Origin Legal Interview with Danny Roberts (Managing Partner of DFA Law)
October saw Jason Nottage (Director at Origin Legal) sit down for a catch-up with Danny Roberts (Managing Partner of Northampton law firm DFA Law) in the beautiful setting of the Red Lion in Brafield.
Jason and Danny discuss the current legal market, the Northampton business community and all things DFA Law.
JN – So Danny, it is coming up to 9 years next year since I helped move you to DFA Law, can you tell me a little bit about your journey with the firm.
DR – When I was contacted on LinkedIn by Origin, my interest was piqued. I had been with my previous firm for over 20 years and a new challenge was worth exploring. After having an initial discussion with the then Senior Partner, I quite liked the project as I saw it and took the leap. Since arriving as Practice Manager we have undergone a lot of change, some of it driven by succession planning, and became an ABS in 2021 which allowed me to join the LLP as an equity member.
JN – Clearly the firm continues to go from strength to strength, what has been yours and the management team’s strategy in driving the firm forward?
DR – The legal market is very competitive, but our core focus is our people. I want the working environment to be a professional setting but with a friendly and open feel. As a firm, we are all in this together and the collective is usually much stronger than individualism and I think we’ve managed to get the balance right, matching ambitions of not just the management team but also all of our colleagues.
JN – DFA Law is a true Northampton firm with your only office in the town. Do you think this focus on one community gives DFA Law a competitive edge in servicing Northampton clients?
DR – Like most professional service firms we rely heavily on reputation, whether that be from existing clients, recommendations or simply building relationships. Mixed in with that, I believe Northamptonshire to be a very loyal market, with individuals and businesses who like to support local businesses and enjoy the convenience of having a modern friendly firm just outside the town centre.
Having one office allows us to focus on the operations of the business, support each other and provide a space where we can each, individually, grow and provide an excellent service.
On the flip side, since 2018 our headcount has grown by around 60% and so we might soon be needing more space. That will be my problem to deal with I guess!
JN – As a full-service law firm, could you tell us a little bit about the areas of law DFA specialise in the best.
DR – When I am asked what we do, I usually respond with “everything apart from crime” but that is a little bit of a broad-brush comment. Since joining the firm, I have focussed on growth and quality but the firm still has the same core areas that we have built our reputation on, just with a wider footprint. Each of our core departments; Commercial Property, Wills Trusts & Estates, Family Law, Corporate, Dispute Resolution and Residential Property each have excellent lawyers leading their teams.
JN – I understand the culture of DFA has always been incredibly important. Can you tell me what life is like working at DFA.
DR – I genuinely love my job and feel fortunate to be able to do what I do. Obviously the business side of things is what I am here to do, but trying to provide everyone with a platform to be the best version of themselves, and therefore happy, is what I hope we can continue to build on. Of course there are times when we need to knuckle down and do the job we are paid to do, but alongside that I am a firm believer in having some fun and making work as enjoyable as it can be. We have a number of social events during the year, including a family fun day where all of the family are invited, and there are a lot of genuine friendships in the firm, which is great to see.
JN – Can you tell us what is happening in the wider Northampton business community. Is Northampton growing as a town?
DR – I think business in Northampton and the wider county remains very buoyant. We have always been blessed with a lot of entrepreneurs and, perhaps because of our geographical location, there are a large number of national and international businesses in the county. In addition to this, we have three professional sports teams in Northampton Saints RFC, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and Northampton Town, all of which add to the community in lots of ways. The Saints are the reigning Premiership champions, the Steelbacks won the Vitality Blast and the Cobblers have just had a major investment from a PE firm, so there is a lot to be excited about.
JN – Looking at the legal market in general. What do you see are some of the challenges facing law firms over the next few years?
DR – Recruitment, do you know anyone who can help!? But in all seriousness, even ignoring the challenges of technology, AI etc. attracting, and retaining, good talent is very challenging. Pre 2020 working from home was perhaps few and far between. Now, firms in London, Birmingham, Manchester etc. are able to attract top talent and offer less commuting but bigger pay!
The technology side of things is a concern but I am a firm believer in embracing things and using them to aid the business, as opposed to a threat. When I started out as an office junior, we had mountains and mountains of paper and almost everything was sent via Royal Mail. Whilst we had email, it was a shared account between 20 people and it was quite daunting to think the PC’s would replace typewriters and people. But things evolve and the challenge will be to try and use it to your advantage and not get stuck looking backwards!
JN – And finally…Danny, I appreciate we are not on a golf course (maybe we should be) but anyone who knows you, knows you are a fantastic golfer. Tell us, what’s your current handicap and how are you playing.
DR – Ha, I don’t know about fantastic but I have a current handicap of 2.1 and play to it every now and then! Golf has been a great game for me over the years from both a personal and professional viewpoint. Only a couple of months ago we received a Corporate instruction from a client because they had played golf with someone who recommended me/DFA. I had never met the client and am still yet to play golf with them.
A little bit like business, I still have some goals and aspirations in golf but age is running against me and maybe I’ll need to re-assess them! Age is just a number though, right..?
