Anthony Evans - Managing partner of Muckle LLP
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what path did you take to become a solicitor?
My Dad was a lawyer, and my first job was working in the post room and file store at his firm, Taylor Vinters in Cambridge (now part of Mishcon de Reya). I grew up understanding what life was like in legal business, from both sides! I was also very lucky to go on after university to work with some great legal aid family and criminal lawyers in Cambridge. I didn’t study law as a degree, I studied English, but when it came to choose a career, I was definitely influenced by the people I had met in the law; I guess I wanted to be like them.
In terms of career choices, being involved in running a business was something I have always been drawn to. The business I know the best is the law, so getting involved in leading a firm felt like a natural choice. The fantastic thing about being in the law is helping people develop and grow their careers; this is one of our core foundations at Muckle, we try to be a force for good for our people and the communities we work in. We don’t just take pride in the service we provide; we take pride in the people we develop and their successes.
How has the legal profession changed in recent years, and what trends do you see emerging?
A lawyer’s job is becoming increasingly challenging. That is particularly true in the last few years, as greater compliance and regulatory requirements are placed on the profession. We understand why this is needed, it is something we absolutely need to hit the highest standards on but what you can see is that the burden falls on individuals. It would be great to find ways to make lawyers’ lives easier; hopefully, this is one of the things technology can support in future years.
In terms of trends, over the last few years, there has been significant consolidation and investment in the legal sector, following on from what we’ve seen in the accountancy sector. Some great businesses have been created through these transactions for sure, but in the future, though, I think more firms will see independence as a key to their success. Many of the lawyers we speak to recognise the value of independence and firms with leadership teams who see their role as custodians of the business for the next generation.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about solicitors and the legal system?
That lawyers are a necessary evil! I think most lawyers are predominantly motivated by helping their clients and achieving the best outcomes for them.
How do you handle the challenges of your job?
I have been in my current role for nearly a year now, but I’m learning every day. Asking lots of questions and never assuming anything has helped. I have focussed on understanding the whole business as best as I can and giving the talented team around me the space and trust to do their jobs, and having lots of conversations!
What impact has technology had on the legal industry, and how do you see it evolving?
Technology has brought and will continue to bring significant change to the legal sector. How that evolves and its impact is not yet clear, I think; there are differing views on how things will evolve, particularly on how AI will impact us.
Providing legal advice for us is a people business; I don’t think I see that changing for the foreseeable future. The clients we work with value the relationships they have with our team. Having the best people and creating a great culture will remain a key focus. That said, we must not put our heads in the sand! We need to remain curious about how AI and, in particular, automation can help us. We have introduced a number of products to help transform our behind-the-scenes processes to make us more efficient; that is where we see technology having an impact right now.
What is the most rewarding part of your job, and what keeps you motivated?
It is very rewarding to see how we have been able to make a difference in our communities. Being a successful business as a force for good is inspiring; it is what we try to do as a B Corp.
On a more personal note, seeing people realise their potential and being happy doing so is a big motivator for me; there is nothing better than seeing that personal success.
To paraphrase a quote from Bear Grylls (his actual quote is in more direct language!): “There’s no point getting to the top of that mountain in life if you are an “unpleasant person”!.”
It goes back to my initial point: lawyers like to help people and seeing them succeed, whether it’s colleagues at Muckle or clients or where we live. It is incredibly rewarding.
What are you currently working on?
We recently launched our next five-year plan at our firmwide away day and are currently setting team and individual objectives to align with it for the next financial year.
How do you like to unwind?
I love to get outdoors; I enjoy cycling (mainly in Northumberland), walking, socialising and also a bit of cooking when I get the chance.
www.muckle-llp.com