What was your route into the profession?
When I was at college, I had a part time job working in an estate agent—that is where I picked up the property bug. I knew then that I wanted to have a career in the property sector. The love of law had started when I studied the subject at A-Level, then, when I found myself working in a solicitors’ property practice everything fell into place—I wanted to combine my love of law and property.
To make this happen, I studied with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, while working full time, specialising in property (of course), trusts, landlords and tenants. I took the solicitor’s final exams at the University of the West of England in 1993. I’ve loved every minute of my career, from working in private practice and in-house for Tarmac/McLean homes, to my role at international law firm Cameron Mckenna and as a partner at Hoffman Briggs. Now, I am exactly where I want to be with my own legal practice with Carbon Law Partners.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Like many, my career—like the property market—has had its challenges. One of the biggest I faced was at the very beginning of my career when I had to give up a full-time job in the depth of a recession to take my solicitor’s final exam. I had a mortgage to pay and I didn’t know if I would have a job to jump into when my studies were over. The pressure was definitely on to ensure that I passed on the first attempt, which I did.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I’ve had the privilege to work with a lot of great people over the years who have inspired and enthused me to continue and grow my career in the property legal world. Christopher Wilkinson at DAC Beachcroft LLP, Bristol, who I have known since my early days as a trainee legal executive and whom I have also worked with since, was very encouraging and supportive when I was hit with challenges early in my career. It can be so hard when you are young and studying to get off the blocks, and he helped me get through some tough times. Also, Richard Sharp now of Sharp Family Law in Bath, who was my supervising partner at Townsends, now Thrings. Richard was always very calm and logical in his approach to running a legal practice. I learned a lot from Chris and Richard—I’ve a lot to thank them for.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I loved to have been a forensic pathologist. Unfortunately, sciences were not my strong point at school.
What else do you get involved with?
I’ve trained in property investing and understand all the different and very creative strategies that investors use. I’ve been investing in property myself for ten years, and in more recent years I’ve spent time and money furthering my knowledge in this area. I love that I can pass the benefit of my knowledge and expertise onto my clients.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I don’t have a favourite fictional lawyer… but I do have a favourite fictional forensic pathologist: Dr Sam Ryan (Amanda Burton) in Silent Witness.
What change would you make to the legal profession?
I believe the profession is changing. I’ve found the flexibility I want and need with Carbon Law Partners. I wish Carbon had been around 20 years ago! It would have made combining a legal career with a young family a lot easier.
How do you relax?
I love being at home with my family, and my pets; even better if it’s time spent in my garden. As a family we are very keen on motorbikes and like to get out and about—when the weather is fine, of course!
