Are You an Outlaw? Meet James Barclay

Who has redefined what it means to think outside of the law (aka Outlaw) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet James Barclay, CEO of Passle Inc. James has been helping professionals use the internet to enhance the way they do business since 1995. He is currently building Passle - a British technology firm - in the USA. Alongside the co-founders of Passle, this is the third technology firm James has helped to grow over the last 29 years.

Passle is the only thought leadership platform built specifically for law firms. Passle makes thought leadership simple, scalable, and effective in all formats and styles.

When he is not working at Passle, James tries to get out on his boat and sail as much as possible.

Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A: No tea.

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: Right now here in Annapolis is great. In the future, I’d love to go back to living on a boat in the Greek Islands with my wife. We tried it a few summers ago, and it was fantastic - exactly how you’d expect it to be. One day we will go back. Sunshine, sailing, clear blue water, cold beer, and great food.  

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Please see the above 🙂

Q: Who is your real-life hero?
A: My Grandfather. He was in the Royal Navy, a town Mayor, and he ran several charities. He never stopped learning and never let anything stop him from looking after his family, friends, and those in need. He also survived The Malta Convoy, multiple Russian Convoys, being attacked by Kamikaze airplanes, and the Arctic Ocean in the winter – all before he was 23.

Q: What is your motto?
A: The Barclay Clan motto is ‘Aut Agere Aut Mori’ which means ‘either action or death’.  This is a little extreme, but I would certainly rather be doing something than doing nothing. I like to surround myself with people who are ‘drivers’ rather than ‘passengers’ - and I try to be the same.

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Loneliness.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be…”
A: Becoming a far better listener. If I can have two, I’d like to have a better memory than I do now.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: My friend Rachel. Cancer took her far too young. I would sneak her fabulous daughter into the dinner too so they can hang out and laugh together like they once did. Rachel would be so proud to see what a wonderful young woman her daughter has become.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: Passle. We have technology that is designed with attorneys in mind. We want to help showcase their knowledge online. I really enjoy legal as an industry and love the fact that intellectual curiosity is celebrated. I’m amazed every day at how wonderful the legal marketing community is. Since working in legal marketing, I have built great friendships, unlike any other industry I’ve worked in previously. This community is really special.

Q: Your favorite musician or band?
A: The Jam. They got me through many tough times. The tougher it gets, the louder they get.

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Optimistic. I have learned from my colleagues at Passle that you can overcome pretty much any challenge with a decent lump of optimism. It is unstoppable.

Q: Your favorite virtue?
A: Can I have two? Courage and Compassion.

Q: Who would you like to be?
A: I think it was one of those Instagram memes that said, “Be the person your dog thinks you are”. Our beautiful, crazy Irish Red Setter is no longer with us, but I would love to think I am the person she thought I was.