Team Story – Nick Ball
There’s an open-door ethos, which I find incredibly valuable. It makes working here more satisfying and enjoyable. It fosters a sense of trust and inclusivity that’s not present in all law firms.
Q: Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself, your name, and the department you’re working in?
A: I’m Nicholas Ball, and I work across the Commercial Property department and the Corporate & Commercial department here at Butcher & Barlow.
Q: How long have you been at Butcher & Barlow?
A: I originally joined Butcher & Barlow for about 18 months in 2019 to 2020. I left for a brief period and then returned in December 2021. So, collectively, it’s been about three and a half years.
Q: What’s your specialism?
A: My specialism is mixed Commercial Property, which encompasses anything related to Commercial Property as well as Corporate & Commercial matters such as business sales and acquisitions.
Q: Is this the area you always wanted to work in? How did you decide on this career path?
A: Yes, I’ve been drawn to Commercial Property from the beginning. I started as a legal assistant, then moved on to become a Paralegal, all focused on Commercial Property. I carried this on through my training contract as well, mainly centred on Commercial Property but with Corporate & Commercial in the background. It’s just what’s always stuck with me.
Q: Can you describe what a typical workday looks like for you?
A: It’s quite hard to define a typical day because my role is so varied, no two days are the same. One day, I might start with a lease and then, by afternoon, be working on a share purchase. The diversity of tasks keeps things interesting.
Q: Do you enjoy the variety in your work, where no two days are the same?
A: Absolutely. The variety keeps me engaged and productive. Having expertise in both Commercial Property and Corporate & Commercial allows me to handle an entire transaction, whilst calling on help from other teams with different areas of specialisms should I need to, which is really useful.
Q: What do you believe are the most important skills for someone working in law?
A: Attention to detail is crucial, but values like strong interpersonal skills and being a friendly advisor to clients have become increasingly important. Building a collaborative relationship with clients, rather than maintaining a strictly transactional one, is key in today’s legal landscape.
Q: How important is collaboration both within the Firm and with clients in your line of work?
A: Collaboration is vital, especially in property development work, where clients have large professional teams. Integrating yourself into that team rather than remaining on the outside is hugely beneficial. And internally at Butcher & Barlow it’s good to know we can call upon other teams for help or advise if it’s needed
Q: Can you tell us what you like about the culture and ethos at Butcher & Barlow and why you wanted to come back?
A: There’s an open-door ethos, which I find incredibly valuable. It makes working here more satisfying and enjoyable. It fosters a sense of trust and inclusivity that’s not present in all law firms.
Q: Do you think this accessibility to all levels is unique within law firms?
A: Yes, it can be quite unusual in law firms. Some firms are rigid in their approach, limiting communication just to your line manager. But it’s not like that at Butcher & Barlow. You can walk into an Equity Partner’s office to ask them something as easily as going straight to your supervisor and they’re just as accommodating.
Q: What can you tell us about growth and development opportunities within Butcher & Barlow?
A: The opportunity and support for personal and professional growth I’d say is encouraged. I’ve always found the Firm to be very open to new proposals – especially ones that benefit both personal and firm development, like how to bring in more new clients for instance.
Q: How do you find the work-life balance at Butcher & Barlow?
A: There’s a level of trust that enables flexibility, such as working from home, which I find very beneficial, and the Firm promotes a healthy work-life balance. You can leave work at the door at 5:00pm and return the next day, they don’t expect you to work out of hours. Things like this foster trust and respect both ways I think – one of the good things to come out of Covid is the realisation that we don’t need to be in the office 9-5 every day to do an effective job.
Q: Can you share one of your proudest career moments or accomplishments?
A: I think being named as a Recommended Lawyer in the Commercial Property team in the Legal 500 2024 edition is definitely something I’m proud of. I just have to make sure I maintain it now!
Q: Have there been any mentors or individuals who have had a significant impact on your career?
A: I haven’t got a specific career mentor, but the suggestion from a high school career advisor that I could become a lawyer stuck with me. And all those law dramas on TV when I was growing up sparked my interest too, even though I now realise they glamourise it a fair bit!
Q: What piece of advice would you give to someone who may be considering a career in law?
A: Get your own name stamp! I got one about six months ago after a colleague suggested it and can attest that it has made a huge difference. On a serious note, I think if I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, I’d probably say, get as much hands-on experience as you can as early as you can. And that goes for whatever field of work you go into not just law; it helps prepare you so much. It wasn’t something I ever really thought about when I was at school or college, but gaining hands-on experience as early as possible, so you start building those connections is great advice.