Legal Matters Q&A: Michael Cantwell, partner at the Leeds office of hlw Keeeble Hawson

What’s the biggest development you’ve seen in the legal world during your career?
Michael CantwellMichael Cantwell
Michael Cantwell

The recession and its subsequent impact on the corporate finance world – affecting not only the available work in the market, but also dramatically reducing staff employment levels across all sectors relating to finance.

What law would you like to see changed?

I would call for a law introducing tax deductible child care.

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Parents generate work for a myriad of people who look after their children, and I think that as such, they should be able to offset the tax they pay to limit the impact of increasing child care costs.

What is the most exciting work you’ve ever done?

The first referral I won, which also rates as the most personally satisfying.

It was an MBO relating to a business in the health sector that I led from start to fruition.

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

Nelson Mandela – he was a principled, determined humanitarian, who put his beliefs before anything else.

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What advice would you give someone starting out in the profession?

I’d advise them to think carefully about whether they are attracted to the profession or what they perceive to be the profession. Work experience helps to get some clarity.