Michael O’Connor
Law Society Finals
About me
- Partner at Addleshaw Goddard
- Studied: Law Society Finals
About my career
My first job after completing my course at Manchester Met was as an Article Clerk at Addleshaw Goddard (then known as Addleshaw Sons & Latham). I secured the role towards the end of my Classics Degree at the University of Durham. After a successful three weeks of summer work experience, they offered me a full time job to start after I finished my CPE and LSF studies at Manchester Met.
I have been a Partner at Addleshaws since 1996 and in the early stages of my career, I was encouraged to identify opportunities in the world of public private partnerships and infrastructure. That started with a rebuild at Wythenshawe Hospital. These days I head up our Manchester office but remain a practising Lawyer working on a range of health, transport, regeneration and energy projects.
My role as Head of office covers three key areas:
- Business Development – by encouraging collaboration between colleagues at Addleshaw Goddard and ensuring our technical skills and chosen sectors are aligned.
- People – ensuring equality of opportunities are available to all of our colleagues and supporting staff to network and be positive in their own way.
- Our role in the city – which concentrates on how Addleshaws can support Manchester, for example developing young talent in the City.
My top tips for students
- Discover your learning technique early and find out what works for you.
- Develop you interpersonal skills.
- And finally enjoy yourself.
How does it feel to be a graduate of a Law School, which is celebrating 50 years in 2019/20?
I have very fond memories of Manchester Law School. The quality of the teaching was excellent and we were a very successful cohort.
Who do you think has made a significant contribution to Manchester Law School over the last 50 years?
The most significant contribution for me was the lecturers at Manchester Law School, they had industry experience as well as academic knowledge.
What is your favourite memory of Manchester Law School?
I was studying at Manchester Law School in 1985 and I had a great experience and met really interesting and a diverse range of people.