BCKR encourages lawyers and their firms to have greater involvement in the outside world, by helping lawyers of all ages to take boardroom roles and in due course, to create a fulfilling life after law, through a portfolio career or otherwise.
Founded by former lawyers in response to their own experience when they left private practice and embarked on portfolio careers, BCKR was launched early in 2013 and has members from leading City firms, the legal departments of major corporates and elsewhere. It seeks to give lawyers, at all stages of their careers, a broader perspective.
BCKR runs a series of events at JM Finn’s office across three terms during the year, where lawyers, NEDs, trustees and headhunters offer their personal experience of life within the boardroom, exclusively for members of BCKR. The speakers for this term are:
The Portfolio Lawyer with Miranda Leung
Thursday 30 January 2020
Since stepping down from life as a Slaughters finance Partner in 2017, Miranda has set about building a non-executive portfolio in London and Hong Kong and used the rest of her time to fulfil other ambitions on the artistic and design front. Miranda is non-executive director on the boards of CCBI Metdist Global Commodities UK Ltd (a member of the London Metal Exchange), of China Literature Ltd, listed in Hong Kong and the largest e-book & e-publisher in China, and of Indochina Starfish Foundation, a Cambodian based charity enhancing literacy skills.
The Chairman’s Perspective with Sir Mike Rake
Wednesday 12 February 2019
Sir Mike Rake’s first career was at KPMG, stepping down as its International Chairman in 2007. By 2013 he had an enviable portfolio of non-executive roles, built from scratch after his time in the firm, and that year, he was voted the FTSE 100 non-executive director of the year. He continues to play a major role in the non-executive arena and members will learn much from understanding how his former career in professional services has helped shape his life today, and perhaps why he sees many more accountants in the board rooms than lawyers.
The Portfolio Lawyer with Nigel Boardman
Tuesday 25 February 2020
Nigel Boardman is well known as a Slaughter and May corporate lawyer, but the breadth of his non-executive roles is perhaps less appreciated. Stepping down to a consultancy role in April 2019, Nigel continues to work at the firm but has a number of non-executive roles alongside in the charity and government space. He is board member of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, a Vice-President for Save the Children UK and Deputy Chair of the British Museum.
The Parole Board with Martin Jones
Wednesday 11 March 2020
Martin has been Chief Executive of the Parole Board since October 2015 having spent the majority of the past 25-years working in the justice system in a range of delivery or policy roles. Currently the Parole Board has 240 members, all public appointees. There is no need to be legally qualified, but many members are. Martin will explain the role of Parole Board members, the recruitment process, the commitment required and the highlights of the job. No doubt he’ll share something of the trickier parts too.
The Headhunter’s Perspective with Jan Hall
Wednesday 25 March 2020
Awarded an OBE in 1996 for services to the Department of Trade and Industry and feted with being on the Woman’s Hour power list, Jan Hall was for many years regarded as one of Britain’s leading headhunters. She founded the highly successful JCA Group in 2005, having previously been a senior partner at Spencer Stuart. In 2018 (after selling JCA to Heidrich & Struggles), Jan stepped away from direct headhunting to start her own consulting business, advising boards on strategic succession planning and performing Executive and Board Effectiveness Reviews, as well as coaching and supporting the development of top executive teams and boards.
For further information about BCKR’s event and membership, please visit bckr.com.
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