The new Geldards partner calls for greater collaboration in the profession
Regeneration and infrastructure expert, Tiffany Cloynes, has joined Geldards as partner.
What was your route into the profession?
I followed a very traditional route into the profession saved from being warned against applying for articles in the forces by the forces while at school. Clearly my clumsiness was obvious even then…
I went to University College London, and studied law and also did my masters there. I won the Law Society Joseph Hulme prize for law and did my articles (as they were then called) at Frere Cholmeley.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Dealing with the relocation of The Blue Peter Garden at MediaCity and avoiding hearing what had happened to past pets….
Acting for Leeds City Council in relation to Leeds Arena, being invited to see Springsteen do the “Soft Opening” and trying not to cry when he said: “Guys, I really love this room“.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
My clients—particularly those in the public sector, they face so many challenges but are focused on achieving the best they can for the citizens they represent.
Leeds Arena is a case in point. The project had been discussed for years. Leeds City Council took it on and notwithstanding the property recession continued seeing it as a project which would bring the City together, act as a catalyst for regeneration and symbolise Leeds coming out of the recession.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I think I would work in theatre or music, as both really interest me or something involving linguistics as I find language fascinating particularly how it is constantly adapting and changing.
Secretly I would love to manage Bolton Wanderers!
Who is your favorite fictional lawyer?
I loved Murder One with Daniel Benzali as Teddy Hoffman and series two with Anthony LaPaglia (not as good) and Glenn Close as Patty Hewes in Damages.
What change would you make to the profession?
The profession as a whole is the subject of immense change at present with globalisation increasing competition and constant pressure to cut costs whilst maintaining quality.
We shouldn’t lose sight of our role as trusted legal adviser to our clients and that our clients remain central to what we do. It’s important to think about values and the culture of a firm as it is very quick to destroy and impossible to rebuild.
What matters is collaboration, working together and thinking about the firm as a whole. Compensating partners on an "eat what you kill basis" isn’t the right approach but may be if you are essentially playing Supermarket Sweep to get what you can while in the store.
How do you relax?
I’m not sure if it’s relaxing...but at the weekend I take on kennel maid duties to look after our four dogs—two Italian spinones, Bella and Bunty, a chocolate Labrador, Poppy and a miniature labradoodle, Dottie.
When I can get away from them, Neil, my husband and I go to the theatre or to see live music and then try to find some time for gardening and the occasional football match.
Nominations for the Halsbury Legal Awards 2015, in association with NLJ, are now open. Visit the site to view all the categories and enter online. #Halsbury2015
