During the summer of 2020 we launched a series of conversations with alumni to hear their memories of Trinity and catch up on what they’ve done since leaving. Matt from ARDO spoke with Gavin Gordon (1993) and you can read his story below. You can find more stories here.

Why did you choose to study Law at Trinity?

I wanted to be in a large College with a good academic reputation. Trinity ticked both of those boxes, so it seemed like a natural choice.

Do you have a favourite part of Trinity?

It’s very difficult to look past Great Gate, but actually I think the Backs are quintessentially Cambridge.

My memories of post-exams, sitting on the Backs with friends would be some of the fondest ones.

Any favourite memories?

The memories that I have are especially about the people. It’s friendships that you developed, whether it was during your studies or as part of the social scene or participating in the various sports teams.

During my time at Trinity I played in the hockey team, the rugby team, the cricket team and rowed in my first year. It was a lot of fun, but I think it became very clear to everybody that me and rowing were not naturally aligned.

Anything you wish you had known before arriving?

I don’t think there is anything that I wish I had known before I arrived at Trinity. The interesting thing, with the benefit of hindsight, is that it’s easy when you’re there to take for granted some of the opportunities that you get given as being part of Trinity. Whether it’s academic, but also the friendships and network that you can develop. Looking back, that’s the thing that it’s easy to not realise, how fortunate you are, and grab all those opportunities at the time, but it’s something very special.

What was your first job and what is your current job?

Technically my first job after graduating was picking litter on the side of the road during the summer after I graduated to earn some money to go to law school.

I left Trinity and went straight to law school in Nottingham the following September. I spent a year there doing my LPC and then went into a training contract with a UK law firm. For me, going into a law firm to be a solicitor was a more natural choice as I preferred working in teams. I spent 13 years there and got to partnership, before moving to a US firm and spent another 10 years there.

I am currently a partner in an American law firm and am helping them build out their London office. I really enjoy it.

Do you have any achievements that you’re most proud of?

I was incredibly proud to get into Trinity and get into Cambridge. For me that was a great achievement. Since then I have had a very good career which I’ve enjoyed a lot. Outside of that I have three kids that I am very proud of.

Any advice for a current student?

With the benefit of hindsight, you realise how fortunate you were and all of the opportunities that were available to you. Whether it’s the academic side, the friendships, the mentoring that’s available to you, try not to take that for granted. Do avail yourself of all those opportunities. You won’t look back and think that you did too much, I think you will look back and wish you had done more. Grasp them whilst they’re available!

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Recorded in August 2020

If you want to get involved and share your story, please get in touch with Matt and Rachel at alumni-events@trin.cam.ac.uk