This article is part of our 'Oxford Spotlight' series, profiling the lawyers based in our Oxford office. In the series, we find out about their backgrounds, their journey through law and hear why Oxford is important to them.
Attilio Leccisotti is a Partner in the Corporate department of Mishcon Future. He specialises in venture and growth capital fundraisings with a particular focus on university spin-out companies, primarily in the technology and life sciences sectors.
I knew I wanted to get into law when … I attended a session on a 'the day in the life of a lawyer' during the second year of my university history degree, at a law firm in Leeds. The people I spoke to were very engaging and provided me with a number of interesting insights that prompted me to research a career in law.
I came to be in Oxford because … my girlfriend at the time (now wife) decided to move back to Oxfordshire, after a stint in London. I sought work at a law firm in Oxford, initially joining Nicola McConville's team at Blake Morgan and we've worked together ever since.
I chose Corporate law, working with emerging companies, because … advising start-ups and spin-outs on getting funding is a really prevalent work stream in the corporate ecosystem here in Oxford. It enables me to interact with entrepreneurs and investors on a daily basis.
The thing that motivates me most is … facilitating innovation. We help facilitate funding rounds for our clients, giving them the funds required to develop their novel products or services.
The work achievement I'm most proud of is … acting for disruptive, innovative and groundbreaking businesses. I worked with clients that have broken ground in fusion technology, cancer treatment and also created novel medical devices.
The thing that makes Oxford such a hub of innovation is … that it's arguably the Knowledge capital of the country. We have a lot of intelligent people here and the city has developed an environment that enables those people to be entrepreneurial and thrive.
One opportunity from the merger is … the depth of service and depth of knowledge we now have available to offer clients, whereby we can provide ancillary services to our clients from market-leading lawyers in their field.
Somebody that has inspired me during my career is … there are too many to name! I've been lucky to work with lots of inspiring lawyers, from my training principals during my training contract to colleagues in the present day, all of whom have had an impact on the lawyer I am today.
One thing I wish I knew when I started my career is … the importance that problem solving plays in your career going forward. There are instances where you have to be spontaneous and think on your feet, without the luxury of time and textbooks. I would tell my younger self to embrace that challenge.
One future trend in my practice area is … technology that can provide a quicker, more automated and a more cost-effective service for clients.
One thing you didn’t know about me is … I am part of the National Security and Investment Act working group here at Mishcon de Reya, which has been closely following the impact of the Government's national security regime. The Act is playing a major part in most investments into cutting edge companies in the UK and it will be interesting to see whether the Government seeks to amend the legislation in order to facilitate more overseas investment into the UK going forwards.