Wednesday Sep 04, 2024

Leveraging Non-Traditional Backgrounds in Law with James Morgan, Managing Director & General Counsel for EMEA at MUFG | Creating the Connection Podcast, Season 1, Episode 1

Welcome to the premiere episode of Creating the Connection, a podcast brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership.

In this debut episode, host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with James Morgan, Managing Director and General Counsel for EMEA at MUFG. Together, they explore the challenges of social mobility in the legal industry and discuss what it takes to overcome them.

What happens when you enter the legal profession without the traditional support structures? James Morgan’s story sheds light on this question. His journey isn’t just about personal triumph but also about advocating for greater visibility and mentorship within the industry.

James shares his transition from private practice to an in-house legal role, likening it to a “Whack-a-Mole” game with constant new challenges. He also reflects on the evolving role of financial services in society, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the sector’s positive impact.

Leadership and responsibility take centre stage in this conversation. James emphasises that leaders must do more than just succeed - they need to mentor others, share their vulnerabilities, and demystify the path to success. His advice for aspiring legal professionals is clear: build networks, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

This episode invites you to rethink how we approach social mobility in law. Whether you're just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, James Morgan’s insights offer valuable perspectives on creating a more inclusive and accessible legal profession.

Tune in to Creating the Connection and join us in driving real change in the legal industry.

Timestamped guide:

01:11 - What was it that initially attracted you to the law?

02:21 - And within law, more specifically, where does your interest in financial services come from?

04:29 - What did social mobility in the legal sector look like when you were starting out?

08:30 - Did your confidence in your abilities grow over time, or did you figure it out on your own?

11:35 - How did you find the transition from individual contributor to manager in your in-house career?

14:27 - How would you recommend people from less advantaged backgrounds build connections in the legal sector today?

18:09 - What do you see as the biggest barriers to social mobility within the legal industry?

20:10 - How do you think leaders can foster a culture of mentoring and support for staff within the teams in which they lead?

24:18 - What are you most passionate about?

Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/

Connect with your guest, James Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-morgan-47254615/

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