What makes me tick?
I love one of the main philosophies of James legal; this is that we are people first, and lawyers second. I have always believed that this is the right approach; I can advise a plumber, for example, with respect to the areas of law I specialise in, but a plumber’s skill set is just as important in its own way, especially when I have a burst pipe! We are all the result of our personal life experiences and I believe passionately that no-one is any more important than anyone else. I think it is important to treat all clients with respect and I do my utmost to guide them through, what are sometimes difficult times, with sensitivity. I also do my best to explain the legal procedures to them in a way they can understand.
My experience
I started working in the Hull area with a small practice and subsequently moved to a large firm in the Hull area. Whilst with this firm I qualified as a solicitor. I was with this firm for some 14 years and became a salaried partner. Seeking a new challenge, I subsequently ran my own practice in Hull for some 10 years or so, during which time I volunteered as a Trustee for the Charity Age Concern (as it then was). For the last 5 years I worked as a solicitor and director for a firm of solicitors who have several offices in the East Riding of Yorkshire. I have also been a member of Solicitors for the Elderly for many years. I was delighted to join James Legal in June 2016.
Outside of work
I believe in the adage ‘work hard and play hard’. I also like to take on challenges, which is why I ran the London Marathon with my eldest son in 2013, and the Hull Marathon in 2015, and numerous Jane Tomlinson 10k runs and Lakeland trails in between. I have recently turned my attention to cycling, and having done the Trans Pennine Trail from Southport on the Irish sea in June of this year, my next adventure is to take place in August 2016, when I shall be attempting to ride from Lands’ End to John 0’ Groats , once again with my eldest son. I have the aspiration to walk the Inca Trail in Peru at some stage in the future... I also enjoy sea and river kayaking and visiting music festivals in our old campervan, and have been known to enjoy the odd pint of real ale.
What I do?
I specialise in the following legal and business areas:
- Advice on and the preparation of wills
- Advice relating to and assistance with Probate
- Advice regarding and the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection
