DALE LEVER Solicitor, Lever Law
What were your career ambitions?
I have always been a determined and motivated person. From an early age I knew I wanted a career that I would find both rewarding and fulfilling. I also wanted a career which would challenge me daily and I quickly realised that a career in law would certainly meet all those requirements. I was the first person in my family to go to university and I knew the subject area of law would not be an easy one. However, being able to call yourself a solicitor at the end of it meant a lot to me and made me determined to achieve that goal.
What is your current role?
My current role is managing director and solicitor at Lever Law, but my day-to-day role in the office encompasses so much more than this. I am the founder of Lever Law and opening my own law firm has been a lifelong dream. I therefore like to get as involved as I can in every aspect of the day to day running of the firm. My main area of legal expertise is commercial law which I really enjoy. However, I also deal with a lot of conveyancing work, this is due to the current high demand at the moment. We are looking to take on a conveyancing solicitor to keep up with this growing demand and our increasing client base.
Your proudest business achievement?
The first day our doors opened as a business. I had always wanted to run my own law firm and to do this at the age of twenty-nine was a significant accomplishment. It is something which I am immensely proud of.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
I am sure many solicitors will agree that it has changed tremendously. From Brexit to Covid-19 and the stamp duty holidays, there have been many changes to policies, regulations and client demands all of which have had a huge knock-on effect. The challenges we have faced have resulted in large backlogs which is frustrating for everyone involved. However, my team and I have worked tirelessly to ensure we continue to provide the best service possible for all our clients. This will always remain our top priority.
What are you currently working on?
We are currently working on expanding our team, we would like to bring in one or two solicitors who share in our ethos and values.
Tell us about your team…
We are incredibly lucky that the team at Lever Law are all extremely hard working, professional and pragmatic. Despite this we still have a friendly and upbeat office environment. I think this is vital when we are such a small team and given the amount of pressure we are put under, this can really take its toll if not managed correctly. Our small team has an extraordinarily strong core. Grace is our residential conveyancer who started with us from the beginning and she is quickly progressing through her CILEX exams to become a Charted Legal Executive. Julie is my legal secretary and brings a wealth of legal knowledge. Having worked with me from the first day I qualified as a solicitor, it is safe to say that she knows my way of working which is essential in our fast-paced environment. My sister Jade joined the firm last year as our Office/HR manager to ensure the smooth running of the firm. More recently, we welcomed our first Paralegal in Emily who assists in private client and conveyancing matters. We are growing as a team and are actively recruiting to ensure the firm grows organically. T
he Best Advice you’ve been given?
Surround yourself with intelligent people – learn all you can from them (and their mistakes). Always make sure you never shy away from growth and seek advice as and when needed to make sure you continue to evolve as a person.
Your biggest challenge?
I would have to say the volume of work which we were faced with during COVID-19 and the Stamp Duty holiday. Our work levels doubled, and in some cases tripled. We managed to pull together as a team to help and support each other through the difficult period. Therefore, I would say the biggest challenge was to successfully manage client’s expectations – during that period it was terribly difficult to do so.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Heroes inside of business would have to be my father-in-law, he is a property developer and entrepreneur, he has taught me a lot both directly and indirectly in respect of running a successful business. Outside of business, I would not say I have a ‘hero’ as such, but I do admire Michael Jordan and what he did on and off the basketball court for the Chicago Bulls.
How do you unwind?
I really enjoy keeping fit and being active, I still manage to get to the gym every morning at 5:00am – it is especially important for a healthy mind. Our office dog Harvey also helps with keeping active, I enjoy nothing more than walking him round the riverbanks of Durham. On a weekend I usually spend my spare time with my wife (when not working) on the stunning beaches in Northumberland. I also love travelling, experiencing other cultures, food and architecture whenever I can.
Do you have a favourite book?
I recently read ‘Greenlights’ by the actor Matthew McConaughey which was an interesting and thought provoking read. It makes you reflect on you past and the choices to made to get you where you are today. I would highly recommend it!
