The latest episode of Osprey Approach’s Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast shares the fascinating story of how Neil Heaney, former professional footballer and now founder of Judicare Law International, turned a personal experience of legal injustice into one of the UK’s most distinctive international law firms.
In episode 36, Amy Bruce, marketing director at Osprey Approach, speaks to Neil about his journey from playing professional football for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Southampton, to establishing a specialist law firm after becoming the victim of an overseas property fraud.
Unable to find a UK law firm that could support his case through the Spanish courts, Neil travelled to Spain to find legal representation himself. That experience exposed a gap in the market and inspired him to build a firm dedicated to supporting clients facing complex international legal disputes with empathy, honesty and clear communication.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, Neil explains why understanding the client’s perspective has shaped every aspect of Judicare’s approach, from its relationships with international legal partners to the way it supports clients through lengthy legal proceedings.
Neil believes putting yourself in the client’s position should shape every interaction from the very first conversation. “You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it’s a good one…[and] the client doesn’t feel they’re talking to someone who’s immediately started a clock.”
He also explains why consistent communication is fundamental to maintaining trust throughout often lengthy legal proceedings. “Communication is the most important thing, in terms of how you lead the team and how the clients feel about the company.
“If there’s no trust or confidence or empathy in that relationship, then it just doesn’t survive for 10 years. It’s not just about the billable hours. I think law firms should exist for more than that.” Even when nothing is happening, proactive contact matters. “You’ve got to be honest with people. It is going to be a fight, and they’ve got to strap in, but we’ll be there with them all the way.”
Future episodes of the Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast series will feature more industry experts including Michelle Peters, a business growth strategist, author, and founder of The Business Instructor, and Darren Stott, client experience specialist at Moneypenny.
Watch the full interview with Neil Heaney now for more insights into how Judicare has developed its specialist practice, grown its referral network with UK law firms, and the role technology plays in a relationship-driven business.
This article was submitted by Osprey Approach as part of an advertising agreement with Today’s Family Lawyer. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and not those of Today’s Family Lawyer.
