James Mannouch, pro bono coordinator at ULaw and president of Liverpool Law Society, shares his insights on breaking into law, the value of pro bono, and gaining practical experience
After a diverse career spanning advertising and retail, James Mannouch made the leap into law — a decision that ultimately led him to his role as pro bono coordinator for The University of Law’s (ULaw) Liverpool and Chester campuses. Now also president of Liverpool Law Society, he brings a wealth of experience in client service, business operations, and legal education, helping students bridge the gap between academic study and real-world practice.
In this Q&A, Mannouch shares his career journey, his passion for pro bono work, and why gaining practical legal experience is essential for aspiring lawyers. He also offers insights into life at ULaw Liverpool, the benefits of starting a legal career in the city, and his top advice for students hoping to stand out in the profession.
1. You had a varied career before moving into the legal industry. What types of work were you involved in previously to law, and what skills did you bring with you to the legal industry?
I worked in television advertising (Millward Brown International) and then moved over to retail (GUS/Argos Retail Group and Bunzl plc). Advertising is a bit like legal services because you are at the back of the business. You have clients and deadlines, and the work is very intensive — not at all like people might imagine. You must also account for your time in incremental units, something I would not see again before I moved into legal services.
Turning to retail, I was recruited by GUS to work across the business and moved from one business function to another. There were parallels to a training contract though the work was much more varied (merchandising, warehousing, distribution and customer services). I was trained in project management and in process management – both handy skills. I ended up working in 3rd party business services, so perhaps the notion of a ‘client’ is always necessary to me. I moved to Bunzl, which is purely business to business, so was back to satisfying clients so there is a common theme.
In terms of skills I brought with me into legal services, the most obvious is client service. I know how to build and augment relationships. I am also a good manager, and this has proved useful in law. Knowing how business works helps too because, in essence, this lies at the heart of commercial awareness.
2. Why did you choose to move into law?
I had an epiphany whilst driving to a plastic bag factory. An old friend called me whilst driving. We had previously worked together in advertising. My friend had now left the industry and was having a bit of a break. When he asked me where I was travelling to, I told him about the factory, and he seemed astonished. He could not believe how far I had departed from what I had originally been doing. It is funny, but you can make a few sideways moves and find yourself a long way away from where you started. He asked me what I would rather be doing, and I replied, “Driving across Europe!”, to which he replied “Well, why don’t we?”. Looking back, I was ready for a change, and this was simply the catalyst. Business becomes a bit samey after a while (you do similar things in different settings) so I thought law might be a good change. I had studied law for A Level and nearly chose to study it for my degree. What better excuse to find out if I was right…
3. You work as a pro bono coordinator for Law’s Liverpool and Chester campuses. What types of pro bono projects can students get involved in?
All sorts really. I do two main things. On one hand, I find external opportunities for our students to get involved in. On the other, I run internal legal clinics where students advise real-life clients.
The external opportunities can be anything that I consider useful to the students. They could be advising, advocating, researching, or presenting. They could be writing persuasively to a national government or within a legal industry magazine. They could be helping someone sort out their gas bill or supporting someone at court. As I say, anything really.
The internal clinics are great experience. We tend to focus on family law but will advise in other areas too. Over the years, we have helped a lot of individuals and organisations. Some of the matters are very colourful. We advised one client on the implications of manufacturing Jurgen Klopp dolls. We advised another client that created crocheted octopuses for premature babies. All of our internal clinics provide formal written advice. I see this as vital for a client. It is not enough to listen; clients need a structured map of where to go and how to get there.
4. Why is pro-bono work so important?
Well, it’s important in so many ways, isn’t it? Aside from the fact it helps protect and empower clients, it also does our law students a lot of good. Pro bono develops skills that are difficult to acquire elsewhere. It helps students demonstrate that — should they be offered a position in a law firm — they can and will do the job well. It helps students decide on the areas of law they want to pursue and, as importantly, the areas they do not. It provides students with a depth that education alone cannot provide. I volunteered for pro bono as a LPC student, and it helped me turn my training contract interview into a conversation.
5. What do you think ULaw students enjoy most about the Liverpool campus?
From conversations I have had, they like the course, and they like the teaching. They also like the support they receive from our Student Information teams and the wider ULaw support infrastructure. This includes things like Library & Digital Academy, Welfare Team and, of course Employability (comprising Careers and Pro Bono). ULaw students receive dedicated support throughout their time with us. Students can easily book personal 1-2-1 appointments and certain support can even be accessed after our students have left us. The Careers Service is an example.
We sit within the University of Liverpool’s main campus, and I know the students love this setting. I studied at the University of Liverpool, and I am yards away from where I sat as a student! The University of Liverpool is such a pleasant place to study, and I always smile when I walk on to campus.
6. Why do think Liverpool is a great city for law students to launch their legal careers?
Liverpool is an important city in terms of professional legal services. This is demonstrated by the firms which operate here and the clients they satisfy. I trained at a Liverpool firm (Hill Dickinson) and can say it was first-class. The firm was professional in all its dealings and demonstrated the type of ethics necessary for a newly qualified lawyer to succeed in their career.
Liverpool is not a large city, and this lends an intimacy to its legal services industry. People tend to know people and the city is all the better for it. Liverpool is strong in professional services (finance, securities, insurance, accountancy, tax, architecture) and the various professions happily mingle. This is especially useful to someone starting out as a lawyer.
Liverpool also has a strong high street practice, with long established and well-respected firms and this is strong area in which to practice.
Above all Liverpool is fun. You will not see too many lights on after 5pm which is never a bad thing is it… 😉
7. What are your biggest tips for aspiring lawyers?
Before you go down the road of a career in law, try to spend time in as many law firms and in as many legal departments you can. Firms differ from one to another, but departments also differ within firms. You want to make sure you are in a department that suits you. Law is a funny career because it is relatively difficult to change tack once you have started, so best to dedicate some time in advance.
Once you have started at a firm, try to impress.
Impress your clients by knowing what’s going on in their matter and by doing what you say you are going to do. Give 100% whenever you can because there will be times when you cannot and you’ll want your clients to understand. And don’t forget to call your clients for a chat whenever you have a spare half hour. They like that sort of thing.
Impress your employer by looking for things to do. Do not wait to be told to do everything. Instead, read the files and make suggestions. And, when you are given something to do, do it well and then try to think of the next action and draft it for your manager’s approval. People who demonstrate these traits are the people who really get on.
The University of Law Nottingham will be hosting ‘Secrets to Success Liverpool — with Weightmans, Brabners, Exchange Chambers and ULaw’ TODAY (Thursday 6 March), 4pm to 6:30pm. Apply now to attend.
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