Legal Cheek Careers speaks with Clyde & Co’s Tom Bedford about his work in professional negligence and regulatory defence, and what it’s like to represent solicitors accused of wrongdoing
Tom Bedford, a specialist in professional negligence and regulatory defence at Clyde & Co, began his career as a junior lawyer acting for banks in negligence claims against solicitors and surveyors. After a couple of years, however, he “fancied switching sides.” “I didn’t love the idea of suing my own profession,” he laughs. He moved into defence work, representing solicitors facing claims and regulatory investigations — a decision that has shaped his career for more than a decade.
Bedford’s path into this area of the law was not one he originally planned. As a law student, he considered becoming a family lawyer but quickly realised that line of work wasn’t for him. “I don’t think this is for me,” he recalls thinking, after finding the area “very emotionally challenging”. However, he knew he wanted a “people-focused” career in law. During his training contract at Eversheds, he gained experience across a range of practice areas, but by the time he qualified in 2009, Bedford had discovered a passion for litigation. “I liked the idea of representing other people’s interests,” he says, noting that every case carried a compelling human story behind it.
When Bedford qualified during the financial crisis, he was faced with a choice between employment law and professional negligence. He opted for the latter and hasn’t looked back. “I thought the work was very varied and interesting — there are so many different things that can go wrong,” he says of what drew him to professional indemnity work. Defending lawyers also meant working with legally savvy clients. “You’re reporting to people who get it,” he explains, pointing out that his clients — often fellow solicitors or their insurers — understand the legal process, allowing for “a really nice, sensible conversation” instead of lengthy explanations. He enjoyed feeling part of a close-knit sector — being “part of a club” within the wider legal world.
Bedford’s practice today spans both defending negligence claims and representing lawyers in disciplinary proceedings. “My job is nice because it’s quite varied,” he tells me, describing how he divides his time between fighting cases and broader responsibilities like client training, mentoring junior lawyers and even helping with the management of the firm. “I love the variety that I have now in my job,” he adds.
After more than a decade at his previous firm, Bedford joined Clyde & Co 14 months ago as partner in the firm’s Bristol office. “No firm can offer globally what Clyde & Co can offer on solicitors’ liability. Clydes essentially wrote the book on this area!” he says of the insurance law giant’s appeal. Another big draw was the firm’s entrepreneurial culture. “If you want to do something, it can be done. No one’s going to stop you unless it’s something really mad,” Bedford laughs. With its strong reputation and high standards, the firm has given him an ideal platform to further grow his practice.
I ask Bedford what qualities make a good lawyer in his specialist area. Unsurprisingly, he emphasises the importance of empathy and strong communication. Professional negligence and regulatory cases can be intensely personal for the clients involved. “Particularly in the regulatory aspect of my practice, I’m acting for individuals who may be facing career-damaging sanctions,” he explains. “People think solicitors are tough cookies but for anybody these are extremely stressful situations to deal with.” Bedford sees his role as not only handling the legal complexities but also supporting his clients through the ordeal. “You should be providing pastoral support because you want to put your clients in the best possible position to defend themselves,” he says. “On a human level, no matter what someone’s done, they’re entitled to be represented, and they deserve that support.”
Equally, building trust is crucial. “It’s never left me that it’s such a huge privilege to be asked to advise people about something that is really important to them – their business or their career,” Bedford reflects. Earning that privilege means fostering strong relationships. He finds common ground with clients and reassures them through clear, frank communication. “You want people, if they have that problem again, to come back to you,” he says, adding that being approachable and honest is key to encouraging that loyalty.
Having solicitors as clients puts Bedford in a somewhat unusual position – one with distinct advantages and a few challenges. “Solicitors make great clients because they understand the job I’m doing and I understand theirs,” he notes. However, the flip side is that a legally trained client will quickly spot any lack of expertise. “You have to know what you’re talking about, because if you don’t you’ll quickly be found out,” Bedford cautions. He advises junior lawyers never to bluff. If he doesn’t know something, he’ll readily admit it and go find the answer. “Saying ‘I don’t know, but I’ll go away and look at it’ is definitely the best course of action to build trust with clients,” he says. Another test for young lawyers in this field can be managing ego. Without independent experts to call upon in solicitor negligence cases, it often falls to Bedford and his colleagues to tell a fellow lawyer — sometimes one far more senior — that they’ve made a mistake. “When you’re junior and you’re saying to somebody much older than you, ‘Actually I think you’ve made a mistake,’ it can be quite difficult,” he admits. “But there are ways to do it.” The key, he stresses, is to “lean on those same communication and relationship skills to navigate the situation.”
He has also noticed the profession itself being held to higher account. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has sharpened its focus on lawyers’ personal conduct outside work, he says, which is leading to more disciplinary cases from off-duty missteps. Bedford reminds juniors that solicitors hold a “special position in society” — “it’s not just any kind of commercial job,” as he points out — and predicts such scrutiny will only increase. “I think we will see more and more of that,” he adds.
As our conversation draws to a close, I ask Bedford for one final piece of careers advice for those starting out. “Be yourself,” is his response. He acknowledges that the hunt for training contracts and junior roles is “hugely competitive”, so it’s natural to want to put your best foot forward — but he insists that authenticity is paramount. “Some people will love you and some people won’t,” Bedford says. “If you’re completely yourself and you’re not successful [with an application], then probably you wouldn’t be happy there — you’re not the right fit.” And if you do find a place that appreciates the real you? “If you go in authentically and the firm likes you, I think it’s a recipe for success — and for happiness,” he finishes.
Tom Bedford will appear on the panel at ‘Ethics and the law – with Clyde & Co’, a virtual student event taking place TOMORROW (Tuesday 9 September). Apply now to attend.
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