Personal Profiles, Professional Insights: Paul Duggan, Banking & Finance Partner

One role led to another, and the firm offered to support him through his legal qualifications. He completed his law conversion course and qualified as a solicitor in 2007.

Now a Partner in Blake Morgan’s Banking and Finance team in Cardiff, Paul is known for his calm authority, technical precision, and commercial pragmatism.

He’s a mental health first aider and a menopause mentor. He also sits on the Gender Strategy Group and the Corporate Responsibility Committee. Outside the office, he unwinds by cooking carbonara (a family favourite), walking his energetic cockapoo Mabel, and catching live gigs as often as possible.

We spoke to Paul about his journey into law, his approach to mentoring, and the passions that keep him energised outside the office.

Why did you decide to specialise in banking and finance?

It plays to my strengths. It’s a technical area, but one that has a real-world impact.

I act mainly for clearing banks and institutional lenders and also for corporate borrowers. I love the mix of complexity, precision and pragmatism.

Tell us about a project you’re particularly proud of

I recently led on a major deal for a Welsh sporting body that was high-value and high-pressure and completed in just two weeks. We had to move quickly, work late nights, and pull together across teams. Everyone was committed and kept their sense of humour. It was a real example of Blake Morgan’s culture: collaborative, respectful, and always focused on delivering the best for our clients.

What attracted you to Blake Morgan?

Since joining in 2017, I’ve found everything I heard about working here true. There’s a real sense of community and support for colleagues. What characterises this firm is genuine relationships, kindness, and shared values. That’s what makes people stay.

You’re involved in several inclusion and wellbeing initiatives. Can you tell us more?

I’m a Mental Health First Aider and a menopause mentor. People close to me are going through menopause, and that’s helped me appreciate how challenging it can be. It’s a privilege to support colleagues and help others understand what their partners might be going through.

I also help drive initiatives through the Gender Strategy Group and sit on Cardiff’s Corporate Responsibility committee. We fundraise together, organise charity walks and events; it’s a big part of who we are as a firm.

What’s your approach to mentoring and supporting junior colleagues?

Mentoring should be responsive, not prescriptive. Every junior lawyer is different, and understanding that is key to helping them grow. It starts with listening. My time coaching youth football taught me a lot: you can’t impose your way of learning on someone else. You have to give people space, trust them to try, and sometimes fail, in a supportive environment.

What does work-life balance look like for you?

Cooking is my escape.

We sit down as a family most nights, and that time is sacred. My kids cook, too; my son Charlie makes a great carbonara, which I taught him, and my daughter Nell makes a delicious ramen.

I also walk our dog, Mabel, every day. I used to listen to podcasts, but now I leave my headphones behind. It’s quiet and grounding, just me and the dog.

Music clearly plays a big role in your life. What does it mean to you?

Music has always been a constant. I met my wife through music, played in bands, and now I share it with my kids. I’ve got an enormous vinyl and CD collection, and we still love going to gigs. I flew to Belfast earlier this year to see The Jesus Lizard, a band I loved in the late ’80s but never saw live at the time.

Where do you go to unwind?

West Wales. Mwnt is my favourite place in the world. It’s peaceful and feels like a proper reset. We try to go a couple of times a year. I grew up in a port town in Northern Ireland, so I’ve always felt connected to the sea.

What advice would you give someone starting out in law?

Don’t feel you have to follow a set path. My route was unconventional, but it gave me resilience, perspective and a deep appreciation for the profession.

You’ll do well if you can build good relationships, be open to learning, and find your own rhythm.

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