International Men's Day provides a vital space for conversations surrounding gender equality, mental health, fatherhood, and men's well-being. This International Men’s Day, we celebrate the incredible male directors at our firm - who make up 37.84% of our board - by highlighting their journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation of men in law.

Through a candid Q&A, a handful of our male leaders share their personal experiences, the difficulties they've overcome, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Their stories reflect the resilience, dedication, and ambition that define Switalskis.

Q: Briefly describe your journey in law and what led you to your current role at Switalskis

Mark Hollinghurst

"I originally came into law after I got some work experience as a teenager in a small law firm just before going to university. I switched degrees as a result of this!

in 2016 I brought my team and cases to Switalskis on an agreed deal, and established the first Doncaster office. I had kept an eye on Switalskis for a while and liked what I heard and saw. I wasn’t disappointed!"

David Thomas

"My route into the law wasn’t the traditional one. I didn’t go to university; instead, I took the CILEX pathway because of my circumstances as a young man. I started out working as a solicitor’s clerk for the senior partner, who very kindly supported me by funding my studies at night school and weekend college. At the same time, I had a young family, a mortgage to pay, and a full-time job to manage, so balancing everything required a lot of discipline and determination.

Over time, I moved from personal injury into clinical negligence, and that became the foundation of my career. Switalskis’ commitment to client care and specialist expertise felt like the right fit, and I’ve been fortunate to build a role here that allows me to make a real difference while setting up the London office and working alongside a fantastic team."

Steve Dibb

"I didn’t set out to become a lawyer. I struggled in college then dropped out as I would not have really been able to afford to go to Uni. I found an admin role in Local Government (Wakefield)and was lucky enough to be given day release to develop my further education. I became interested in the work of its legal department and was successful when a trainee legal executive post came up. From there I soon became particularly interested in and specialised in child care law.

I undertook evening classes and eventually qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives whilst undertaking my day job. An opportunity came up for a more senior role at Kirklees and I was successful. During my time there I was supported to enhance my Legal Execs qualification to enable me to start the Legal Practice Course on a part-time day release basis at Huddersfield Uni.

Not long after I qualified as a solicitor I moved to London and took up an assistant solicitor post (still in child care law) in Essex. During my time there, I was promoted to department manager. I started to take on wider management roles and was on track to move further into a general local government director/leadership role when I decided to move back to Yorkshire."

Q: Work-life balance can mean different things for everyone. What strategies or boundaries help you manage your wellbeing inside and outside of work?

Mark Hollinghurst

"I have always worked long and hard – it is my nature. I don’t do anything less than well over 100%! I used to be very fit, playing high level league tennis in particular, but lost my fitness very significantly over a period of time. As many are now aware, I embarked earlier this year on a huge health drive, losing over 4 stone in weight and regaining fitness. I feel so much better. I have learned that to show up for others you need to show up for yourself."

Chris Gresswell-Green

"In the early stages of my career, I often found it challenging to switch off. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of creating balance through mindfulness, meditation and regular exercise. These practices help me to maintain perspective and manage the inevitable pressures that come with legal work.

Setting boundaries and making time for personal wellbeing isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Looking after yourself ultimately allows you to show up more effectively for your clients, your colleagues and your family."

David Thomas

"For me, balance comes from having clear boundaries and making time for the things and people who matter. I enjoy socialising with friends and family whenever I get the chance, it helps me switch off and stay grounded. I also try to keep fit with HIIT sessions two or three times a week. Being active makes a huge difference to my mental focus and overall wellbeing. I love a good Guinness, real ale and old fashioned pubs.

At work, I try to manage time realistically, especially during intense periods. Taking care of myself makes me far more effective when supporting clients."

Tim Halstead

"In our world there is always a reason to carry on through lunch hours, work late or at weekends. There’s always another email to read. I learned (eventually) that I was never going to be able to answer all of them immediately, so I developed ways to prioritise and sort them. I have standard replies set up (using Quick Steps) which help me do so. Technology has developed from my early (no emails) days to today, so ways of working constantly evolve."

Q: What pressures do you think men in law experience that aren’t always spoken about? 

Chris Gresswell-Green

"There can still be an expectation for men in law to project confidence and composure at all times, to always have the answers and to suppress vulnerability. That pressure can make it difficult to speak openly about stress or uncertainty. Encouragingly, this is changing, but it’s important that we continue to challenge those traditional expectations and normalise honest conversations about mental health."

Toby Netting

"I think all people in law, regardless of gender, have the dichotomy of balancing work and home life. When my boys were little, I would always try and be back for bathtime and bedtime. There is always the pressure to perform at work, but it has to be a balance. Getting that balance right isn’t always easy."

David Thomas

"There are many pressures that often go unspoken. Men in law can feel the need to always appear in control, to be the big, unshakeable figure for clients and colleagues. On top of that, modern pressures such as social media and the expectation to conform to certain stereotypical images can add another layer of strain. It’s easy for men to internalise these pressures rather than talk about them."

Q: What advice would you give to young men entering the profession today, particularly around resilience and wellbeing at work?

Chris Gresswell-Green

"Be kind to yourself and focus on authenticity rather than perfection. Find mentors who value your individuality and support you in developing your own style. Resilience isn’t about being invincible - it’s about self-awareness, reflection and knowing when to pause and recharge."

Toby Netting

"I think you have to be able to have an outlet for the pressure and stress. Ideally a healthy one. Too often a perceived outlet is a glass or two of wine or a pint or two. The level of alcohol consumption can creep up and having a weather eye on it is really important. Even the most relaxed of characters will be carrying internal evidence of their stress and if you don’t combat it now it will come to a head later in life."

Steve Dibb

"Do not hesitate to reach out if you are struggling. Putting your hand up and saying you are struggling is a strength, not a weakness"

Q: Have you ever felt pressure to meet a certain image or expectation as a male leader, and how do you manage that?

Chris Gresswell-Green

"Yes - both as a man in law and as a gay solicitor. When I began my career, there was still a sense that it was safer to downplay that part of myself. Over time, I’ve learned that being open and authentic not only benefits me but also helps others feel more comfortable being themselves.

The profession has made great strides, but visibility and representation still matter. I try to lead by example, showing that professionalism and authenticity can and should go hand in hand."

David Thomas

"Yes, there’s often an expectation that male leaders should be authoritative, decisive, and always composed. I’ve learned that leadership is far stronger when it’s authentic. I enjoy my job, and I’m fortunate to have a great relationship with my fellow Directors. I try to lead by example, using my years of knowledge and experience to support the younger members of the team and to create an environment where openness and growth are encouraged.

For me, leadership is about collaboration, listening, and being willing to show the human side of the role."

Q: If you could give your newly qualified self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Mark Hollinghurst

"To always look after yourself and to know that you are ‘enough’ if you maintain high standards – perfection is illusory and the search for this illusion can bring mental pressures which can feel too much."

Toby Netting

"Make the most of your hair, it won’t be there forever!"

Tim Halstead

"You will often come across seemingly confident people (especially men) who seem to have the perfect life/career. In my experience they rarely do – those who stay grounded and humble often do better in the long run. Ignore the noise. Do what you think is right – and join (or stay with) a firm that shares your values."

Conclusion

International Men’s Day highlights the importance of celebrating the diverse journeys men take in their careers, personal lives, and wellbeing.  While societal expectations often push men to embody certain ideals, it’s important to remember that success looks different for everyone.

At Switalskis, we encourage our colleagues to have open conversations about men’s wellbeing and champion a culture where every man can shape his own journey.