Interview with Samuel Clague – Founder of The Stephen James Partnership

By Christianah Omobosola Babajide.

Reading time: three minutes

Today, I’m thrilled to be in conversation with Samuel Clague (SC), founder of the Stephen James Partnership (SJP), an award-winning legal recruitment firm with an established track record of connecting clients with outstanding and diverse candidates. Sam, thank you for joining us today.

COB: Please tell me a little about yourself, your background and your journey so far.

SC: I undertook a non-law degree and then subsequently completed the GDL and LPC. I started SJP during the last term of law school in a spare bedroom at home, with a desk, phone and lots of excel spreadsheets. I started by recruiting legal talent into law firms and companies, and as we expanded with our offering, we included a number of ways to help clients retain the best lawyers, as well as attract them. 

COB: What inspired you to start the SJP?

SC: I wasn’t particularly good at law and saw a number of my friends at law school secure jobs through recruiters – and thought I could do that. It was a way for me to leverage some of my contacts/network and remain close to the legal sector, without practising law. 

COB: What unique challenges do Black lawyers face, and how does the SJP address them? 

SC: We have developed a number of initiatives to provide opportunities to aspiring and qualified Black lawyers, the most popular of which has been our reverse mentoring platform – Black lawyers matter. Mentees are paired with lawyers from law firms and companies – with the goal that both sides can learn from one another and work towards one or multiple goals over a period of time. Data is captured in real-time which allows both mentees and mentors the opportunity to provide feedback to enhance the mentoring experience.

COB: Can you share a success story.

SC: We worked with a top 50 law firm and the Managing Partner was a mentor, and after his experience he shared that it had changed his perception on many things in part due to the reverse mentoring element of the platform.

We have had numerous mentees that have gone on to secure training contracts/promotions in part due to the connections they have made through the platform and our wider community.

COB: What do you see as the future of diversity and inclusion in law?

SC: I hope that there is continual learning from those in the legal sector from all backgrounds. Understanding is one of the most important aspects of creating truly inclusive cultures and working environments.

COB: What are your future goals for the SJP?

SC: To work collaboratively with clients and candidates in driving change.

Quick fire questions…

COB: What’s your favourite book?

SC: How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie – I first read this many years ago and was fascinated by how a book so old could still be so relevant.

COB: Coffee or tea? 

SC: Definitely coffee – a large latte from Blank Street on the way to work.    

COB: Early bird or night owl?

SC: Probably early bird – having a couple of young children means that I don’t choose my sleep schedule as much as I used to!