John French

Why did you choose the law?

I chose law because I wanted a career that involved solving other people’s problems.

Tell us a bit about how you got here…

I am a graduate of the University of Birmingham and qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 after first becoming a Barrister (non practising) in 1996.  I became a Partner at the firm in April 2013, a Board Member in April 2019 and was made Head of Department in April 2021.

What does your day job look like?

I undertake work in all areas of civil/commercial litigation, but primarily specialise in residential landlord and tenant matters, all types of contractual disputes, probate/trust disputes, professional negligence, consumer and boundary disputes and regulatory (planning, health & safety etc) matters. I also offer advice in relation to education appeals and head up the firm’s Road Traffic Unit, giving advice on all aspects of road traffic law.

Acting for a wide range of private/commercial clients, I strive to resolve disputes before proceedings are issued.  I am proud to have an excellent track record in negotiating early settlements in this regard, but am also a keen advocate and always very happy to attend court on behalf of clients, if required.

I am an accredited and experienced civil and commercial mediator and pride myself on offering a practical, empathetic, pro-active and solutions-based approach to ensure parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.  My background before qualifying as a solicitor means I look at mediations with a strong commercial slant, often giving me an advantage in reaching settlement.

I can also advise on employment law.

Why do you like to do outside of work?

My main interests are sport (of virtually all kinds), politics, reading and socialising.

I am President of the Warwickshire Law Society 2018/19.