, so we may answer any questions you have about Clifford Chance, and the upcoming deadlines! If you don't want to miss out on this EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY, click on the sign up form here, and recieve the link to the google meets to talk with us! ---> https://lnkd.in/eN2BP2bK Also an important thing to note, if you still haven't applied for Clifford Chance's Training Contract, you can start with the simple application form today by clicking on this link, and also be one step ahead with the insights you'll gain from our talk tomorrow ------> https://lnkd.in/g3QC3AHg

3 years on since my appointment as Senior Partner at Moore Barlow & the most recent SRA data reveals there is a significantly higher proportion of lawyers from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background working in one-partner firms (39%) than any other firm size and this proportion decreases as the firm size increases: 2–5 partners (23%). 6–9 partners (16%). 10–50 partners (15%). 50+ partners (15%). Why is the difference in the ethnicity profile between the one-partner firms and the largest firms so marked?, with the proportion of partners from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic group more than four times greater in one-partner firms (36% compared to 8% in the very largest firms).The report concludes that this illustrates the real challenges for these large firms in making progress toward diversity. I am from a lower socio economic background yet no matter my significant achievements I cannot help but feel too few still understand the need for change to ensure others from lower socio economic backgrounds can break through notwithstanding all the evidence that a diverse team is a more effective team. For change to happen it is fundamental to understand the need to change the current approach . The SRA data once again emphasises that more needs to be done within the legal profession. When I became Senior Partner at Moore Barlow , I said that as the first black Senior Partner in a top 100 UK law firm, I hoped there would be a second, third and fourth black Senior Partner. Yesterday was my third anniversary - as I reached this landmark there are now two black Senior Partners but the SRA stats show little if any progress with black lawyers in particular, and worst still fewer black lawyers passing the SQE 1 - no wonder given the expense of the SQE examination and prep courses. I am proud that at Moore Barlow we have a huge focus on early career development. Our work placements ensure potential lawyers of the future are given an insight which will inspire them, our recruitment of those aspiring to qualify is contextualised and ensures we recognise that potential is not solely about grades or the university you went to but about your journey. We recognise the importance of diverse training routes hence apprenticeships so that means do not act as a barrier to talent. Colleagues Debbie Moors & Susannah Marsh have worked tirelessly to ensure we give fair opportunity to all aspiring lawyers. The results can be seen through our firm with the diverse range of talent being promoted. My U-triumph podcasts ( https://lnkd.in/dzX_YeWu ) highlights the stories of so many inspirational people that have broken through - their stories are a lesson for us all, with fair opportunity they have achieved extraordinary things. Put simply, we must do more to ensure fair opportunities for all. https://lnkd.in/dT9dat5A #MooreBarlow #Diversity #SocialMobility #BeTheLadder

'People first'. It is pretty simply really. There shouldn't be any excuses. I love the values of O Shaped. It actually makes me quite emotional to have been chosen as one of the inaugural O Listers who, in the words of O Shaped, are... 🗨 making the legal profession better for those who are in it, those who use it and those who are entering it 💬 I love that all the 25 O Listers have different roles in the legal profession. We are not all practising solicitors. For me the most important O Behaviours are: 🌟 Emotional Intelligence 🌟 🌟 Trust and Confidence 🌟 🌟 Communication and Collaboration 🌟 If we could all encourage one small practice of even one of these O Behaviours a day then I think the legal profession would be a happier place for many. Don't you think?   I especially would like to see more active celebration of difference. Including people in law who are neurodiverse. I am very interested in other people; not just ‘including’ those who have different experiences, perceptions and values to me, but learning from and celebrating those who have different experiences, perceptions and values to me. A BIG thank you to Patrick McCann who nominated me under 'Opportunity' tenet for my work with him in establishing City Century. We - and the whole City Century community - are proud of the fact that we have brought together over 50 City law firms in collaboration with the City of London Law Society to increase the number of solicitor apprenticeships available in the City of London, and to make them the best possible experience for those that choose an apprenticeship as their route to qualification. I can't wait for the party with the other O Listers next Wednesday 🤩 #OShaped #OList #BeMoreO #PeopleFirst Dan Kayne Image description: O Shaped logo containing the words "I made the O List" and a photo of Joanna Hughes alongside her quote "For me personally 'people first' is a strong driving force in my life".

Finally graduated! Cleary University