Clive Read

I have recently moved to Shakespeare Martineau where I head up the Birmingham office and, on a day to day basis, provide commercial property and development advice to universities, colleges and regional developers.  Seeing the end product for a development project and having played a part in the team that brings that together still gives me a lift.  I know the positive effect that can have for end users, whether students, businesses or home owners. It’s a varied and interesting mix of work for an equally interesting mix of clients.  These are really exciting times for the firm as we look to grow further.  There is a real buzz about Shakespeare Martineau which I love – there is a clear sense of direction and purpose but the welfare and importance of staff and their well-being is fundamental to how we operate.  There is a real refreshing outlook – in many ways this does not feel like a traditional law firm – and that’s a compliment!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with BLS.  You meet some fascinating people, have a chance to shape things for the profession and to make a difference.  There are all sorts of roles available.  For individual practitioners, I’d recommend your particular committee as an ideal way to become involved.  The Property and Development Committee has influenced government in its responses to consultation papers and BLS submissions are invariably well-considered and respected.  Chairing that Committee for five years was an important role and I still enjoy sitting on the committee, even in its current virtual form.

I have been privileged to sit on Council since 2014, having been re-elected in 2018.  The monthly meetings provide a regular forum to consider the wider issues that BLS members face and to consider forthcoming issues that affect us all, whatever the size of firm.  The profession is undergoing yet more radical change and Council performs an invaluable function and BLS is playing it’s part in shaping legal advice and services, as it has done for over 200 years. It’s an honour to be involved.