Superyachts, Humility and Plumbing with John Leonida - Episode 23

The Legal Genie Podcast

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In Episode 23 of The Legal Genie Podcast, your host, Lara Quie is in conversation with John Leonida. Until his retirement from law in 2020, John was a partner at Clyde & Co in London, where he specialized in international shipping and marine work and established a niche area, which he branded the "Superyacht Group."

His clients were either shipping entrepreneurs, operators in the oil support industry or high net worth individuals, builders, and designers of some of the world's most luxurious superyachts. In September 2020, John joined LP Squared Limited to provide board level advice to owners, builders, family offices, and superyacht stakeholders on the more commercial and strategic aspects of the superyacht industry.

He is currently undertaking a PhD in maritime history on the culture and social impact of yachts and superyachts between 1918 and 2018.
In this episode, John discusses his upbringing, his career, how he eventually moved into a legal career, and what he feels are crucial values lawyers should have.

Growing up in a working-class family, he initially embarked on an economics degree, before making the cross over to a legal career where he eventually settled in the maritime practice at Clyde & Co where he stayed for 23 years.

John discusses the difficulties he faced as a junior lawyer with extensive experience in the finance space which sparked tensions over disagreements with more senior lawyers. Despite this, his previous experience in personal relations benefited him.

He eventually made the superyacht practice his own, getting an accelerated bump to partnership as a result of the firm’s trust in him. John goes on to talk about some of the common problems he faced in the industry, especially whilst dealing with such high-value clientele.

John then moves on to his retirement the previous year. He discusses the reasons surrounding his retirement and comments and how some lawyers face difficulties in retirement as their legal profession made up such an integral part of their identity.

He talks about how the profession has changed over his years in practice as well as some of the traditional values in the legal industry that have taken a backseat in recent years.

John concludes by raising three points he feels are important for all lawyers.

The first, espoused by his former mentor, was to always be humble.

The second, is a rich vocabulary, something that John feels is fundamental to convey your understanding of the law to your clients. John mentions some tips he has given trainees before that have helped with their drafting of the law.

Finally, a potential shocker to some, the understanding that lawyers are the “plumbers” of the world of commerce and should play the facilitative role in the background.

I hope you enjoy this episode!
You can connect with Jo

Lara Q Associates
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