The eprivateclient 50 Most Influential is the definitive rankings of the key players in the UK and offshore private client practitioner sector.
To showcase the achievements of those listed this year and to get to know them a bit better, eprivateclient has begun publishing a series of Q&As with our 2021 50 Most Influentials.
This week we hear from Womble Bond Dickinson's Alexander Dickinson. Alexander has been a partner in private wealth at Womble Bond Dickinson since 1997 and is the lead partner for many of the firm’s largest clients. Alexander specialises in advising UK based clients, particularly those with real estate assets, but he also has expertise in the areas of personal tax, wills and trusts.
What have been your proudest personal/team achievements this year?
They way my team has pulled together to support each other during the pandemic and to innovate in the way we deliver of services.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Pursue as many interests, visit as many places and meet as many people as you can.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
The variety of challenges.
What challenges do you see your firm/clients facing in 2021?
The same as usual just bigger, more frequent and more significant.
What does being named a 50 Most Influential mean to you?
Recognition for my firm and team means a lot to all of us.
What is the favourite part of your job?
Every day is different except for the people - clients and colleagues are what make the job rewarding and fun.
What made you choose to focus on private client work?
I worked as a corporate lawyer in an aviation practice. I loved it, but not for a whole career. My godfather gave me some great advice over lunch one day, and I never looked back.
What book/luxury item would you want with you on a desert island?
A piano and a book of piano pieces – they would keep me occupied for a long time as I am not a good pianist but I will have plenty of time to practice.
If you were not in (and it is not) your current role, what would be your dream job?
Travel journalist & restaurant critic.
What’s your favourite hobbies/passions/interests outside of work?
I took up fishing this year, a great lockdown pastime.
What one piece of advice has benefited you the most in your career?
My godfather advising me not to seek a role as a sports agent, and instead to move to private client law.
