Head of CooperBurnett LLP's Contentious department, Joseph Oates, is celebrating 25 years with the firm. He became a Partner in 2002 and, since 2003 when he joined the Management Board, has led the firm, most recently alongside Victoria Sampson and Jennifer Irving.
“While 25 years is quite a significant chunk of time, the last five years stand out to me as my most enjoyable,” says Joseph. “I think that’s really fulfilled the aspirations I had of a non-legal nature and fed the entrepreneur in me. I’ve thrived on what Victoria describes as ‘working on the business’ rather than ‘working in the business’.”
He adds: “As well as, obviously, continuing to provide a satisfying outcome for our clients, I’ve also enjoyed working alongside practically the same support team during this time and that’s pretty amazing.
Prior to joining TeamCB, Joseph had qualified the previous year with a firm in Brighton. He was told about an opening at CooperBurnett by a former colleague, who had already made the move to Tunbridge Wells.
“I could see a real opportunity and I recognised CooperBurnett would give me the chance to fulfil my career aspirations and to develop my own client base,” says Joseph. “When I arrived, the partners here were always approachable and we’ve continued that culture to this day. We’ve developed a business model which is non-hierarchical, and we’ve dispensed with the title of Senior Partner – as I firmly believe we don’t need it here.”
Over the years, Joseph has got involved with many of CooperBurnett’s charity challenges – including taking part in the Walk Tonbridge Marathon (completing another one last month), cycling from London to Paris in 24 hours, walking an ultra-marathon distance of 50km as part of The Race To The King challenge and completing the Three Peaks in 24 hours.
“One of the best aspects of taking part in these challenges is getting to know members of team who I wouldn’t naturally be working with on a daily basis,” says Joseph. “It’s been great to bond during these times and forge mutual respect along the way. I also suggested that, as Partners, we pound match what’s raised in these charity events – and that’s made a real difference.”
Joseph's commitment to the local community has been further highlighted over recent times with his appointment to the board of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District (RTW Together BID), a role he is sharing with Victoria.
Joseph didn't already dream of becoming a lawyer.
"While at school, I wanted to either by a DJ or an archaeologist," he explains. "My children will tell you that I've dragged them round many historical sights over the years.
His interest in history led to him studying it at university, after which he headed to Greece to teach English for a year. He returned to study for a Masters in Politics at the London School of Economics (LSE). Joseph then almost headed into a political career but turned to law and was drawn to litigation.
“I’ve always regarded law as ultimately a contest, in which points of law are tested and it’s that I enjoy with litigation,” says Joseph. “However, while I might like the ‘cut and thrust’ of a courtroom, I appreciate many clients don’t want that exposure.”
With that in mind, Joseph is a trained mediator, adopting a straightforward approach to resolving disputes, whether personal or commercial, such as shareholder and partner disputes.
One area in which he stands out from other litigators is his experience in advising insolvency practitioners. Joseph is a licensed insolvency practitioner, having completed the Joint Insolvency Examination Board (JIEB) insolvency exams 15 years ago.
“I really enjoy the ‘detective’ aspect of insolvency, which sees me recovering funds and restoring money to insolvent companies,” Joseph says.
The past couple of years has seen some exciting developments at CooperBurnett, including growing and strengthening the team.
“We have added some quality fee earners – including Partners David Brown, Russell Brinkhurst and Oliver Bussell,” says Joseph. “I’m really proud that they were all reassured by what Victoria and I told them about our culture here and what makes us different at TeamCB. We take work/life balance very seriously and I’m particularly proud of our meritocratic culture; which has led to people joining and building their careers here.”
More recently, he has been part of the team overseeing the rebranding project at CooperBurnett.
“I am so pleased with how it’s all come together and, most importantly, how our team and clients have taken it onboard so positively,” he says.
On his 25 years, Joseph adds: “Clients really appreciate longevity; they know who they are talking to, it builds trust and gives them added reassurance. In terms of my career, a lot has changed. When I first qualified at my previous firm, I was given a room upstairs and people were expected to knock on the door. It also gave me permission to smoke at my desk!”
In his spare time, Joseph is usually found training for the next CooperBurnett charity challenge. With cycling and walking already under his belt, we are looking forward to discovering what he’ll be doing next.