After training and spending his early years as an Associate in our Leeds office, Craig continued his career at a number of other law firms, before returning to us as Partner. He reflects on his journey, the experiences he gained and his return to the firm.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Eversheds Sutherland?
I trained in the Leeds office from 2006 to 2008 and was then in the Pensions Team until 2013. Across all of that time I think my fondest and most abiding memory is of how much I enjoyed working with so many talented and lovely people, both in Leeds and across the wider firm.
As anyone who was in the Leeds office in 2007 might remember, a particularly “memorable” event involving me was also when I stood at the front of a stage at an office event and sang “Never Forget” by Take That. Video footage is available, but I will take some persuading before sharing it!
What motivated you to return to the firm?
After spending some time at a few other firms – where I learned a great deal – it was fantastic to have the opportunity to come in as a new Partner into a national pensions team that has one of the best reputations in the market and is one of the largest and most successful.
A big attraction for me was also the genuine commitment to being collaborative and working cross-office at Eversheds Sutherland. The reality after only six weeks has just blown me away. I am already losing count of the number of examples in practice of opportunities to meet and work with colleagues in other offices and teams.
Returning to the firm as Partner, what are you most looking forward to in your new role within the firm?
The chance to work with the existing Leeds pensions team and look to grow the practice, both as part of the thriving Yorkshire pensions market and also beyond, is particularly exciting for me.
We have some fantastic clients already in Leeds and so much potential to grow the team, in terms of both people and opportunities. A former colleague from another firm is already on her way over to join the team, which is great news.
How has the firm changed in your perspective during the 13-year gap?
Picking up on an earlier point, I think that the genuine commitment to working collaboratively across offices and teams is a notable and hugely positive change since I left 13 years ago. Although we were taking steps in that direction back then, I have already seen countless examples of this being put into practice.
The additional strength which this brings to the Pensions Team, to our wider Practice Group and to the Firm is clear. It also makes the job even more enjoyable as we get to work with, and learn from, a wider group of colleagues and to experience a wider variety of clients and work.
What aspects of the firm have remained consistent and made you feel ‘at home’ upon your return?
It has been fantastic to see that there are so many people still here. It really has felt like coming home, rather than having the usual new job feeling.
The culture of the firm is just as friendly and welcoming as I remember it when I first joined as a Trainee back in 2006. We used to talk about making sure we were “a great place to work” back then, and it is the great people working here who make Eversheds Sutherland what it is.
What is something funny or interesting that people don’t know about you?
I was the Election Agent in Batley and Spen for Jo Cox for the 2015 General Election and then for Tracy Brabin (who is now Mayor of West Yorkshire) at the 2017 Snap General Election.
The Election Agent is the person who can go to prison if election law is not followed by everyone involved, including around the campaign donations and spending. Thankfully I avoided that outcome! Joking aside, I really enjoyed the experiences, but it was like having another part-time job!