Getting to know... Jonathan Winston

In a new feature for Bdaily looking at the person behind the business profile, Jonathan Winston, managing partner at Leeds' Winston Solicitors, talks about his route into the legal profession, the enjoyment he takes from working in a sector with such varied challenges and opportunities, and his firm’s pioneering hybrid working model.

We know you as the managing partner of family law experts Winston Solicitors, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

Did you always want to work in the legal sector? 
No – I actually wanted to be a pharmacist, but my science A-level results put paid to that.

However, I found a polytechnic that accepted general studies as one of the subjects to do law.

Thankfully, I persisted, and I now can’t imagine doing anything else.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?  
As managing partner, I love the variety of opportunities and challenges we face every day.

I also really enjoy working with a great team to make things happen, and seeing the results when those positive reviews come in. 

The worst must be the paperwork. 

I know that is what lawyers are supposed to love,  but I must have missed that part of the training.

Even now, more than 30 years on from qualifying, I would much prefer to talk to someone than fill in a form.   

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 
Setting up the business in 2002 as a work-from-home solicitors firm (we now have a fabulous physical office too). 

So, when someone asks to work from home or requests hybrid working, I can honestly say we’ve been championing this way of working for more than 20 years.  

How do you relax outside of work?
Going to our static caravan in Settle, and either cycling or walking in the Yorkshire Dales. 

What makes Leeds such a great place to live and work?
For a law firm, it’s the amazing opportunities, as we are the largest legal centre outside of London. 

Personally, I’d say it’s because my family are Leeds born and bred.

And, for my sins, I still enjoy a good visit to Elland Road.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know… 

I can juggle, which always comes in handy at team events.

• If you would like to take part in this feature - or Bdaily's other profile platforms - email editor Steven Hugill at steven@bdaily.co.uk

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