Our people team
Meet our expert people team who are dedicated to making life better for our people.
About James
As People Director at Moore Barlow, my role involves helping each and every one of our people to reach their potential.
This means that I work with the people team to ensure that our culture creates an environment for everyone to bring their authentic selves to work, in an environment that celebrates individuality. I constantly work with colleague in the people team to ensure that we listen to feedback from our people, implementing new and different ways to reward our people.
We provide clear opportunities for onward progression including access to our inhouse learning and development team, Career Development Frameworks and our recently launched Continuous Conversations process – designed to create the space for individuals to openly discuss their aspirations and align to the team/firm goals to help people understand how to reach their goals. As a people team, we enable people through great people practice, policy and empower people to do their best work.
My career in focus
Before joining Moore Barlow, I studied and obtained a degree in Business Studies, but building a career in people and culture roles across both professional services and large corporates. I started out working within Interim Management consultancy, where I was responsible for forming teams of people to solve business problems as a credible alternative to management consultancy.
I realised during this time that my passion was for people and helping others achieve more – and at this time I studied HR. Directly prior to working for Moore Barlow, I worked for a large firm, where I took on responsibility for Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Business Partnering and Learning and Development. I also obtained accreditations from the British Psychological Society and a level 7 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
More recently, I joined Moore Barlow, where I now work as People Director. I’m passionate about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, celebrating differences and ensuring equal opportunities to progress for all. Culture is never ‘done’, and I’m excited about our continuing journey on our quest to be recognised as the best regional law firm to work.
What motivates me?
What motivates me most is empowering others. I believe strongly that decisions should be made ‘where the action is’ – and I am constantly driven to help people feel more empowered to make great decisions for the benefit of the firm. Ultimately, in a firm where people feel empowered and that they can make a difference, you build stronger personal bonds with your place of work.
This ultimately benefits individuals on their quest to further develop, but also the firm as if we all contribute to the development of the firm we are truly stronger together.
Outside of work
Outside of work, I enjoy travel, particularly across the USA and Europe (with the far east next on the bucket list). I enjoy cooking – particularly learning global cuisines. I watch the Formula 1 whenever I can as part of my love of cars… I am a big car fan and have a particular passion for American Muscle Cars/Americana. In the recent past I owned a Mustang GT which sounded great, but wasn’t particularly good for the environment – I now drive an electric car which is a bit of a change!
Contact me for…
If you’re thinking about joining Moore Barlow or want to know more about how our focus on people is different to other places of work, please reach out.
We are here to help
Our expert People team are here to answer all your questions – please do reach out.
Contact James
Moore Barlow – A career law firm
Sophie Winstanley began her journey at Moore Barlow as a Paralegal. She then secured a spot in the firm’s trainee programme, ultimately qualifying as a solicitor in the Major Trauma team.
Her dedication and expertise have since propelled her to the position of Partner. Watch Sophie’s story and discover how Moore Barlow supported to nurture her talent, helping her achieve her full potential.
Meet our People team
