Reaching a decade in any organisation is a milestone, but reaching ten years in a fast‑moving, specialist legal environment is something else entirely. This month, we’re celebrating 10 years of Patrick Finnegan, one of the key figures behind Brady Solicitors’ growth, client relationships and team development.
Patrick joined Bradys with no legal background, just the ambition to learn fast and make an impact. A decade later, he’s a central part of our leadership team, known for his strategic thinking, client focus and relentless drive to push standards higher. We sat down with him to reflect on the journey so far, what’s changed, and why Brady Solicitors remains the place he chooses to build his career.
Can you take us back to your first day?
I had absolutely no experience of working in a law firm and remember going home absolutely shattered. Every day felt like cramming for a law degree I hadn’t signed up for. But I was surrounded by seriously talented people, and somewhere between information overload and caffeine dependency… it clicked.
Once I started speaking to clients and saw the impact we actually have, as well as noticing Bradys had a huge USP, I realised it wasn’t just technical law. It was problem‑solving at a high level.
Why did you choose Bradys, and what’s kept you here?
Colin and Clare had a vision, ambitious, forward-thinking, determined to lead the industry, not just follow it. I knew I could add value and be part of building something special.
What’s kept me here? The people and the agility. We don’t stand still. We adapt, we grow, and we push forward. That kind of environment suits me, I like momentum.
What would you tell your first day self today?
Relax. It will click. You’re not meant to know everything in week one (despite wanting to). Lean into the expertise around you, back yourself, and keep going, you’ll end up knowing more than you ever thought possible.
One day you’ll be the person others come to for answers, and you’ll wonder why you ever doubted yourself.
What achievement are you most proud of?
The team we have today. We were once much smaller, and seeing how we’ve grown, with focus in all the right areas and a collective mindset around success, is something I’m genuinely proud of.
On a personal level, building real partnerships with clients is where I get my energy. This is a competitive niche industry, and differentiation matters. Helping clients navigate complex challenges and finding solutions others can’t, that’s what drives me. Another proud moment was my sensational pitch to the CFO to buy a flash coffee machine. The presentation I put together with ROI calculations wasn’t required — it was ordered the same day!
Who has inspired you throughout your career?
Colin and Clare, without question. Their standards are high, and rightly so. Their drive to be the best in the industry sets the tone for all of us.
I’ve also worked alongside some incredibly talented people over the years. You absorb that level of expertise whether you realise it or not, and eventually, you become part of it.
How would you describe the culture at Brady Solicitors?
Inclusive, ambitious and forward‑moving. Hard work is the norm, but so is celebrating success. Personal progression genuinely matters here and it’s encouraged. I’ve seen it, experienced it, and I’m still working towards the next level myself.
What keeps you motivated after 10 years?
The client relationships and how they grow. The fact that it’s still challenging. The increasing need for genuine specialists in this industry means the work we do evolves. The industry doesn’t stand still, and neither do we.
The first 10 years helped build the foundations. The next 10 are where it gets really interesting.
Your advice for someone joining Bradys now?
You’re stepping into something exciting. If you’re willing to work hard, you can shape your own progression here. The opportunity is there, it’s up to you how far you take it.
Three words to describe 10 years?
Driven. Evolving. Enjoyable.
Looking ahead
Patrick’s journey reflects exactly what we strive for at Brady Solicitors: a place where talent is nurtured, expertise is shared, and ambition is encouraged. His story demonstrates the value of long‑term growth — not just for our people, but for the clients who benefit from consistent, specialist support built on years of experience.
For clients, it’s a reminder that the advice and service they receive is backed by a team with genuine depth, resilience and industry‑leading knowledge. For those considering their next career step, Patrick’s decade of development is proof of how far you can go here when you’re driven, supported and aligned with a team that’s always moving forward.
If you’re interested in joining a firm that invests in your progression and challenges you to grow, take a look at our current opportunities on our careers page.
