From Trainee to Rainmaker – Paul Mann’s Journey in Corporate Law

Recently awarded Yorkshire’s Rainmaker of the Year, Paul Mann, a corporate partner based in our Leeds office, shares his career journey to date.

If you’d told me back in school that I’d one day be named Yorkshire’s Rainmaker of the Year by TheBusinessDesk.com, I probably would’ve laughed. But here I am – still a bit surprised, incredibly grateful and reflecting on a journey that’s been full of lessons, strong relationships and a few late nights.

It all started with a school careers computer program that suggested “lawyer” as a potential path. Around the same time, I was watching a lot of L.A. Law and thought, “That looks pretty glamorous.” Spoiler alert: it’s not quite like the TV shows! But the seed was planted, and after studying law, I joined the firm as a trainee in 2003.

My training contract took me to our offices in Leeds, London and Birmingham. I loved the variety and energy of corporate work, though I was briefly tempted by pensions law.

A Path to Partnership

I became a partner in 2013 and head of private equity for the UK and Europe in 2017. The role has grown with the firm, and I’ve grown with it. What’s kept me here? Honestly, the culture. From top to bottom, the firm has always had a great feel. We’re bigger and more global now, but the core values haven’t changed. There’s a real sense of connection and support.

If you’re thinking of joining us, I’ll say this: once you’re in, it’s hard to find reasons to leave! Outside of work, my family – my wife and two young children – are my biggest supporters. They keep me grounded and help me maintain perspective. I try to leave work at the door (the kids help with that), though there’s always room for improvement.