September 2017

Jeremy Newson

LLB Law 1990

1.  Tell us about yourself. 

I graduated in law in 1990, did my solicitors finals at Guildford and trained with Mills & Reeve in Norwich and Cambridge. I have been with Hill & Abbott in Chelmsford for 20 years and have been the managing partner and the first managing director when we incorporated. I remain a director.

I am married to Noi, who is the landlady of the Cricketers Public House in Cambridge, and I have a daughter who is studying geography with international studies at Manchester University.

2.  What is your fondest memory at Anglia Ruskin University?

Meeting bright people and the legendary 'Placcy' Students' Union bar. And also Eamonn Sherry who went on to become a QC and who remains the finest orator I have ever heard (sadly no longer with us).

3.  What advice would you give to current students as they're preparing to graduate?

Work hard and pursue your dreams relentlessly.

4.  What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst you were studying?

That life in law is a marathon not a sprint.

5.  How did your time at Anglia Ruskin help you? 

I got a good grounding in the basics and was encouraged to question by the lecturers.

6.  What did you love about your chosen course?

The intellectual challenge of solving legal problems.

7.  What would you tell someone thinking of studying at ARU? 

It is a great place to study and it can help you achieve your goals.

8.  In one word how would you describe Anglia Ruskin?

Inspirational.

9.  Who was the biggest influence on your career?

There have been three. Dr John White, who was Head of the Law Faculty at APU, for his encouragement and dry sense of humour. Ronnie Sutcliffe, personal injury partner at Mills & Reeve, for throwing me in at the deep end of contested hearings. Howard Weston, who was my boss when I was in the Mills & Reeve clinical negligence team, and who I overheard describe me to the managing partner as 'a Jack Russell on speed'. I think I have mellowed a bit over the years!

10.  What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Helping seriously injured people and their families get help.

11.  What advice would you give your younger self?

Patience

12.  What drives you?

The desire to a make a difference

13.  What’s next?

Continuing to help build a brilliant team at Hill & Abbott.