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 Chris Morse, partner in our Employment team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
No two days are the same in employment law, which is why I enjoy it so much. I am particularly passionate about providing support to employer clients because it allows me to build long-term relationships and to be a trusted adviser, giving advice with the benefit of a strong knowledge of the client, their ethos and what keeps them up at night.
I advise employers on a daily basis on a full range of employment matters from non-contentious elements such as policy and contract drafting through to the more contentious elements of grievances, disciplinaries, redundancies, sickness absence and employee exits. I regularly advise on complex settlement agreements for both employers and employees.
Why did you specialise in (your area of) law?
I previously specialised in family law for many years. When I decided I wanted a change in my career, I knew for certain that I wanted to remain in an area of law focussed on helping and supporting people. Employment stood out in that regard and within weeks of joining our Employment team I knew I had made the right choice. I was also really pleased that skills I had previously gained in being empathetic, organised and client management skills all proved to be transferable.
What do you love most about your role?
Building long-term relationships with clients that allow me to feel like I am supportive and adding value to the employers with which I work. These range from companies with a national presence, such as retailers and food manufacturers often based in the South-West, to professional service firms and family run businesses.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I have two young children and spending quality time with them, and my fiancée is always my favourite activity. I love music, especially live music, so I get to gigs as often as I can – you can’t beat a good Eden session (at the Eden Project) with a cold pint of Thatchers! Swimming, walking and trying to look busy in the garden are my other favourite pastimes.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what you be and why?
This is an answer that has changed a lot as I have got older. Other than achieving what I need to have a comfortable life, I would like to focus on what I can do for other people. On that basis I would like to have profession where I could help people with mental health difficulties, such as being a psychologist / counsellor.
Alternatively (and selfishly), I would be hired as a roadie for the Foo Fighters!
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
Being a partner at a firm like Stephens Scown is one of my proudest achievements. It’s a privilege to be able to live in the South West whilst also being able to work for a firm that punches above its weight time after time after time. We have won recent awards and accolades in the legal industry this year and I work with many talented lawyers.
For me though, what makes Stephens Scown different is the people and, by association, the culture; a culture that is fiercely protected in every decision that is being made. Opportunities that risk jeopardising that culture are quickly dismissed, no matter how profitable the potential short-term gains. Culture trumps all. This is reflected in Stephens Scown taking the lead on being the first large law firm to become employee owned, achieving BCorp status at the beginning of this year and consistently being a Times 100 top employer.
The fact I can go talk with our Managing Partner just as I would a personal friend speaks volumes about the culture, and although it may be a cliché, everyone at Stephens Scown is genuinely nice and it makes working alongside them a genuine pleasure.