This week we celebrate 25 years since Andrew Shipp joined Gardner Leader.
We sat down with Andrew to ask him a number of questions from why he chose to begin his legal journey at Gardner Leader to finding out how he has seen the legal profession change since then.
What made you choose to work at Gardner Leader?
I started at GL in June 1999 as a summer job after finishing university, not really knowing what I was going to do, while looking for something permanent. I ended up staying for 18 months, helping out in archives and reception, but obviously impressed someone as I was then offered the opportunity to train on the job.
Tell us about your legal journey and lessons you have learnt along the way?
I started working as a fee earner in January 2001, training to be a legal executive. I had to undertake 5 years of home study and exams to qualify. This taught me to be organised as it was very difficult finding time to study in my spare time. In 2008, I decided that I wanted to try and qualify as a solicitor, so I then did a further 4 years of home study and exams (while doing my full-time job) before completing them in 2012. I then had to do the Legal Practice Course, which I did over 2 years, travelling to Southampton every third weekend for 2 full-day sessions. I eventually fully qualified in November 2014. I was then subsequently promoted to Associate and Senior Associate, before becoming a Salaried Partner in July 2020. What I have learned the most is that, if you have the support, and if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. However, I have definitely had enough of exams!!
As you reflect on your 25 years at GL how have you seen the legal profession change and what aspects have you found the most fascinating and inspiring?
I recall that, not long after I started, the firm rolled out its first PC that had access to the internet. Now, virtually everything we do is internet based in some way. Dictation to secretaries was done via hand-held Dictaphones with small tapes that you attached to hard copy files and walked down to their desks. Now, we can dictate into our mobile phones and the dictation arrives instantaneously. The biggest change is that we are now virtually paperless. Even 10 years ago, we had filing cabinets full of client papers and correspondence with every letter being printed out, hole punched and placed on a file. Now, everything is electronic, which saves a lot of time and a lot of paper!
What is a quote that you live by and why?
Control what you can control.
If you could step into the shoes of another GL member who would it be and why?
Greg Humphreys, so I could just play golf all the time!
What is your favourite part of working at GL?
There is a real family feel to our firm. People look out for each other and the Partners really care about the staff. We are encouraged to be open with both our concerns and ideas, which makes it a great place to work!