Tell us about yourself
I have been a Partner at Bookers and Bolton since 2007 and arrived here in 2005 with eight years experience in law.
In which areas of law do you specialise?
My specialist areas of law are Commercial & Residential Property. I enjoy the diversity of dealing with both private and business clients and a variety of properties from houses and flats to developments and commercial buildings.
I have lived and worked in Alton now for some years, during which time I have built up a number of professional relationships and also a very good knowledge of the East Hampshire area. I draw on these relationships and this knowledge on a daily basis to boost the efficiency of my work.
What do you offer clients of Bookers and Bolton?
I think to be a good property solicitor you need to be a practical person who can keep calm under pressure and a good listener who likes people. I like to think that is me!
It is highly important to have a personal interest in what you do so that you are motivated to provide the very best service possible. I do have a personal interest, and that is in making sure each and every property transaction I deal with is handled smoothly, efficiently and with great attention to detail.
Good personal service is always the aim of the firm; reducing the stress often associated with moving home or premises, or any type of property transaction, is made possible by keeping clients fully informed of developments every step of the way.
I would like to say that I only use plain English in all my communications and that if there is a need to visit clients at home or out of hours, I will do my very best to accommodate that need.
To help clients get to you know you a bit better, could you answer a few questions about you?
Where did you grow up and what are your earliest memories?
Near Solihull in the West Midlands; there were lots of families with children living nearby so I spent most of my childhood outside playing with friends.
What was your first job?
My first taste of work was a three month work placement as an admin assistant at a pharmaceuticals factory in Germany. I found it very difficult to understand the local dialect at first, so was painfully slow. I appreciated how kind everyone was and even now it reminds me to be patient with people who are not familiar with how things work, or are finding it difficult to understand.
What is your favourite food?
We have a set of well-thumbed Nigel Slater books at home; anything simple & tasty will do!
What is your favourite film or TV programme?
I am a bit of a current affairs junkie, so the only programmes I watch on a regular basis are the News, especially when followed by Question Time and This Week on Thursday night. I listen to radio more, always Today’ in the morning. I do enjoy The Archers’ in the evening and the Sunday omnibus!
Who is your favourite TV or sports personality and why?
Based on my knowledge of horse sport, my favourite horseman is Tim Stockdale – not just based on his success, but I once overheard him talking with one of his grooms at a show. Even though he had little time and was under some pressure, he was calm and polite. I think it is always important to keep cool under pressure and never forget your manners.
Name two things you love most and why.
Fun with my family. Peace and quiet. The two are mutually exclusive!
What was your last holiday destination?
My husband took me for a surprise weekend to Copenhagen to celebrate our anniversary. We stayed in a top hotel and ate at a top restaurant; we haven’t done either of these since the children came along!
What country would you most like to visit and why?
Most of the time I am just as happy on holiday in the British Isles. But after working hard, I do like to be sure of some summer sun … and Tuscany has it all!
What are your personal ambitions?
I constantly strive to maintain a healthy balance between my work and family life. If I could do both, and live comfortably, that would be great!
Name something interesting no one knows about you.
I would love to have an HGV licence to drive a huge lorry. Just because!
