Lessons from a Journey of Values and Success

Adam Hopkinson and Dean Jones

Originally published as a podcast on all platforms on 13th June 2022. You can listen here

In the world of law, where every case holds unique challenges and opportunities, Dean Jones, the founder and managing partner of Jones Chase, an employment law firm, shares his journey filled with valuable insights. In our podcast, Dean reflects on the milestones, values, and lessons that have shaped his successful career in law and entrepreneurship.

Investing in Legal Advice

Dean highlights the significance of investing in good legal advice, particularly at an early stage of business development. His experience underscores how sound legal counsel can save both tens of thousands of pounds and considerable stress down the road. Dean's firm provides a fantastic template for employment law contracts, which, although priced at around ￡750 for just a couple of hours of work, can translate into substantial savings when businesses must manage difficult employment situations. This proactive approach to legal support can be a game-changer for businesses large and small.

Values-Driven Law Practice

One of the standout elements of Dean's journey is his unwavering commitment to values. He believes that values should be at the core of every business, guiding decisions and actions. Through a company-wide exercise, Dean and his team uncovered their firm's top values: caring, supportiveness, and a sense of humor. These values not only shape the internal culture but also influence the way they serve their clients. By ensuring that their advice aligns with their clients' value systems, Dean and his team provide solutions that genuinely resonate with their clients' needs.

Growth and Change

As an entrepreneur and legal expert, Dean has witnessed a transformation in his role over time. He emphasizes that growth often involves moving from being a practitioner to a business leader. This shift demands a deep understanding of company values and a commitment to upholding them. Dean and his team prioritize their values and the happiness of their staff, offering a generous 40 days of holiday. This unique approach, although unconventional in the legal field, contributes to the firm's success by fostering a positive, motivated work environment.

Financial Focus

What sets Dean's firm apart is its refreshing approach to financial targets. Unlike many other legal practices that heavily focus on financial metrics, Dean's firm takes a different route. They do not set specific financial targets for their lawyers. Instead, they place the emphasis on hiring motivated professionals who are intrinsically driven to serve their clients with excellence. This client-focused approach allows their legal experts to deliver optimal results without the pressure of meeting monthly targets. The firm's mission is to be the best employment practice in the UK to work in, not just the best employment law practice. This demonstrates their commitment to prioritizing people over profit.

Highlights and Challenges

In the podcast, Dean shares a challenging yet ultimately triumphant case. They were representing an individual with disabilities against a challenging employer, and it seemed like they had reached a dead end. However, a fortuitous turn of events occurred during a legal seminar when... well, you'll have to listen to find out. This unexpected insight provided the breakthrough they needed to secure a victory for their client. Dean's story serves as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness required in the legal profession.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Dean offers valuable advice to individuals looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey: take the leap. He emphasizes that life is too short to be spent in a role that doesn't excite or fulfill you. Fear can often hold people back from pursuing their passions and making necessary changes in their lives. Dean's personal experience teaches us that, more often than not, things are never as bad on the other side of change as we initially fear. Taking the initiative to follow your dreams and align your work with your passions is a step toward a more rewarding and fulfilling life.

Personal Well-being

In addition to encouraging others to pursue their dreams, Dean underscores the importance of self-care. Many people are excellent at caring for others but often neglect their own well-being. He reminds us that taking care of ourselves should be a priority. When we are content and fulfilled, we can better serve others and make a positive impact on their lives.

Conclusion

Deans journey in law and entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of values, resilience, and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing. His firm's unique approach, focusing on values and client satisfaction over financial targets, sets a refreshing standard in the legal field. Dean's story encourages aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to follow their dreams, embrace change, and prioritize their well-being. His insights remind us that success is not solely about financial gains but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Deans story is a compelling reminder that values and purpose can drive success in any field. Let's take inspiration from his journey and continue to do the right thing, both in business and in life.

Dean Jones is the founder and managing partner of Jones Chase Employment Lawyers

Adam Hopkinson is the MD of PASHN and host of the podcast LDTRT - Let's Do The Right Thing.