Press Release – Feb 2020
A YORKSHIRE legal business coach, who has trained almost 7,000 lawyers, has launched her latest book in Harrogate – with the help of two of the town’s solicitors.
Andrew Gray, founder of Truth Legal, and Martin Holdsworth, who launched the inheritance dispute resolution practice IDR Law, joined author Ann Page for the Harrogate launch of her book on Thursday February 27 at the town’s West Park Hotel.
For her latest venture, Ann has again swapped the small print for book print after a career spanning 30 years as an in-house lawyer.
The former top 100 lawyer has drawn upon her expertise in senior roles at companies as diverse as Citibank, Crest Homes, Next and The Co-operative Bank for her latest publication, as well as from her own company teaching business skills to lawyers.
Titled “Business Skills? Don’t Be Daft I’m A Lawyer!”, the book starts with exploring the “Why?” before moving on to assess the clients and products that would work for a business. Later sections cover business mechanics and how to future proof.
With regards the latter advice, the book features inspirational stories from over 29 lawyers who have embarked on their business path, including five of them outside legal practice.
Ann reviewed her book, while Andrew and Martin charted their legal journey and gave a first-hand insight why business skills are crucial in today’s legal environment.
As founder of Yorkshire Courses for Lawyers, Ann offers strategic and motivational coaching to solicitors at all levels looking for mentoring, guidance and direction.
Since 2003, Ann has trained nearly 7,000 lawyers on leadership, management and interpersonal skills.
She said: “Using excerpts from interviews with legal stars, this book takes you on their business journey in a way that will help all business owners, whether in the legal world or not.
“Before you get to their stories, the first five sections provide practical advice, tools and techniques to lead you through the process of your own business journey, wherever you are.”
Emma Pearmaine, managing director of Ridley and Hall and President of Leeds Law Society, said: “The stars in Ann’s book are ‘real’ and that makes all the difference. They give a very ‘real’ insight into their motivation, method and experiences.”
The 29 “stars” featured in the book include:
- Fourteen legal business owners with a team at the time of interview – Andrew Gray, Bill Barton, Gary Gallen, Jade Campbell, Jodie Hill, Laura Clapton, Liz Ward, Martin Holdsworth, Noreen Khan, Peter Gibson, Rachel Roche, Richard Cramer, Samira Cakali and Thomas Coates
- Four legal business owners with consultants delivering legal services – Ian McCann & Matt Dowell, John Bailes and Kirstie Penk
- Six legal business owners with no team at the time of the interview – Claire Murphy, Geoff Peter, James Thornton, Jane Winteringham, Jill Rucklidge and Simon Robinson
- Five business owners who have moved out of law to run a non-legal business – Andrea Morrison, Cathy Cockin, Kate Young, Miguel Florit and Ann herself.
Ann is currently Treasurer for the Yorkshire Sole Practitioners Group and a member of Leeds Law Society. Ann has also trained with the Coaching Academy and holds a Humanistic Neuro Linguistic Psychology (HNLP) certificate in coaching as well as being Master Practitioner.
She is co-author with Richard Tapp of two other books, “Managing External Legal Resources”, and “The In-House Lawyers’ Toolkit”, both of which are five-star Amazon rated.
Next month, on Thursday March 19, Rachel Roche of Roche Legal, and James Thornton, of Paradigm Law, will also share their experiences when the book is launched in York. It will take place at Revolution York, on Coney Street, starting at 5.30pm.
Tickets are free and are available from Eventbrite. The book is also available from www.yorkshirecoursesforlawyers.co.uk
Further Reading
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