M&S PROFILE: Michele Todd

Michele Tod is a partner and charity law specialist at hlw Keeble Hawson. 

 What was your route into the profession?

Honestly, watching too much LA Law when at school and wanting to be Susan Dey, who played Grave Van Owen. Legal 500, our industry bible, recently referred to me as “a name to note” and I think my teenage self would have approved.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

Being a lawyer isn’t difficult. The training is very comprehensive. What is more difficult is learning the business and marketing skills needed to run a 21st century law firm.  

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

Tony Gregory our retired former senior partner. He was clever and tough but always fair.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?

Fronting Fleetwood Mac, however as there is already the wonderful Stevie Nicks it would be teaching or writing history. History is my first love.

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

Although not fictional Thomas Cromwell was an extraordinary man. In fiction Diane Lockhart from The Good Wife, mostly because I want her wardrobe!

What change would you make to the profession?

The challenges from other legal service providers are quite worrying—mostly because of a likely drop in standards. I have seen at first hand the problems arising from the use of untrained will writers, who are often charging top prices for a poor quality service. The law is a complex business and clients need specialist advice to avoid costly mistakes.

Even as a trial, I completely disagree with the controversial badger cull legislation. When will we learn that killing our national wildlife is not a solution? Implementing a vaccination programme for badgers and cattle with improved testing would be more effective.

How do you relax?

Baking—it’s my way of relaxing. I enjoy watching football, particularly Sunderland FC—I am from the North East. In complete contrast I enjoy going to the theatre and opera.