Colleague Spotlight: Ian Clifton 

Ian is a solicitor and Team Leader in our clinical negligence department. He works alongside Associate Solicitor, Andrew Hesketh, and leads a team of legal experts in our Liverpool base. Below, we discuss Ian’s career journey at Fletchers Solicitors, and uncover a few surprising facts!

What has been your journey at Fletchers Solicitors so far? 

I have recently returned to the firm as a Team Leader in the clinical negligence department after six years away, having previously been a specialist litigator in the Southport office until mid-2019.  

The consistent growth of the firm from then to now has been remarkable and is showing no sign of stopping. Despite such significant growth, it is clear to see, as a returning colleague, that the firm has retained the ethos and spirit that has seen so many colleagues either stay for many years or, like myself, return to the fold.  

Describe a workday in the life of Ian

I start each morning by setting out in writing what I want/need to achieve that day. I find that this enables me to manage my time in what can be a busy schedule of 1-1s and management meetings. 

My role involves day-to-day management of a team of fee earners of different experience levels, driving performance whilst managing caseloads and ensuring the team members have the support and resources needed for the team to reach our shared goals. This involves reviewing and allocating new cases, agreeing case plans, answering queries and providing supportive supervisory oversight of the cases in the team. 

If I’m working from home, I always try and take the dog for a walk at lunchtime, as I find this resets the mind and sets me up well for a productive afternoon.  

If you could give your younger self career advice, what would you say? 

Have more inner confidence in your ability and learn to recognise and manage your inner ‘chimp’. A career in law can be stressful at times but if you can learn to do both of those things, you’ll be just fine.  

Who would be your dream dinner guest(s) and why? 

Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson, two of my comedy heroes.  

What is something people would be surprised to find out about you? 

I was once forced into a contest on a cruise ship, completely against my will, had to do an impersonation of Forrest Gump, and won first prize with a standing ovation.  

What is your favourite thing about being based in our Liverpool office?  

The Liverpool office is a fantastic space, right in the commercial quarter, and puts the firm at the heart of the legal community in the city. This gives us the opportunity to maintain our relationship with the Liverpool Law Society and other members of the legal community.  

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career? 

If you haven’t already, then read The Chimp Paradox, by Dr. Steve Peters. 

The Chimp Paradox is a mind management model that helps to understand the interaction between our emotional mind (the inner chimp) and the rational mind. It helps to recognise when our ‘chimp’ is causing emotional reaction, overreaction or panic, and teaches how to try to let the logical/rational ‘human’ side take over. It has really changed my outlook.