The Inside Track with: Neil Davies | Director | NDP Solicitors
- December 21, 2022
Every month we speak to prominent professionals working in, around, and for the legal sector in the UK, uncovering their greatest inspiration, what makes them tick in a work capacity and out, and their own career paths and journey to the top of their game.
Interview with: Neil Davies, Director | Neil Davies & Partners, Solicitors (NDP)
WHAT HAS YOUR MORNING LOOKED LIKE?
The day started with a somewhat snowy drive from North Wales to a bitterly cold Birmingham where we are based. After a morning coffee we start the week off with our usual Monday morning meeting with the team.
HOW IS BUSINESS AT THE MOMENT?
As a business we are very busy, especially across insolvency, restructuring and commercial work which has been generally driven by the increased costs falling on businesses.
HAS IT ALWAYS BEEN ‘LAW’ AS A CHOSEN CAREER?
Once I realised I was never going to fulfil a dream of being an airline pilot (as I am colour blind) then yes, law was very much my chosen career. I did an A-level course in Law and was hooked by the thrill of arguing points…not much has changed since!
WHAT IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
I think my biggest accomplishment is still being here as a practicing solicitor after 32 years. I’m lucky to be part of a great team of 14 driven individuals who all share the same goals and have the same vision.
Training young lawyers is a fab by-product of what we do every day and something I enjoy immensely.
WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Without a doubt my parents are my biggest inspiration. They are the embodiment of what a work ethic is all about.
WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens. It is obligatory reading in the run up to Christmas (my favourite time of year) and really reminds us of the joy we can get from doing things for others; what really matters in life (and of course, what doesn’t).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THE START OF YOUR CAREER IN THE LEGAL SECTOR?
I wish I had learnt to delegate better much sooner in my career!
HOW HAS THE LEGAL SECTOR CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS?
I would say that the sector has changed beyond recognition in recent years. Technology has greatly improved how and what we do. However I do feel that Lawyers generally do not get the respect from clients that they used to-probably in large measure our own doing.
OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?
I am an avid fan of most sports – but especially football, rugby and cricket. Watching sports is therefore something I find hugely enjoyable. I also spend a lot of time walking my dog and in particular, love the Lleyn peninsula coast path which is just stunning.
Down time with my wife and friends is also a favourite pastime – throw in some one-pot cooking and I am a happy bunny.
That being said – they all distract me, albeit temporarily, from my main hobby which is my work (sad but true).
AND FINALLY, YOUR GO-TO PODCAST?
I am a big fan of listening to great sports commentary and podcasts when out walking Mac, our spaniel. Anything relating to cricket I particularly enjoy.
Neil Davies and Partners Solictors (NDP) was founded in 2007 and are based in central Birmingham.
The firm specialises in a number of practice areas including Director disqualification, insolvency, restructuring and insolvency litigation, as well as commercial litigation, business crime and construction disputes.
The Firm has won a number of awards in recent years including Small Law Firm of the Year (Birmingham Law Society) in 2016 and has been shortlisted for the same accolade in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.
