Team Story – Greg Porter
Butcher & Barlow’s culture encourages growth, responsibility, and mentorship and it’s one I’m proud to be part of.
Q: Can you tell us about your role at Butcher & Barlow and your legal focus?
A: I’m a Partner at Butcher & Barlow, and I head the Dispute Resolution department. My legal career has primarily revolved around civil litigation, covering areas such as personal injury, clinical negligence, and various forms of general and commercial litigation. I’ve always been drawn to the diverse challenges that come with this field.
Q: Could you describe a typical day in your role?
A: A typical day for me involves a balance of fee-earning work, managing client files, and handling administrative aspects within my department. Over the years, I’ve transitioned into a role that allows me to not only handle complex cases but also oversee my team’s smooth operation. This includes managing financial aspects like bad debts and work in progress and resolving staffing matters.
Q: What aspects of dispute resolution do you find most appealing?
A: The diversity within Dispute Resolution has always been a major attraction for me. Even before taking on managerial responsibilities, I appreciated the variety inherent in this area of law. No two cases are the same, and I’ve had the opportunity to represent both claimants and defendants in a wide range of disputes, from personal matters to intricate commercial conflicts. It keeps my work exciting, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to specialise in dispute resolution?
A: Originally, I thought I’d end up in Commercial Property and hadn’t considered a contentious work type. When I began my training contract at Butcher & Barlow in September 2008, I got the opportunity to experience different areas of law and I discovered my passion for dispute resolution, which led me to where I am today.
Q: Can you share your journey from joining Butcher & Barlow to becoming a partner?
A: I completed my training contract in October 2010, having trained under Anthony Higham and Charles Barlow, both of whom handled a variety of civil and personal dispute resolution cases and Jonathan Aldersley, who focused on commercial and commercial property matters. Upon qualification I continued working at our Northwich office under the supervision of the then senior partner Charles Barlow, and as time went on, I began to build up the dispute resolution department there. I became a partner in May 2016.
Q: How did Butcher & Barlow’s approach to training impact your career?
A: Butcher & Barlow’s approach was instrumental in shaping my career. They encouraged Trainees like myself to take on meaningful responsibilities right from the start. This hands-on experience, combined with ongoing guidance and mentorship from senior partners, allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set early in my career.
Q: Do you mentor trainees now, and what do you find rewarding about it?
A: Yes, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring Trainees. It’s incredibly rewarding to provide guidance and support to the next generation of legal professionals. Helping young talent grow and develop in the field is something I find fulfilling.
Q: How do you maintain a work-life balance in your demanding role?
A: I’ve learned the importance of prioritisation and organisation. Efficiently managing my caseload within standard working hours helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance. Butcher & Barlow promotes a culture where working excessively long hours is not expected or seen as the norm.
Q: What are your current goals and aspirations within the Dispute Resolution department?
A: My current focus is on expanding and strengthening the Dispute Resolution department further, and personally, like many in my profession, I’d like to progress as far as I can, but that decision is not entirely within my hands.
Q: Butcher & Barlow’s vision speaks of integrated working between teams and individuals. How does your team work collaboratively?
A: The collaborative approach within our Firm is helpful and supportive. We often refer clients to one another when different legal expertise is required, providing the client with the person who is best suited to helping them with their matter. This fosters a supportive and integrated working environment.
Q: What advice would you offer to aspiring young lawyers?
A: Embrace responsibility and be proactive. Don’t just focus on the tasks at hand; seek opportunities to go above and beyond. In our profession, taking ownership of cases and demonstrating initiative are key to personal and professional growth. Don’t shy away from challenges and always strive to learn and improve.
Q: How has Butcher & Barlow’s culture influenced your career?
A: Butcher & Barlow’s culture encourages growth, responsibility, and mentorship. These aspects have been instrumental in shaping my career. It’s a culture that values hard work, dedication, and a commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients, and it’s one I’m proud to be part of.
My three words to describe Butcher & Barlow are: friendly, supportive and collaborative.