Learning, leading and growing at Langham Hall
Alan O’Neill is part of Langham Hall’s Office of the Managing Partner, working across systems, efficiency and people development. He began his journey in our Real Estate team and has grown through client work and leadership roles over fifteen years.
Early lessons and real impact
I joined Langham Hall when the firm was in its early growth phase in London. I had worked in finance roles at large organisations but wanted to be closer to clients and to the work, making a visible difference. From day one, Langham Hall’s culture stood out: a professional services environment with immediate client exposure and clear accountability. I enjoyed seeing the direct impact of my work on clients and the firm. Those early years were fast-paced and full of learning. I studied for my CIMA qualification alongside colleagues who have since become lifelong friends.
Opportunities for development
Langham Hall’s commitment to development has been a constant throughout my career. Two years after joining, I began building my own team, passing on what I had learned and seeing others progress in their roles. That experience reinforced the importance of developing people and supporting them to take the next step.
As I moved into a Senior Manager role within the Real Estate team, I balanced client work with team leadership before stepping into a Director position. I continued to be involved in fund administration while also taking on broader projects across standardisation and systems. Working with HR, Operations, Technical and Payments teams gave me a wider view of how our internal tools support client service.
More recently, my role in the Office of the Managing Partner has centred on firm-wide initiatives around systems, efficiency and people development.
The apprenticeship model in practice: developing talent from within
The apprenticeship model has been central to Langham Hall since I joined. The firm has always invested in people and their development through consistent training, study support and structured mentorship. This approach builds confidence, skills and judgement.
I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors who guided me through early client interactions and helped refine my technical skills. The focus was on learning quickly, taking ownership and understanding how to ease the workload of those around me. Regular one-to-one sessions went beyond day-to-day tasks, offering space for feedback and development. That experience shaped how I now approach leadership and the time I invest in others.
Alongside on-the-job learning, I have benefitted from professional coaching and external training to prepare for senior roles. The greatest influence has come from senior colleagues who shared their time and experience, encouraging me to take on new challenges with confidence.
Advice for those starting their career
My advice to anyone starting out would be to embrace the opportunities that come with a growing business.
- Be curious, take initiative and step outside your comfort zone. The exposure you gain and the lessons you learn are invaluable.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, colleagues and mentors. Our culture is built on collaboration and support, which makes the work rewarding.
- Focus on making life easier for the team around you; that mindset accelerates both learning and trust.
Reflections on the journey
The business has grown in ways that are almost unrecognisable from when I joined, yet our core values have remained constant. I am proud to have been part of that journey. The professionalism, commitment and shared ambition at Langham Hall are what make it such a special place to build a career.
Explore opportunities
Learn more about our trainee programme and experienced hire opportunities to develop your career at Langham Hall.
