How Has Sushil Kuner’s Journey Shaped Financial Services Law?

February 5, 2025

Sushil Kuner’s professional journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of varied experiences in shaping a successful career in financial services regulatory law. As a principal associate at Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, Kuner’s multifaceted role involves advising on financial services regulatory law, leading the firm’s fintech accelerator group, and championing the EmbRACE network dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). His path to this prestigious position has been far from linear, marked by significant challenges and pivotal experiences that have profoundly influenced his expertise and approach to the legal profession.

Early Interest and Initial Challenges

Kuner’s initial interest in law was kindled during his school years when he was among the first in his institution to be offered law as a subject, an opportunity that would prove foundational for his future career. This early exposure led him to pursue a law degree at the University of Birmingham, setting the stage for his entry into the legal field. However, upon graduation, Kuner faced the daunting challenge of not having secured a training contract, a crucial prerequisite for qualifying as a solicitor in the UK. This significant setback necessitated the self-funding of his Legal Practice Course (LPC), a gamble made possible with the unwavering support of his parents.

Despite these initial hurdles, Kuner’s determination and resilience paid off when he secured a training contract at a commercial law firm in Coventry. During his time there, he gained invaluable experience in corporate law, which laid a robust foundation for his future career pursuits. Qualifying into corporate law in 2007, Kuner joined a national law firm in Birmingham, blissfully unaware of the imminent economic downturn that would soon present new and formidable challenges.

Navigating the Credit Crash and Career Setbacks

The economic downturn of 2009 precipitated a significant slowdown in work, leading to widespread redundancies in law firms, with the corporate teams being particularly hard hit. Unfortunately, Kuner was among those affected by these redundancies, facing increasingly limited prospects in the UK legal market. This period of professional uncertainty prompted him to obtain a one-year working visa in Canada, where he embarked on six months of backpacking around the Canadian Rockies before ultimately securing a placement at Deloitte’s Vancouver office.

Kuner’s experience at Deloitte proved transformative, introducing him to the domain of financial services, a field that piqued his interest due to the severe personal impacts witnessed from the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the ensuing credit crash. Upon his return to the UK, the legal market remained sluggish, but a new opportunity emerged as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was actively hiring. Recognizing the potential for growth and impact at the FCA, Kuner seized this opportunity.

Building Expertise at the Financial Conduct Authority

Kuner’s six-month temporary placement at the FCA would evolve into an enriching eight-year career, providing him with a wealth of experience and extensive exposure to various facets of financial services regulation. His roles at the FCA spanned positions within the supervision division and as a case lawyer and lead investigator in the enforcement division. These roles allowed him to cultivate a deep, multi-faceted understanding of financial services regulation and enforcement, further honing his expertise in this critical area of law.

The inclusive and diverse environment at the FCA was instrumental in shaping Kuner’s professional journey. It helped him develop key skills and confidence, empowering him to find and use his voice effectively to contribute meaningfully to the organization. This experience not only deepened his knowledge but also solidified his commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, preparing him for his eventual transition back to private practice.

Transition to Gowling WLG and Advisory Role

In 2018, Kuner made the decisive choice to leave the FCA, although he remained uncertain about his next steps, particularly whether to return to private practice. Kuner considered various roles, including compliance positions and legal roles within banks, financial services firms, or prominent audit firms. After evaluating several opportunities, he ultimately chose Gowling WLG, driven by the positive interactions and alignment with the firm’s values and culture.

At Gowling WLG, Kuner primarily functions in an advisory capacity, providing clients with expert guidance on complex regulatory issues, while also assisting with contentious matters led by the disputes team. His extensive experience and deep understanding of financial services regulation, garnered from his time at the FCA, allows him to offer insightful and valuable counsel to clients. This transition underscores the significance of adaptability and the ability to leverage diverse experiences in shaping a successful legal career.

Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A cornerstone of Kuner’s role at Gowling WLG is his leadership of the EmbRACE network, a platform dedicated to promoting DE&I within the firm. The EmbRACE network serves as a crucial platform for discussing and addressing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as providing support to individuals from diverse backgrounds. One notable initiative that highlights the firm’s commitment to DE&I is the implementation of the Black Lives Matter action plan in response to George Floyd’s death, underscoring Gowling’s dedication to addressing systemic inequalities.

Gowling WLG’s recruitment initiatives are robust and multifaceted, involving mentoring university students and participating in the Black Talent in Law bursary scheme. Through these efforts, Kuner and his colleagues work to create an even playing field in recruitment, providing ongoing support to ensure the retention and progression of diverse talents to leadership roles within the firm. Kuner’s pivotal involvement in these initiatives emphasizes his enduring commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within the legal profession.

Alternative Routes into Law

Sushil Kuner’s professional journey is a compelling story of resilience, adaptability, and the significance of diverse experiences in building a successful career in financial services regulatory law. Currently holding the position of principal associate at Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, Kuner wears many hats. He provides expert advice on financial services regulatory law, leads the firm’s fintech accelerator group, and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) through the EmbRACE network.

Kuner’s route to this prestigious role wasn’t straightforward. It was filled with hurdles and crucial experiences that have deeply impacted his knowledge and perspective in the legal field. His journey highlights the importance of staying adaptable and learning from a variety of professional experiences.

Before attaining his current role, Kuner gained valuable insights and skills through various positions and challenges, which have collectively honed his expertise. His commitment to fostering DE&I in the workplace showcases his dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable professional environment.

In his multifaceted role, Kuner demonstrates how combining legal acumen with a passion for innovative sectors like fintech and a commitment to DE&I can create a dynamic and resilient career. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enriching impact of diverse professional experiences.

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