Background
I’ve grown up in Cardiff. I went to school and college here and went to Swansea University to study Law. I worked for Victim Support whilst at University at Swansea Crown Court. I went on to study for my LPC at Cardiff Law School and then secured a position as a paralegal for a local firm of legal aid solicitors.
How did you come to work for John M Hayes as a Costs Draftsman?
I encountered costs during my LPC so was familiar with that area of the law. I wasn’t enjoying being a paralegal and knew I didn’t want to become a solicitor so I started looking for a new job and saw a trainee position was being advertised at the Cardiff office of John M Hayes. I asked around my current firm if they’d ever heard of John M Hayes, which they had, and I saw that as a positive. I successfully applied for the trainee position in 2010.
Why costing?
It’s a unique area of the law and it’s always changing. I knew it would be challenging and would require me to ‘think on my feet’, which I enjoy. You never know what you’re going to encounter next, every file you work on is different.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A dancer or a doctor. I applied to be a choreographer, but decided it wasn’t the best career choice. I also successfully applied to enrol at the Cardiff Medical School Compact Scheme, which was a scheme run by Cardiff Medical School for aspiring doctors. I attended an awards evening for securing my place on the scheme where they confirmed we would be working on cadavers, which made me feel a little faint and so the following day I changed all my A Levels from the sciences to Law, English Lit, computing and History.
You have progressed quickly at John M Hayes and are taking on a management role in 2014. What advice would you give to anyone who aspires to progress their careers?
Work hard, show initiative and don’t be afraid to voice your ideas. Working hard at client relations is also important in our line of work.
What has been the most interesting case you have worked on?
I have been working on a very high cost care case over the past 16 months and it is still ongoing. It’s a very sensitive case involving conflicting medical evidence regarding a diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The costs are phenomenal. I have worked very closely with the solicitor on the case.
Career high?
Completing the training course at John M Hayes.
Career low?
Nothing encountered yet, though I’m sure there will be something in future.
Which book would you recommend?
I have three suggestions. Karen Brady’s autobiography – she is inspiring as a business woman, interesting, funny and brave too. Dominic Carmen’s biography on his father, George Carmen QC, was a fascinating read. George Carmen was considered to be the best barrister of our time, although his life behind closed doors was quite in contrast to his success professionally. My last suggestion is anything by Jodi Picoult.
Where is your most favourite place to be in the world?
Any sandy beach.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?
I would have to say my dad, he can do anything! If I need something electrical doing in my home, if I need help with an excel spread sheet or if I need gardening tips – he is my go-to man.
What would you put into Room 101?
My pet hate is food touching other food on the same plate. It’s a bit strange but I’ve always been the same since I was young!