Many graduates aspire to become a partner in a law firm, playing a lead role in the direction and growth of the business. Depending on its size, this usually involves heading up a department and a wide range of other duties such as business development and marketing. Like others in the profession, my progression to senior partner required plenty of hard work and determination – but reaching your goal brings endless rewards.

Paul Cobb – Head of Family Law and Senior Partner at Rothera Sharp

My background

I wanted to be a lawyer from the age of 16 and following completion of my law degree at Staffordshire Polytechnic in 1988 (now Staffordshire University), I undertook the final exams at the Law School Chester.
Despite falling into family law almost by accident, I found it so interesting that I have built my entire career on the subject. After finishing my training contract in Merseyside, I returned to the Midlands, which is where I am from originally, to take up a legal post.
With few opportunities to progress at that firm, I left and eventually secured a position in the family law department at Nottingham-based Rothera Dowson (now Rothera Sharp). Becoming a partner was my next ambition and I achieved this in 1997. Today, I am a Partner and Head of Family Law at Rothera Sharp.

Route to partner

As you might expect, it usually takes years to become a partner, not least because you need a high level of experience and expertise. I always tell students and graduates to be open about their aim, especially as many law firms want you to stay and forge your career with them rather than moving on after a year or two. In interviews, candidates sometimes shy away from talking about their ambitions, but showing determination will set you apart.
Once you have a foot in the door, your path usually depends on the size of the firm and age of the current partners. Smaller practices, with just two or three solicitors, may need you to take on extra duties, so you could be promoted sooner than with a larger firm where there are more layers.
Being a partner means you will have to make an investment in the business and few people are in a position to do this until later in their career. Since it demands a great deal of commitment, both in terms of money and time, be absolutely sure you have found the right firm before investing.

General tips

Law may be a highly specialist profession, but that doesn’t mean the same careers advice doesn’t apply. For many firms, particularly the smaller ones, personality and the right attitude are vital so think about how you present yourself to employers. Thoroughly research the firm and get a sense of its ethos, before using the interview to showcase the skills you have learned, whether on a university project or from working in a bar or supermarket. Finally, prove to your interviewers that there is more to you than exam results alone.

Good luck.

Paul Cobb
Head of Family Law and Partner at Rothera Sharp