Advocating for Change with James Libson, Managing Partner at Mishcon de Reya LLP | Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, Episode 3

Welcome to the Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership and Black Lawyers Matter.

 

In this episode, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, is in conversation with James Libson, Managing Partner at Mishcon de Reya LLP.

 

An adept litigator who has worked on numerous high-profile cases over the last 20 years, James is an exceptional ally and advocator for change - through both his philanthropic pursuits and professional progression.

 

In his conversation with Sam, James discusses the learnings of his legal career so far; from turning a "career-ending" mistake into a valuable lesson and the importance of leaning into discomfort, to working on the R (Miller) v The Prime Minister case and how he is helping to push forward progress within the legal sector which has been "glacially slow".

 

This episode is an engaging and insightful listen from someone who has had a long, rich and fascinating legal career.

 

Time-stamped Agenda - 

 

01:11 – It’d be great to hear more about your background and why you chose law as a career path?

04:43 - What are some of your passions outside of practising law?

06:31 – Where does your passion for these pursuits come from?

08:21 – Lowlights are often the making of very successful people - how did you change a career challenge into a positive?

14:27 – On the flipside, what is a career highlight and why is it important to you?

17:09 – Why does your passion for diversity come from?

24:12 – What has been your experience of mentorship throughout your studies and career?

29:48 – What advice would you give to managing partners who are looking at increasing black representation in law?

33:32 – What is the one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self and why?

 

Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/ 

Connect with your guest, James Libson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-libson-40319b26/

 

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe for more and share with others in your network!

 

Explore more about The Stephen James Partnership here: https://thesjp.co.uk/

Learn about the Black Lawyers Matter mission here: https://blacklawyersmatter.co.uk/

And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/