Sacco Mann Talks To… Luke Rees at Langleys

Our next Sacco Mann Talks To... we speak to Luke Rees, Partner at Langleys Solicitors. Partner and Head of the Corporate team, Luke brings a decade of experience in providing expert legal advice to private companies to the firm. 

What brought you to Langleys in the first place?  

I had a lot of offers from other firms in the region and beyond. I chose Langleys due to the firm’s really strong commercial brand and the chance to grow a great corporate offering to complement an excellent full service offering.

Legal 500, 2021 

Luke Rees is one of the most outstanding M&A lawyers I have ever come across - his ability to interact with the buy side is particularly impressive.

What was your route to becoming partner of Langleys? 

I joined as an associate in February 2019. At the time I was not that concerned with my title (I had previously been a partner at another firm), I was more concerned with making sure that the firm was the right fit for me. It became apparent very quickly that it was and after 18 months at the firm I was progressed from associate to partner (bypassing senior associate).

What makes you feel proud about working at Langleys? 

I feel proud to be part of a full service law firm with some truly outstanding lawyers. We also have a fantastic infrastructure at the firm with excellent business service colleagues in HR, Business Development, IT and Quality & Compliance who make our job as lawyers a whole lot easier.

How would your team describe you? 

Not sure - hopefully dynamic, calm, and approachable!

I understand you love the autonomy and freedom you get at Langleys. What do you mean by that and how does it affect your work? 

Since joining the firm I have been charged with leading the firm’s corporate offering.  I have been given the freedom to grow things my way and to play a huge role in the development and growth of our commercial offering as a whole.  Whilst this freedom has been refreshing and empowering, the support of colleagues and business services in the firm has really contributed to the success of things.

What do you really enjoy about working at Langleys?

Being part of such a dynamic full service firm, with so many great young and ambitious partners is great. The flexible approach to working means that whilst it is a case of working hard and striving, there is a great work/life balance.

What are the greatest changes have you seen to Langleys and the Corporate team in the last few years?  

The greatest change that I have noticed has to be the implementation of our new strategy centred on ambition, client focus and teamwork. Everything we do is designed around these values. The flexible working policy that has been introduced is also a welcome change.

What do the Career Development Pathways at Langleys currently look like/involve?  

There is a real focus on developing employees at Langleys. Growing our own and providing people with scope for progression is key. I am example of that as I was progressed very quickly.

What qualities do you look for in potential candidates hoping to join Langleys and the Corporate team?  

Legal knowledge and technical ability is a given.  For me, the ability to communicate complicated matters in a straight forward way and an ability to relate to clients is key. Being dynamic and responsive is also of paramount importance.

What is your “vision for the future” for the Corporate team at Langleys? 

We have a reputation for high quality work already. The team is growing and I would like to establish a team of highly motivated, quality solicitors to build on this and to lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial division.

Langleys are looking at growing their Corporate team. If you would be interested in working with Luke and the Corporate Team then please get in touch with Jonny on 0113 467 9781 or jonny.weare@saccomann.com to discuss this further.