Legal Matters Q&A: Stephen Lownsbrough, Associate, Blacks Solicitors

Law firms have changed in size, constitution and focus.

The 1980s and 1990s saw mergers, break-ups, and massive growth of law firms in ways that would have been inconceivable when I first started in the law.

I feel the legal profession will need to be “leaner and fitter” over the next five years.

What law would you like to see changed?

The Statute of Marlborough was a set of laws passed by King Henry III of England in 1267. There were twenty-nine chapters, of which four are still in force!

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

Having spent over 30 years within the commercial property and sports industries and having acted for and in conjunction with Nike and other major sports companies for numerous years, picking out one would be impossible.

Acting on behalf of Stan James in respect of their sponsorship of the Guineas was pretty special.

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

Unfortunately the two I most admired are no longer with us – they are Roger Suddards and Gordon Moore, two great people whose values still hold true. Another person I admire is my colleague John Hendrie, who would have made a better lawyer than a footballer!

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

I came to Leeds in 1982 and have seen it expand and develop into the legal and financial centre it is today. A career is only as successful as a person wants it to be.

Leeds offers everyone the opportunity to succeed, but a career has to be built and not taken for granted.