My legal life: Hayley Davies, JCP Solicitors

I began working in law as a 15-year-old, taking on a summer job as a receptionist while living in Australia with my family. I made an impression at the firm and was offered a full-time role through which I started law studies courses. However, my parents did not enjoy living in Australia and returned to Wales when I was 16. I loved my job and studies, so we agreed I could stay in Australia with my aunt until I turned 18. At that point, I came home to Wales, where I met my husband and we started a family.

After having my second child, I returned to work and found a role as an evening typist at what is now JCP Solicitors. I began my role with few O-levels. But thanks to the encouraging learning environment at JCP, I was supported to complete my Institute of Legal Cashiers and Administrators diploma through distance learning, then my AAT qualification at Swansea College and an MBA at Nottingham University. I was able to study flexibly, around my work and home life. I worked my way up to senior management through the accounts department, becoming director of finance and operations in 2002 and CEO in 2009.

In 2012, I was the first female non-lawyer to be made an equity partner in a Welsh law firm. A memorable moment was being nominated for both the Swansea Bay Business Woman of the Year Award and the IWA Business Leader Award by my colleagues. It goes to show that an inclusive, approachable and encouraging leadership style creates supportive, productive employees – and that is what we value at JCP.

As a non-lawyer running a law firm, I take a business-first approach to the firm’s development. Rather than bringing a legal specialism to the table, I view the firm through a financial lens thanks to my accountancy and MBA training. For example, before I became a partner in 2008, I saw a business opportunity for restructuring. This followed the recession’s impact on the housing market, where the firm had been over-reliant on conveyancing. It was producing turnover but not high profits. My three-year strategy drove business growth in higher-value markets. This brought stability to the business and allowed us to focus on merger and acquisition opportunities.

'One of the most important lessons I have learned is to consider the business holistically. Yes, we deliver legal services, but to be a successful, future-proofed business, we need to manage our business strategy to overcome universal challenges'

Since then, I have continued to deliver business strategy plans which focus on growth, expansion and senior talent development. This approach prioritises our people, delivering exceptional client service and ensuring business security. We are now proud to be one of Wales’ largest independent law firms, with eight regional offices.

Legal firms will always pose unique business challenges. But one of the most important lessons I have learned is to consider the business holistically. Yes, we deliver legal services to clients across England and Wales, but to be a successful, future-proofed business, we need to manage our business strategy to overcome universal challenges: economic uncertainty, talent retention, compliance, competition. Having an empowered, diverse and supportive workforce equips us to do so.

Since Covid, JCP has been successful in freeing up our legal teams by centralising as much administration around compliance as possible. By removing administrative processes from the legal teams – such as compliance checks and file opening – they can focus on delivering excellent client service and improving client experience.  

Managing a law firm has not tempted me to qualify as a lawyer. I love what I do in terms of strategy, operations and finance. As a firm, we support team members becoming specialists in their areas. This applies across non-legal teams too, such as HR, marketing and accounts. We all play our part in keeping the business moving, thus encouraging career and professional development.

Working in a law firm has taught me that you should always use regulated professionals for writing your will. And do not ever do business on a handshake!