Background
David was born and raised in Weston-Super-Mare with his elder brother and younger sister. After studying at the local sixth form college David continued his studies at the University of West of England, where he obtained a Business Studies Degree, Graduate Diploma in Law and completed the Legal Practice Course. Passionate about most sports, David is particularly enthusiastic about those of a faster (and perhaps more dangerous) pace such as boxing and those involving sports bikes (see photo of David racing) and sports cars.
Q1. Tell us how you came to work in legal costs
Having enjoyed studying law at sixth form and undertaken a brief work experience placement as a law costs draftsman I decided on following a career in law, however, I also had a strong interest in all areas of business and accounting. As a result I obtained a business studies degree and a graduate diploma in law at university. Following completion of the Legal Practice Course I sought to obtain office experience in the legal sector upon which I came across a trainee costs draftsman position with John M Hayes; having known a little about the role of a costs draftsman and the fact that it involved elements of accounting and law I decided to apply for the position.
Q2. What’s your current position with John M Hayes?
I am the Regional Manager of the Bristol office.
Q3. What do you love about your job?
I like the fact that being a costs draftsman includes elements of accounting within a legal context. I also like the contentious nature of legal costs, which is ever changing, and the challenges faced and roles undertaken as a result of being a Regional Manager.
Q4. What don’t you love about your job?
As with most people I am not particularly enthusiastic about dealing with repetitive cold calls, which tend to be directed to the manager.
Q5. What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
The highlight of my career with John M Hayes was when I was appointed as Regional Manager of the Bristol Office. To be trusted with such a role and responsibility was very rewarding. I have also had many highlights in my career as a costs draftsman including success during the detailed/ provisional assessment process and preparing and advising on complex documents including large 6 figure costs budgets, points of dispute and replies in relation to personal injury group claims.
Q6. Where do you live?
I live on the edge of Weston–Super–Mare, a “seaside” town, better known for T4 on the beach and the Weston Beach Race with my wife of three years.
Q7. What keeps you busy outside of the office?
Since buying my first property early last year I have been kept very busy with decorating the house and landscaping the garden (which I hope not to do again anytime soon). I also enjoy spending time with my wife, family and friends and I enjoy looking after my nieces and nephews (the benefit being I can give them back when it all gets a bit too much). I have trained in martial arts and boxing for some time and can be found regularly training at my local gym. In addition to this I enjoy spending the weekend riding my motorbike, which I like to race around a track when I get a chance. I also like to spend my annual leave travelling to new places around the world, which has more recently included driving along Route 66 across America. If time allows in the winter months I like to go skiing.
Q8. What’s your dream job?
My dream job would be either as a professional racing driver/ motorcycle rider or a professional boxer.
Q9. Do you have a ‘can’t miss’ tv programme?
I don’t really have a favourite TV programme and will find myself watching almost anything that remotely interests me, although that being said, I am a big fan of Game of Thrones.
Q10. What’s your idea of a perfect night out?
A perfect night out for me would be eating out at a nice restaurant, with a good atmosphere and great food, some nice drinks and great company.
Q11. Do you have a favourite quote?
One that I like which comes to mind is “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve” – Napoleon Hill.