MHC Life: Mark Fry

This week in our MHC Life Series, we hear from Mark Fry a partner on our Technology team. Marks chats about everything from his journey to law to his ideal getaway.

Tell us a bit about you and your career journey to MHC – what inspired you to get into this career?

History was one of my favourite subjects at school and I recall my history teacher outlining the affinity between the disciplines of history and law. I decided to study law at university, and it was only a natural progression to qualify as a solicitor. The fact there were already a few lawyers in my family might have also had something to do with it!. I initially practiced mainly as a litigator but always had a keen interest in technology and its impact on businesses and people. Early in my career I decided to focus more on advising clients on information technology contracts, outsourcing, data protection issues and general internet/e-commerce matters. I have been fortunate to see this practice area grow significantly over the last decade.

What was your first job?

When I was about 11 years old, I worked as a paper boy delivering a free local newspaper in my local area. I can remember some narrow escapes from certain dog breeds that are now banned and meeting a lot of elderly residents just looking for a chat. I’ve had a lot of empathy for postmen ever since!

Talk us through a typical day for you during the COVID-19 pandemic…

I’m usually awoken by one of our three young boys at about 6:30am when the morning rush begins. If I’m working from home, I tend to do the school drop offs. My working day is certainly a lot easier since the schools re-opened! I will then settle down to my desk and regularly have a team call at about 9am to discuss workflows. We have a busy team but where possible I try to keep a structure to the day and break for dinner with the kids before returning to the desk and finishing my to do list.

What books have you read during lockdown?

I recently read Andre Agassi’s autobiography “Open”. It is a superbly written book and gives a real insight into a life balanced precariously between self-destruction and perfectionism. The last book I read was “American Dirt” by Jeannie Cummins. Although I was initially reluctant to read it, due it being an Oprah pick, I was assured there was plenty of blood sodden terror and machine gun action to keep my interest! It turned out to be a decent social issues thriller telling the story of a mother and son fleeing their home in Mexico.

What pastimes do you enjoy?

I play tennis at our local club and I’m also a keen skier and enjoy running. At the weekend I coach hockey for under 12’s and on the odd occasion rugby for U7’s, although at times that seems to be more of a free babysitting service!

What's your idea of a perfect holiday?

My wife and I both love active holidays. We went on our last ski trip to France at the time Europe was hit by a “big freeze” in 2018. We left our boys behind for what was meant to be a long weekend but due to flight cancellations this was extended to a weeklong trip. Our babysitters were not impressed! We also love the Algarve in Portugal and are looking forward to hopefully getting back there over the coming months.