The reality of being a lawyer was 'quite different' from what James Nguyen initially imagined

The Squire Patton Boggs partner shares what he considers to be the best moments at work

The reality of being a lawyer was 'quite different' from what James Nguyen initially imagined
James Nguyen

James Nguyen wanted to be a lawyer ever since childhood - but the reality of working in the profession ended up being quite different from he thought it would be.

However, it was different in a good way as Nguyen loves his job, especially when he's able to watch businesses he's worked with thrive. In this May interview, the Squire Patton Boggs corporate partner tells us why it's important to get team culture and dynamics right, and why technology can never know clients better than lawyers do.

 

What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job? 
 
Since I was young, I have always wanted to be a lawyer – it seemed a very exciting job and while I love my job today, it’s fair to say that it is quite different from what I imagined early on.  
 
My favourite part of the job is getting to know our clients’ businesses inside-out and using that knowledge to help solve their legal issues in a way that is highly adapted and tailored. This problem solving, where you are piecing together several different (and sometimes seemingly competing) priorities and perspectives, is something that keeps me engaged in the job. 
 
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date? 
 
I have been very lucky to work on many memorable and interesting transactions. The best moments are looking back after a transaction is completed and being able to see the fantastic results you have helped achieve. I’m delighted every time I see businesses I have worked with go from strength to strength and deliver innovative products to customers. 
 
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in your career and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it? 
 
The biggest lesson that I’ve learned in my career is the importance of being a team player and, as a more senior lawyer, helping to develop junior talent. Working together as a team as compared with doing it alone is always going to be more rewarding for you personally but it also allows you to deliver exceptional client service. It has given me great joy over the years to see lawyers that I’ve mentored rise up in the ranks. My advice to my fellow lawyers is to prioritise getting the team culture and dynamics right. 
 
What are your thoughts on new technology and its impact on the legal profession? 
 
New technologies are already changing the way we work and all the signs are pointing to the pace of that change accelerating. At the same time, we shouldn’t lose sight of our roles and the value that we bring, which is to exercise our judgment to advise our clients. While technologies can assist us in doing our jobs, they don’t know our clients better than we know them. 

What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year? 
 
I am really looking forward to developing the Squire Patton Boggs private equity practice here in Sydney. We have a fantastic local team that I’m excited to be working with. It is also very exciting to be a part of a global firm with offices across more than 20 countries that is focused on private equity. The firm has made a concerted investment to expand its private equity capabilities across most of its jurisdictions and I look forward to working with my international colleagues on our strategy.