Throughout my diverse career—as an engineer, a C-suite corporate executive, an entrepreneurial dealmaker, a senior law partner, and even a professional skydiving instructor—I have thrived on problem-solving and critical thinking in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, always striving for optimal outcomes.

The challenges I take on fuel my drive, and I find deep fulfillment in shaping solutions that create lasting impact.

How did you start down this career path?

By chance or by necessity, I took over my first company when I was just 16 years old and spent the next 20 years buying, selling, and running businesses—both for myself and others—with a focus on making money. Along the way, I quickly became a ‘Bush lawyer’ and ‘Bush accountant,’ learning through the ‘school of hard knocks.’

I developed my business acumen through firsthand experience, mastering negotiation, contract law, and regulatory law as I navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship. Law always intrigued me, and fortunately, I operate well on just a few hours of sleep. So, studying law while running companies full-time seemed like an exciting challenge at the time!

Every step of my journey has been shaped by resilience, problem-solving, a drive to continuously improve, and challenge myself. Law seemed to be the perfect fit!

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

The people are at the heart of everything I do—whether it’s my clients, colleagues, or the family and friends who have supported me unconditionally. Their presence and encouragement bring joy and fulfillment to my work, inspiring me to constantly push myself to do better.

Beyond that, I thrive on the sheer diversity of issues and the expansive reach of the law. Working with governments, businesses supplying products and services to government, and highly regulated industries means navigating an ever-evolving landscape of challenges—some familiar, others entirely novel. Being part of the problem-solving process in such a dynamic environment is truly exhilarating.

What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

My approach is built on depth, insight, and engagement. I don’t just provide answers—I anticipate needs, offer fresh perspectives, and ensure every conversation is dynamic and meaningful.

What sets me apart is my ability to adapt to each client’s need priorities. Whether it’s a fast-paced exchange packed with strategic insights or a deep dive into creative problem-solving.

I tailor my interaction to keep the discussion productive and engaging. Personality matters and giving your client the sense that they are a priority matters! I make any interaction not only valuable but also providing the client a sense that “I stand WITH THEM and I’m invested in THEIR OPTIMAL OUTCOME”.

Further, my expertise in negotiation, legal strategy, and commercial problem-solving, means that ‘exceptional service’ is giving advice that cuts through complexity with precision, clarity, and foresight.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

I stay ahead by continuously learning, analysing emerging trends, and adapting to new developments. I do have an innate ability to process vast amounts of information which allows me to track shifts across industries, assess patterns, and identify key innovations.

I prioritize agility—quickly integrating new knowledge, refining my approach to delivering for my clients, and staying informed on evolving topics which may impact my clients or my firm. Whether it’s advancements in law, government regulations, commercial strategy, or negotiation tactics, I ensure my insights remain sharp and relevant, continually seeking better and more effective and efficient ways to operate our business and provide cutting edge service to our clients.

At the core of innovation is curiosity, and I lead my team by example to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and offer fresh perspectives.

What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

The challenges brought by COVID and the evolving governmental approach to external expenditure have been significant. Navigating team unity and client connection during the pandemic was complex—virtual technology helped, but true leadership required deeper engagement, particularly around psychological and mental well-being. Like many, I was untrained in this space, making the responsibility of ensuring team welfare both confronting and weighty.

More recently, fiscal pressures and increased competition have placed legal and advisory practices in a demanding position. The push to reduce government expenditure has created an environment where external consultancy faces scepticism, driving the need for stronger morale and clearer value propositions.

I have addressed these challenges by prioritizing transparency in communication—open discussions with my team and clients, clearly defining expectations, and illustrating precisely “what good looks like” to ensure alignment and success. Resilience, adaptability, and clear leadership remain central to navigating these shifting conditions.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

My vision for Jones-Hope Legal and Advisory is both forward-thinking and deeply principled. Rather than simply scaling through headcount, I’m focused on leveraging smart technology to enhance client decision-making and drive efficiency—an approach that prioritizes innovation and sustainable impact.

Anchoring the firm in integrity, expertise, and professionalism ensures that every client receives exceptional service. The emphasis on delivering "more for less" through generative AI, data engineering, and managed services demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends while maximizing value for clients.

Embedding accountability at the core of our firm’s values reinforces trust, particularly as technology reshapes the legal landscape. By integrating proven innovations within managed service offerings, we are proactively addressing emerging risks while ensuring unwavering public confidence in your clients.

It’s a powerful mission, built not just on strategic growth but on meaningful advancement.

To learn more visit https://joneshopelegal.com/