In this series, we introduce some of the people that make up Stephens Scown. We learn about their expertise, what drew them to join the legal profession and find out a little bit about who they are outside of work.
Here we introduce Tim Lane, senior associate in our Corporate Team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
I specialise in commercial law, which means that I advise on the way entities interact with other organisations and individuals. This involves advising on contracts, such as those with suppliers or customers, and the arrangements to help people work together in the longer term, such as partnerships or joint ventures. It also includes advising on some regulatory matters, including consumer law, public procurement, and compliance with rules related to commercial agents.
I advise businesses of all sizes who are active at various stages of the supply chain. I work across a number of sectors, and the nature of the work in the South-West means that I tend to help a lot of organisations that are active within the public and marine sectors.
A typical day for me might include giving advice or preparing legal agreements. It will generally include a mixture of calls, meetings and occasional site visits.
Outside of the normal day-to-day, my role’s taken me to some interesting places – including the deck of a 180 ft barge, a battle of the bands at the 100 Club in London, and the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Why did you choose to specialise in your area of law?
There isn’t a standardised process for a lot of commercial work. The work that we do must fit around the client’s commercial situation, rather than the other way around, which means that the work is hugely diverse.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Like most lawyers, I joined the profession to help people. The most rewarding parts are when you help someone do something particularly interesting, or when you have been able to help them through a particularly tricky period.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
The bits of my job I really enjoy include coming up with solutions and assisting others in doing so or trying to make complex issues seem simple – so I’d probably be a teacher.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’m a keen surfer and I love the outdoors – my wife and I have walked the Cornish coast, and we are gradually doing the remaining parts of the South West Coast Path. I also enjoy travelling and playing the guitar.
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
We are, of course, a B Corp, have achieved net zero, and are the first large employee-owned law firm. The firm has a great culture, I’m lucky to be able to work with a lot of talented colleagues, and to focus on some really interesting clients doing some great projects.