Law firm invests in future with senior appointment: Hill Dickinson

Pictured: Tom Pollard, Hill Dickinson partner and head of corporate North East, left, with Paul Scope, employment partner

Hill Dickinson

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Paul Scope recently joined law firm Hill Dickinson to launch a dedicated employment law offering for clients in the North East and beyond.

His appointment reflects the firm’s continued investment in the North East, with the Newcastle office growing sustainably since its 2022 launch.

Originally established with a seven-strong health team, the Newcastle office has welcomed marine, private client and corporate teams during the last 24 months.

Now with nearly 30 people, the introduction of an employment team further reinforces the office’s position as an increasingly significant full-service legal hub in the North East, which aligns with the firm’s wider national growth strategy across its UK regional offices.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’ve worked as a lawyer for more than 25 years, mostly with a regional firm based in Newcastle.

I’ve also worked in-house in London; I think that’s where I get my commerciality from.

I live in Whitley Bay, right on the beach, with my wife and two kids, aged 17 and 15.

My spare time mostly operates around football – watching or coaching.

What are the proudest moments of your career/personal life so far?

Personally, it’s been watching my kids grow into confident young adults.

At work, it was being named Employment Lawyer of the Year at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards a couple of years ago.

Hill Dickinson has just won Firm of the Year at the 2026 awards.

What brought you to Hill Dickinson?

I was really impressed with the firm’s ambition and growth strategy across the UK, but specifically the plan to grow our business services group in the North East into a market-leading team.

Culture was really important to me, and everyone I met was a positive advert for the firm – and that is still true a few months in.

What is your favourite thing to do to unwind after a busy week?

Watch Newcastle United, go to a nice restaurant, coach my under-15 football team and watch TV.

I used to play golf and cycle, but not so much anymore.

What was the last thing that inspired you?

My children – wanting to be better for their benefit.

Has a book, podcast, seminar or training course had a big impact on your life?

Roger Federer has a video where he talks about how many points he lost in all the games he won.

Even he lost nearly half of all points played.

A point is just a point; move on to the next one and put it behind you.

I’ve shown it to the kids I coach to teach them about resilience.

If you could have dinner with one person – dead or alive – who would it be?

Dinner with my dad one last time.

What is your dream travel destination?

My favourite place is New York, but my dream destination is Rio.

What is your favourite meal?

A Sunday roast with the family.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?

I’d be running an ice cream parlour on the beach, with a bike repair workshop out the back. And I’d possibly have a football coaching role on the side.

And finally, what’s your favourite song?

Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve, or All These Things That I’ve Done by The Killers.

To learn more about Hill Dickinson and the legal services it provides, visit the website here www.hilldickinson.com or call 0191 823 0530.