0259351fee5e47a3a64d4fa087583626.jpg?sfvrsn=39c24068_3)
What was your route into the profession?
I read law and economics at Keele University and took the old Law Society Finals at Leeds Polytechnic. Five begging letters resulted in a single interview and thus I became an articled clerk, and a solicitor a couple of years later. It’s laughable, really; today, I wouldn’t get within a sniff of a training contract.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Trying to understand clients and managing their expectations.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
John McDonnell QC, head of chambers at Three Stone. His breadth of experience, strategic vision and attention to detail is awesome.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Anything where I can make a nuisance of myself.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Horace Rumpole—his wry observations on human character are insightful.
What change would you make to the profession?
I deplore the loss of local justice due to the mindless closure of local courts.
How do you relax?
Travel with my beloved Chrissie, whom I met in Uzbekistan.
