Nigel Shepherd
BA (Hons) Law and German, 1978
About me
- Family Law Arbitrator and Consultant at Mills & Reeve and Adviser to Ampla Finance
- BA (Hons) Law and German, 1978
ABOUT MY CAREER
My first role after graduating was as what was then called an articled clerk (now trainee solicitor). I heard about the opportunity from someone at a party (who is also now a solicitor), whose mother worked for a small High Street practice!
I now have a portfolio career. I’m a consultant and financial arbitrator with national law firm Mills & Reeve LLP, where I was formerly a partner and for a few years national Head of Family Law. I am also an adviser to a commercial funding business, Ampla Finance.
I was a board member of the main family justice organisation, Resolution, between 1991 and 2022 and I am the only person to have been national chair of the organisation on two separate occasions. I am best known for my work in campaigning for the introduction of no fault divorce, which resulted in the fundamental changes to the divorce process that were introduced in April 2022.
Finally, I am a governor at Chetham’s School of Music in the centre of Manchester.
I’m proud to have graduated from the Law School at Manchester Met and it’s great to see it going from strength to strength over 50 years on!
MY TOP TIP FOR STUDENTS IS
Look for something that genuinely interests and enthuses you rather than something that others may be suggesting or expecting you to do. You are going to be working for a very long time. If you enjoy what you do most of the time, there is every chance you will be successful and, more importantly, happy in yourself.
I’M INSPIRED BY
I’m inspired by those who overcome their own personal challenges and use their experience selflessly to help others achieve their best.
WHY I LOVE MANCHESTER MET
A degree course and supportive environment that allowed me to achieve academically and laid the foundation for a long and successful career (and meeting in the first term the woman to whom I have now been married for over 40 years!).