Christopher Bullock, Associate in our Commercial Department, featured in today’s Irish News ‘High Flyers’ section. The interview and link to the Article is below.
What was your first job?
It was as a leisure attendant in Dungannon Leisure Centre throughout school and university. It was a job I really enjoyed and luckily, I never had to jump in to save anyone!
What qualifications do you have?
Law with French from QUB and a Certificate in Professional Legal Studies. Continuous Personal Development (CPD) is hugely important in law, as the profession and what influences it is always evolving and changing, so like many other careers there is life-long learning!
What do you attribute your success to?
It’s a simple mantra, but a lot of hard work and commitment. My parents always encouraged myself and my siblings to push ourselves as much as we could in our studies to open doors to the best opportunities in life. I have sought to implement that work throughout my professional career.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Pragmatic, committed and a straight talker. Hopefully clients agree they’re good traits for a lawyer to have!
Who do you look up to in business?
I don’t look up to any one person in particular but I have a lot of admiration for the many entrepreneurs I come across in my work who have built up very successful businesses from scratch. At times I wish I had some of their entrepreneurial spirit and courage. It’s such a pity to see some of those previously successful businesses now struggling during this pandemic.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I wouldn’t ask anyone to do something I would not be prepared to do myself.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
In the legal world, there is still some reliance on posting letters and documents, in my view unnecessarily. COVID-19 has forced many firms to embrace digital working more quickly than they would have otherwise, which can only be a good thing for the pace at which business can be done.
What website or app could you not do without?
For me personally and professionally, Twitter is essential for both keeping up to date with what is going on and promoting your own message.
What was the last book you read?
‘Done Deal’ by Daniel Geey, a book about the legalities behind big money football transfers and written by a lawyer involved in them. With two young children there is not much time for reading these days!
What car do you drive?
Something pragmatic to fit the car seats and buggies – it’s a Toyota Avensis. Maybe some day I’ll move to something more luxurious.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
During my Erasmus year in France in 2009/2010, I founded a GAA club in Toulouse, called Tolosa Gaels. The club is still going strong and I keep in touch with some of the members.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I have been heavily involved in Gaelic football for as long as I can remember. Now firmly in the twilight of my playing career, I will soon need to find something to fill the void.
The link to the interview on the Irish News can be found here.
