The conveyor belt to making partner in a law firm has long been established: top grades at A-level, university, law school, training contract. But times are changing rapidly in the profession as new routes open up – with no better example than Jonathan Head of national firm DWF.

Head first stepped into a law firm as a school leaver with little idea what he wanted to do barring a pipedream (still unrealised) of being a famous guitarist.

Now he has been promoted to partner at his firm having also served as head of casualty fraud in the Southampton office.

Jonathan Head

Jonathan went to night school while working in a law firm post room

‘I did GSCEs at school but then left to do various jobs, including a cleaner, a bin man and a factory worker. Then I found a job working in the post room at a law firm in Winchester. One day someone said to me "you’re a bright lad" and sent me off to night school to do my legal executive qualifications.’

Head passed his exams which ultimately led to him qualifying as a solicitor via a non-university route - all while balancing work and family life. He went on to build a career in casualty and fraud litigation and joined DWF in June 2021 where he now leads a growing casualty fraud practice.

Given his background, he is a passionate advocate for solicitor apprenticeships and for people being able to access the legal profession through the route that suits them.

‘There is so much pressure on the decisions we make at 16,18 and 21. I am all for finding the right paths, be it apprenticeships, the SQE or another way.

‘Going into the law had never crossed my mind growing up but the people I met at the start of my career taught me so much.

‘It is nice now to share my story and use that as a way to develop people coming in. Being able to build a team of people who have come the traditional route and vocational route gives different flavours to make a blend. I want each member of my team to have the chance to bring their experiences and make it the best fit for them.

‘Every positive step I have taken in my career has built from someone seeing something in me. The mentors and partners I have worked with have helped me develop the attributes for that next step.’