Dan Richardson

Tell us your story:

I've worked in the legal sector for over three years, initially at Signature Litigation and, since my graduation from Bristol University in 2022, at Fox Williams. In my current role, I've had the opportunity to work closely with our firm's FinTech team and curate events that allow founders in the space to come together and share insights, as well as gain valuable advice from investment and legal professionals. In 2024, I co-ordinated in excess of 60 events for Fox Williams, over a third of which were aimed at the FinTech and financial services communities.

Impact:

During my time at Fox Williams, I've supported the development of a 'Capital and Counsel' initiative, which seeks to support under-served founders, and worked alongside organisations like FinTech Circle, FinTech Founders, and FinTech Fringe to facilitate networking opportunities for those within the community, who seek to navigate legal and investment challenges.

Earlier this year, I was invited to join the board of Project UpLIFT, a non-profit organisation, which works to bring LGBTQ+ professionals in the legal, forensics, and investigations industries together for the purposes of relationship building and mentoring. Many of the organisation's supporters operate in the financial services sector.

Internally, I oversee Fox Williams' programme of events to mark Pride Month, organising an annual celebration as well as educational discussions, which are regularly attended by fee earners from our FinTech and financial services teams. In 2024, I arranged for Catherine Dixon, former Chair of Stonewall, to deliver a seminar on her experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community throughout her career in both the legal sector and the British Armed Forces. In 2025, I invited my fellow Project UpLIFT board members to participate in a panel discussion about the challenges currently faced by the LGBTQ+ community, entitled 'The path to progress never did run smooth'. I moderated this discussion, striving to emphasise the need for continued conversation around the regressive changes taking place on a global scale.

Advice:

Authenticity is key to building meaningful professional relationships. By being yourself, you demonstrate a sincerity and openness that evokes respect and trust in those around you, from legal counsel to board members, fellow founders, and investors.