Carl Watson - General Counsel at Arcadis Asia (Law LLB, 1997)

I didn't want to move away from my native North-East for university as I knew I'd be moving away at the start of my career anyway. I was settled with rugby for a local side with school friends (RGS Newcastle) also staying in Newcastle. Also, the reputation of the university and Law School was strong. I liked the open approach of the teaching staff - approachable and collegiate style of teaching with use of seminars was very suited to my learning style. Friendly, honest, energetic and fun but with serious heritage and strength of purpose. I live and work in Hong Kong. I am General Counsel (Legal Director) for a large, global design and consultancy business in HK covering the 13-country Asia region. I lead the legal and compliance function. The course gave me a structure to legal analysis that I bring with me today. Also, an ability to prioritise legal issues and deal with them methodically.