Legal Matters Q&A: Jeremy Shulman, Chairman, Shulmans

It would be tempting, at this time, to mention the coming into force of the Legal Services Act, allowing law firms to share their profits with non-lawyers and non-legal organisations to compete with lawyers.

What law would you like to see changed?

I’d like the process of buying and selling companies to be simplified, so as to reduce the cost to the client.

Secondly, I’d like to see a smoother transition in the residential property process to reduce delay and cut out gazumping. I’m not suggesting an adoption of Scottish law, because there is a more limited supply of housing there and thus it works more efficiently than I believe it would here, but nonetheless, a change is desirable.

What is the most exciting work you’ve ever done?

The setting up of Shulmans and then watching it grow; we’ve done lots of innovative things and developed a strong team, something that has been immensely reward- ing.

When I set up the company in 1981 I was completely and utterly unaware of the fact that the country was in a recession because I was entirely focused on what I was doing.  

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

Nicholas Addison Phillips, or to give him his full title, The Right Hon the Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, KG, President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.  

What advice would you give someone starting out in the profession?

Try to get experience in a law firm, even if it is unpaid and try to understand what it means to be a lawyer. Only commit to the law if you are absolutely sure you want to do it. We have too many people wanting to be lawyers and too few places for them.