What was your route into the profession?
I’ve always been interested in environmental issues, so I studied geography at Jesus College Oxford before completing the Common Professional Examination and Law Society Finals at Bristol Poly—both fantastic cities to study in.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Definitely the green agenda and assimilating the impact of net carbon zero in the property industry—I spend a lot of time looking at how real estate owners can accommodate the necessary changes. The consequences are admittedly huge, particularly for large estate owners such as the public sector and universities. This is not an issue government or business can avoid since it will drive significant changes in investment, funding and development strategies for many years to come.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Alan Dashwood KC. He has given me some great advice on EU procurement and state aid law over the years and is always a real pleasure to work with.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
A central government policy wonk… AKA a strategic policy adviser. As well as being fascinating, I like to think I’d provide sound commercial policy advice which is grounded in the real world. I also like the idea of all the late-night parties.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I don’t really have one—but over the years I’ve come across a few actual lawyers who would definitely fit the bill.
What change would you make to the profession?
Aside from prioritising the sustainability agenda, I’d remove the focus on money—particularly the emphasis on profit per equity partner. This has taken a lot away from what used to be the benefits of a traditional supportive partnership.
How do you relax?
When not engrossed in the economic and political press, I enjoy paddleboarding, walking the dog and learning to cook on my new Weber double-skin BBQ.
Stephen Chalcraft is a partner at Davitt Jones Bould with over 30 years’ general experience in the commercial property sector. Stephen has a special interest in social impact regeneration and in effecting net carbon zero transitions.
