Interview with our New Partner - Michael Clavell Bate

25 Feb

The Move to Asserson

After 34 years at Eversheds and two years in consultancy, what drew you to Asserson at this stage in your career?
In truth, I was not actively looking for an opportunity in the sector. However, I was introduced to the founder by a former associate of mine, now a Legal Director at Asserson. After a wonderful meeting with Trevor Asserson, I started to consider whether I could contribute meaningfully to the firm. I quickly concluded that I could.

You’ve spoken about admiring the ethos and feel of the firm—what is it about Asserson’s culture that resonated with you?
It starts with quality. The firm has been built by recruiting and developing lawyers of the highest calibre. As a result, it punches well above its weight. Being a relatively young and small firm, it benefits from a close-knit environment where everyone shares the same ambition and passion for the firm and its vision. There is a wonderfully collegiate and supportive culture, alongside a strong commitment to doing things differently.

All commercial law firms claim to have two key attributes: high quality and a deep understanding of their clients’ businesses. Few actually deliver on both across the board. I believe Asserson does.

What excites you most about leading Asserson’s Manchester office?
Being back in the sector in an economic region that I know well and love is incredibly exciting. The opportunity to build something truly special—something that will, in many respects, be quite unique—is a fantastic challenge. Additionally, I look forward to demonstrating to clients what an alternative approach to legal services can look like.

Asserson’s Growth & Vision

Asserson has expanded significantly since its founding in 2005. Where do you see the biggest opportunities for the firm in Manchester and beyond?
Asserson has a unique proposition, but it has the potential to grow even further. A dedicated presence in Manchester will act as a catalyst for this expansion. By aligning with the city’s growth strategy, Asserson can strengthen its presence in the region’s core industries—those that have helped shape Manchester’s economy. Additionally, there are significant opportunities to expand in established international markets such as the US and Continental Europe, as well as emerging markets like India and China.

How do you think Asserson stands out from other firms in the UK legal market?
Asserson has the look and feel of a boutique firm, thanks to its size and laser focus on quality in its core practice areas. However, it is, in fact, a full-service firm with strong capabilities in Commercial Disputes, International Arbitration, most areas of Commercial and Business Law, and Real Estate.

From what I have seen, the firm’s commitment to a partner-led, high-quality service—delivered in a way that aligns with client needs—is not just a claim; it’s a reality.

Legal Landscape

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing law firms in the UK today, and how is Asserson well-positioned to navigate them?
In short, I believe there is an increasing disconnect between what clients want from their law firms and the service that is actually being delivered. In my last two years working in-house, I observed professional service firms of all sizes delivering services as they saw fit—often only loosely aligned with clients’ actual requirements. This, to me, signals complacency.

Asserson, on the other hand, operates more like an in-house team than an external service provider. This is a fantastic foundation to build upon.

Another major challenge facing the sector is the well-being of lawyers—particularly young lawyers. There’s no disputing that this is a demanding profession, but the ever-increasing pressure for higher productivity and, for many firms, the push for greater office presence, will ultimately prove unsustainable. I believe lawyers can be both highly productive and happy, while maintaining a life outside of work. If that means a marginal impact on net profit, so what?

With your experience in global leadership, what lessons from your past roles do you think will be most valuable in your new position?
Two key lessons stand out:

Listen more to clients—law firms and accountancy firms simply don’t do this enough.
Listen more to your people—in my experience, they tend to be right most of the time.

Looking Ahead

You’ve had an impressive career—what would you like to achieve in this next chapter at Asserson?
That’s easy—significant growth and an increased global profile, with brand awareness that reflects the quality of the firm.

Finally, what’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you outside of the legal world?
I play darts with my two sons-in-law at the village pub every Saturday evening. 180s and three-figure checkouts are a weekly occurrence for me! 🎯😂