Meet the Team – James Richards

Welcome to the second in our series of team interviews. Each month, we’ll be asking a member of our team to tell us more about them and their involvement with rradar. This month, it’s time to hear about another new member of our legal team, James Richards.

How and when did you first become involved with rradar?

I was introduced to the company via a recruitment agency.

Who/what was the biggest influence on your decision to work at rradar?

The information given to me by my agent and my own initial (online) research suggested to me there was something different about what the firm was offering. When I met with Andrew and Stuart, their enthusiasm was infectious.

What was your first impression of the company?

From what I heard about how rradar works, I thought “This could be huge, enjoy the ride…”

What have you found to be the most surprising/challenging aspect of working for rradar?

I’ve been amazed by the variety and scope of the issues I have been asked to consider and advise on…

What would you tell someone who is thinking about working for rradar?

I would certainly tell them that rradar is an impressive group of professionals who are building something unique for their clients.

How do you see rradar developing over the next five years?

I’m not sure that I’ve been here long enough to comment right now. I don’t know enough about the growth strategy although from what I’ve heard at company presentations, there is a clear intention to grow the business way beyond where it is at the moment.

If you weren’t working for rradar, what would you be doing instead?

I would be travelling to Birmingham on a weekly basis to deal with legal issues arising from the city council’s property portfolio and other litigation matters as and when arising.

How would someone describe you?

I think they’d describe me as an iceberg: cool, with hidden depths and a little bit dangerous…

Surprise us with a little-known fact about you and your profession.

I once exited an aeroplane whilst it was still in the air! South Africans can legally attach small flamethrowers to their cars to repel carjackers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaster_%28flamethrower%29

What inspires you that you think other people should know?

I have a thirst for knowledge and need to know how and why things are done…

What do you do when you aren’t working?

I’m getting old I like to spend my spare time with family and friends. However, at the weekend I can often be found near a radio despairing at my choice as an 8 year old boy to select Aston Villa as “my team”.

You’re on a desert island and you can take one album, one book and one film with you. What do you take?

Album: Anything on CD; at least I could use it to signal a plane or am I allowed something to play it on? If yes, ‘The Stone Roses’ by The Stone Roses or, ‘Desire’ by Bob Dylan. I’ve been listening to them for years and I’m still not tired of them.

Book: Ulysses by James Joyce. I’ve tried to read this on at least five or six occasions. I will finish it one day, I will, I will…

Film: It would have to be IP Man. The best fight scene in a martial arts film I have ever seen. Donnie Yen kicks ass…