Background
I grew up in the vibrant city of Cardiff with my mum, dad and Brother Luke. I studied a Law Degree at Swansea University and then went on to complete the Post Graduate Legal Practice Course at Cardiff Law School. I live with my husband Richard. We met when I was 17 at Topshop/Topman Cardiff where we both worked as Saturday sales assistants around our studies. We had a fun filled wedding at Cardiff Marble Hall in September last year and are expecting a baby in July this year which is a little boy who we are naming George Joshua.
Q1. Tell us how you came to work in legal costs
Following completion of the Legal Practice Course I worked as a Legal Aid Case Worker for a large legal aid provider in Wales. I was uncertain as to where I wanted to take my career but knew I wanted a challenge. My uncle heard about a trainee position at John M Hayes and forwarded me some details. I sent off an application and following completion of an aptitude test, an interview and 2 day trial I was taken on as a trainee in September 2010 and I’ve never looked back!
Q2. What is your current position with John M Hayes?
I am the London and South East Regional Manager. We have two offices in the South East and I work between them both.
Q3. What do you love about your job?
I love chatting to our clients and the relationship that we have with them. I love my team and working with them. I love managing 2 offices and being in touch with all the costs draftsmen and administrators. I also love the variety this gives me as some days I will be in one of the offices, some days I will be working in house, some days I will be in meetings and some days I will be working from home. Therefore, each day is never the same.
Q4. What don’t you love about your job?
Sometimes we get really busy and as a result I worry about not hitting our turnaround times as I don’t want to let our clients down.
Q5. What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
I think, being a successful Regional Manager working with so many nice people.
Q6. What keeps you busy outside of the office?
I am a bit of a social butterfly and have lots of friends so my diary is always jam packed with me visiting friends or having guests visit us most weekends. I’m also a girly girl and a bit of a fashionista so I love going shopping especially with my mum and aunties. I’m also a big foodie so love baking and cooking whenever I can.
Q7. What’s your dream job?
I’d love a role in EastEnders. I think that would be very fun.
Q8. Do you have a ‘can’t miss’ TV programme?
At the moment it’s The People v OJ Simpson which is a 10 part drama series on BBC2 all about the OJ Simpson case. It’s fascinating and I’ve got the Sussex team hooked on the show now too.
Q9. What’s your idea of a perfect night out?
A nice restaurant and some cocktails followed by some dancing with friends, a night at the theatre or a big family get together. I’m at my happiest when all 25 of my family members cram into my Nan’s bungalow for food and drinks.
Q10. Do you have a favorite quote?
I’m unsure if it’s a quote but I do believe in the saying that everything happens for a reason.
Q11. What book would you recommend?
I don’t have a specific book but I really enjoy reading autobiographies as I feel like I know the person by the end of it.