The Lawyer
Name: Lee James Barry Crook
Job: Senior legal counsel in the Wilhelmsen group, WWH
Previous job before Wilhelmsen: Walker Morris LLP, UK-based law firm
Works where: Lysaker, Wilhelmsen head office in Norway
Lives: Lilleaker, Norway
From UK law firm offices to Norway’s snowy trails, Lee Crook moved countries and chose Wilhelmsen because he wants workplaces with character. It explains why he loves being mocked at work for his horrible presentation slides.
Connections at law firms in Oslo tipped Lee about Wilhelmsen. He discovered the company’s legacy and global presence and was intrigued. Wilhelmsen’s reputation as a trusted, solid business with a long history resonated with him. “Somebody once told me that throughout its history it was known that, if you were a Norwegian overseas and saw the Wilhelmsen vessel flag, the W, you knew you’d be helped and could get home. That kind of heritage and trust—it’s rare.”
Beyond the legacy, what appealed to Lee was the international focus and the chance to be heard in a big company. He found that there weren’t many locally placed companies in Oslo with such a global scope. It was important for him to find a role where he wasn’t just a cog in a machine but could genuinely contribute and add value. Wilhelmsen was it.
Big personalities
While attending studies at Newcastle University in the UK, Lee did a vacation placement at Walker Morris, a national law firm based in Leeds. Only two weeks in, they offered to sponsor his legal education and employ him afterwards. It was a no-brainer for the young talent.
After finishing university, Lee went to law school in Manchester, completed his training back in Leeds, and stayed with Walker Morris for 12 years.
“The firm’s culture played a big role in why I stayed so long. It wasn’t one of those corporate, homogenous machines. It was personality-driven, built on a tradition of big characters delivering exceptional advice in their own voice. That’s what I loved about it.”
He cherished the idea that anyone could stand out early if they showed their ability and were willing to take on a challenge and put themselves out there. From the start it was important for Lee to be more than just a name on a spreadsheet or a billable hour. “I wanted to be someone the management recognised and valued.”
Manchester United the match maker
Around his 10th year at Walker Morris, Lee met Norwegian girl Tuva. “Our families have connections through professional football – her brother is a professional footballer, and my stepdad coached him during his time in Manchester United.”
The couple first met at a Manchester United derby playing Manchester City. “We were together in the away section, and the only two women in the crowd there were Tuva and her mother”.
By 2020, Lee was commuting between the UK and Oslo. Eventually, the pandemic forced Lee to stay in Oslo more permanently, giving Norway the chance to grow on him even more while working from his house.
“Norway felt like home – I loved the culture, the lifestyle, the emphasis on family, and the outdoors. It became clear that commuting wasn’t sustainable. I needed to find a role in Norway that aligned with my values and allowed me to fully integrate.”
Out of his home office cocoon, the always elegantly dressed UK lawyer turned Norwegian resident started in Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding, the group’s parent company, before summer in 2023.
Legal is more than do’s and don’ts
Adding value as an in-house legal counsel, to Lee, means going beyond just compliance. “It’s about so much more than answering people whether they can do something or not. Instead, it’s about asking, “How can we do this better?” How do we de-risk, optimise, or structure something in a way that maximises its value?”.
“My role is to help teams strategise and navigate complexities.”
Given that Lee has, from his early days at Walker Morris, always valued being a voice as opposed to a name on a spread sheet, he naturally seeks the opportunity to provide value in deeper and more comprehensive ways than purely confirming or denying ideas.
“For example, if I’m working with the M&A team or a specific Wilhelmsen subsidiary company, my job is to ensure that the legal function is not seen as a roadblock but as a partner in achieving their goals. Once you build trust and prove that you understand the industry and its nuances, teams begin to involve you in strategic discussions, which is where the real value lies.”
Professional pride
From large advanced and complex projects to smaller ones, Lee has met impressive colleagues across Wilhelmsen.
