I have found John M Hayes to be reliable and efficient, always willing to deal with any queries or matters arising and most importantly of all, to have detailed knowledge of current costs law.
Sarah Lapsley, Chestnutts Solicitors, Southport
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.
Tuesday 22nd March 2016