Background

I started working in the law on leaving school in 1957 at the age of 16, initially as a conveyancing clerk with a number of city practices. I joined Farrers in 1962. When the Institute of Legal Executives was formed I qualified as a Fellow, winning a prize for the largest number of distinctions achieved that year in the final examination papers. My first position at Farrers was as personal assistant to a senior private client partner. During this period I dealt with a wide range of urban residential and rural agricultural estate and estate planning work. The then partners in Farrers were keen for me to qualify as a solicitor, so I was articled and qualified in 1976, and, despite having studied part-time at home, achieved a number of distinctions in the solicitors' finals. I was made an associate by Farrers in 1977, a partner in 1978 and an equity partner in 1980.

Towards the end of the 1970s my workload turned more towards the commercial sector. At this time I was involved in a number of major development and planning matters. I formed the firm's commercial property team in the early 1980s and headed it thereafter. I have also, during this time, dealt with Farrers own property affairs and have been a member of various of the firm's management and policy committees over the years.

The following sections outline some of the areas in which I have gained particular experience in the 40+ years of my career to date.

My leisure interests include reading, most kinds of music, cinema and food and wine: I am in good health, am fit, and enjoy swimming, visits to the gym, hill walking and cycling.