“One meeting that stands out is visiting our warehouse in Pandan Loop, Singapore. Meeting the team there was inspiring. The pride they take in their work is something you don’t see everywhere. They had developed an efficient stock rotation system on their own – cutting holes in boxes for better access and organisation. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly innovative and shows their commitment to the brand and its operations”.
On a more strategic level, Lee’s work on significant M&A and investment projects, such as our innovative Port Cost financing solution, and supporting the strategy teams in our Maritime Services and New Energy divisions transactions has been incredibly rewarding. “The diversity of work and the quality of the people here continue to impress me. Whether it’s on the factory floor or in high-level strategy meetings, there’s a shared commitment to excellence.”
With very skilled and talented colleagues comes the inspiration and willingness to learn new skills. Lee’s newest learning curve is upping his visual presentation game.
“Have you seen Lee’s slides?”
Usually, people of Lee’s talent will underplay their own abilities, and usually their skill in the mentioned area is well above average. Yet, Lee still finds himself at the bottom of the PowerPoint world rankings. Recently two colleagues were discussing a work challenge, and one said to the other: “We could look at this together and maybe Lee can make a presentation summary”.
“Have you seen Lee’s slides…?”
The conversation stopped there. There was loud laughing, mostly by Lee himself. “I am horrible at slides, it’s no joke”. The answer: “I need a reMarkable. Then I can use a pen and paper to create them.”
Just they wait! The runner, lawyer, British skier, and father of two, who believes in being a strong voice within the workplace, will show them. As with everything else in his career so far, he will get those slides sharp and neat soon enough. Until then, look for value-adding collaboration and possibly a more in-depth and behind the scenes Manchester United conversation than most people can offer.
Interests
What does your YouTube front page look like? Football, podcasts, Ricky Gervais, standup comedy
When time off, what do you do? Run, cycle, ski - preferably also with the boys and Tuva
Reading: Michael Crawley’s book “Out of thin air” (2021), about a journalist who happens to be an enthusiastic runner. Traveled to Ethiopia, to understand the culture and why they are good. Would love to go to Ethiopia and run, live like an emerging wanna-be athlete there. See and live the drive they have.
Listening to: Post Malone. The Weeknd. “The Socially Distant Sports Pod” - using sports to discuss life
Watching: “Black Doves” - spy assassins’ drama, brutal but funny.
Which of your traits do you hope your children won’t inherit?
My skinny legs. I have suffered the “chicken legs” label from friends, so they won’t have to.
What is your favourite sound?
Man United fans in the away section of an opponent’s stadium celebrating a last minute winner. Doesn’t get better than that.
What’s a book or movie that has changed your perspective?
John Rawls, “A Theory of Justice” (1971). I studied legal and political philosophy as part of my legal education and this book on the basic principles of social and economic equalities really helped me “switch the lights on” in terms of understanding how modern liberal democracies work.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Add your own personality to whatever you do – and if you haven’t got one, wear colourful socks.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rib eye steak, fries and bearnaise sauce. Three reasons:
- (Quite) easy to make and I am a terrible cook
- Unbelievably tasty
- Reminds me of a tradition I had with two of my best friends throughout my late 20’s – Thursday steak club at the local restaurant close to my old office…there might also have been a “little” wine added.
Photos:
Skiing:
“Norway’s lifestyle suits me perfectly. I’ve embraced skiing, running, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the culture and people here, and haul my boys around the woods”
Running:
“Running is my me-time. It’s about pushing myself physically but also clearing my head. Whether it’s a long run in the forest during summer or cross-country skiing in the winter, it’s my way of decompressing and finding balance.”
Work:
“I want to continue building strong relationships across the company and ensuring the legal function is seen as a strategic partner. There’s so much potential to innovate and contribute to Wilhelmsen’s growth, whether it’s through decarbonisation projects, supply chain improvements, or new business ventures.”
Football:
Considering his family provides unlimited Manchester United tickets, Lee should smile more… Game face check. Hat check. Good-luck leather jacket check.
