I am a solicitor with almost 40 years’ experience in law. I have my own practice with my partner and fellow director Sarah Jordan.
After 35 years employed as a lawyer for various high street practices, starting as a trainee, qualifying as a legal executive, being promoted to associate and to junior partner, due to a difference in philosophy, I decided it was time to set up my own practice with Sarah. We wanted to offer a different approach and stand out from the crowd.
The business of providing legal advice is a very personal one. From my years of experience I have found that whilst it is possible to advise clients by telephone, by email or letter, it is so much easier, more direct, client focused and personal to deliver the advice to the client in a conducive environment.
Therefore, we decided to base ourselves at home offering bespoke legal advice in our particular areas of specialty.
We can see clients in their own home, or any other suitable private location, but ideally clients come to us and meet with us in our respective homes. I offer a quiet, calm and personalised approach. This also saves me the time travelling to see clients when I can be dealing with other client matters.
My philosophy
It is to provide advice and support to my clients in their time of need in a calm and professional manner, positively and patiently to explore and help them identify the key issues in their case, ascertain their objectives and time frame and provide advice. I also agree with my clients an action plan, taking into account both the short term including emergency issues and needs, and the longer term objectives.
Clients need to be reassured about 4 key elements before they instruct me.
1. Do they like and trust me to be their solicitor to advise and represent them?
2. Do I have the necessary experience, expertise and skills for negotiating or advocating their case?
3. How long will it reasonably take to complete the work or the case?
4. How much is it likely to cost?
Each element is important in its own way but naturally the cost is often more paramount than the actual result, particularly when a matter of principle is at stake.
“Thank you for your email. I very much appreciate your summary appraisal of the situation and your frank assessment of the likely outcome. I now know the situation and can prepare accordingly.
May I take this opportunity to say your honest and straightforward approach is very refreshing and I am extremely grateful for your advice.“