Ever wondered how a career in law really unfolds? It isn’t always a straight line. From a self-described not-very-academic student to an equity partner and then to starting his own firm, Chris’s path to Newtons shows that the right career can take a few turns to find.
Watch the video below, in which Chris Newton, talks about his journey into law, the leap of faith behind starting the firm, and what he hopes the next generation at Newtons thinks of him.
How I Got Here: Chris’s Career Story Transcript
So I’ve been asked the question, how did I get to this point in my career? Well, I grew up in Nottingham and went to the Nottingham Bluecoat School and then down to do my degree in Essex before going up to York College of Law to law school.
I wouldn’t describe myself as very academic at all. And I didn’t particularly enjoy my educational years, although my year at York was very enjoyable. But I always thought I would enjoy work when I actually started. I’ve actually worked for four law firms now.
I started in North Nottinghamshire in a criminal law firm and then moved to a local competitor, which was a mistake. I then met Sarah and moved up to be with her in North Yorkshire and found a job in Harrogate, where I became a full equity partner at one of the Harrogate firms.
But I always wanted to start my own business. And that’s when we started Newtons, which was a huge leap of faith, but something which I have absolutely loved. Now, I remember as a young solicitor looking at a senior partner in a competitor firm and wondering, well, what do they do to justify their existence?
And I hope now that I’m at the other end of the career spectrum, that we don’t have young people in the business today wondering, what on earth does Chris do to justify his existence?
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If you’re interested in joining our team, take a look at our current vacancies or reach out to find out more. We’re always keen to hear from people who want to build a rewarding career in a firm that values its people.