Q&A with employment law specialist and Lombards Managing Partner Matt Gingell

Find out what skills it takes to set up and manage a law firm in this Q&A with employment law specialist and Managing Partner Matt Gingell. As well as outlining his route into the profession, from university to securing a training contract and setting up Lombards, Matt also explains why he created his YouTube channel ‘Bitesized UK Employment Law’ and how it can benefit future lawyers.

What attracted you to a career in law?  

A lot of people suggested that it would be wise to do a vocational degree with a clear career path. I was not very good with numbers and so it seemed like a sensible option! I really enjoyed the law degree at the University of the West of England (Bristol), and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) was fun and rewarding too.

How easy was it to secure a training contract?

I found it difficult to find a training contract. I secured a 2:1 at degree level and passed the LPC. However, there was so much competition for firms in London, which is where I was applying. I think that in hindsight I probably applied too widely and should have focussed on less firms and spent more time on the applications. After receiving lots of rejections, I was lucky to be offered a training contract at a high-street firm in Mitcham, Surrey – which I accepted.

Do you think you made the most of your training?

Yes, I was keen to develop my own caseload, which boosted my confidence, and I was able to identify which area of laws interested me. I soon got a taste for employment law and really liked handling so many varied enquiries. I got involved in a free legal surgery as well, which was challenging as you never knew what queries clients would raise.

Please outline your area of expertise.

My main area of expertise is employment law. I advise employers and employees on a wide range of workplace issues, including employment contracts, settlement agreements and exit negotiations, unfair dismissal, whistleblowing, discrimination, restrictive covenants and confidentiality, TUPE and data protection.

What do you like about the area of law that you have chosen?

Employment law is constantly changing and there are always stories relating to this area of the law in the news. I get a real buzz out of keeping-up-to-date with the latest developments.

Was setting up a law firm easy?

It was not easy to set up Lombards as there were so many things to think about. Applying for authorisation, as a regulated firm, requires a lot of planning. You need to consider things such as the firm’s name, the premises, insurance, who will be responsible for compliance roles, estimated costs and revenue and how you will market. However, once you get going with the preparations it is not as daunting as it seems.

What skills are important for managing a law firm?

I think that you need to be organised and disciplined. There are a lot of different aspects to the role and you must be able to balance doing client work with running a business.

Why did you create your Bitesized UK Employment Law YouTube channel?

I thought that there was a real need to simplify employment law and make the law easier to understand for people. I published a number of employee and HR guides on my personal website and then decided to make a YouTube channel with short videos on different topics. The idea was to break the law down into manageable pieces.

What makes the channel stand out?

People say that the videos are really engaging and easy to understand. I try to cut out all the legal jargon and just stick to the key points, making it more accessible for my viewers.

What tips can you offer to future solicitors?

First, if you are finding it difficult to get work experience or a training contract keep persevering and do not give up. It can be demoralising receiving many rejections, but a door will open when you least expect it. Second, be present and active on social media. With increased remote working and less face-to-face meetings having a social media presence will be important for building your brand and making connections. And, finally, make sure you balance the law with outside interests, for a rounded and healthy outlook.

Matt Gingell is the managing partner of Lombards.