Legal Matters Q&A: Mark Burns, Senior partner, Clarion

The automation of the office and the speed of communication is so much better than it was.

When I started in 1988, all communication was by letter so it could take days for a letter to be dictated to a secretary, printed, amended and finally sent out.

Now I can draft a letter and e-mail it within minutes.

What law would you like to see changed?

I think that now is the time for a comprehensive review of the law relating to co-habiting couples.

The recent Supreme Court judgement really makes it apparent that there are no clear cut rules about the financial effects of the breakdown of these relationships.

While there are real policy issues about directing people towards marriage, the law must reflect the clear social trend away from marriage and provide protection, particularly in terms of property rights, for the two million co-habiting couples in England and Wales.

In my view, it’s a bit like saying at the start of the motor car era that you will not introduce the Highway Code because you really would prefer everyone to carry on walking everywhere!

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

As an avid sports fan, being involved in the transfer of a couple of stars of world football was one of the highlights of my career so far.

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

I have to say my fellow partners who are a joy to work with – most of the time!

As well as Lord Denning who made law reports enjoyable to read.

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

It is a business not a profession, so make sure you have something clients want to buy from you.