Technology has changed the face of the legal sector

It has to be technology. Email has transformed the method and speed of communication with clients and others. It all moves a lot faster now.

Social media is having an impact on communication and marketing.

I do not believe that the policymakers’ efforts to open up legal services to wider competition could have succeeded without technological progress.

What law would you like to see changed?

I would revert back to the old presumption of Assured Tenancy (AT) rather than Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

Alternatively, an AST should automatically convert to AT after a period of months and subject to the tenant complying with obligations.

Those unable or unwilling to purchase a property in the current economic climate should have better security.

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

I once arrested a ship berthed in Singapore. I was acting for my father-in-law’s marine engineering company at the time.

These days I enjoy the excitement of working with businesses. I completed a £4m asset sale in January. I first met the client in his car on the way to a meeting with the buyer and its team of lawyers.

Trying to obtain clear instructions and give advice prior to such a meeting whilst my client was driving was also pretty exciting. He was great to work with.

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

I admire Abraham Lincoln. I read Team of Rivals by D K Goodwin a couple of years back.

His strength was in dealing with people.

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

I would suggest that they pursue their career in law in an area that they are interested in or even passionate about.