Ralli People

Date I Joined Ralli:                3rd August 2009
 
Admitted as a Solicitor:         Too long ago to recall but, if pressed, 1987.
 
Professional Qualifications:  Solicitor
 
 
What do I at work: 
 
I principally advise the owners of small to medium enterprises; directors and partners; and professionals on contentious matters normally in relation to company and business disputes; insolvency issues; partnership disputes; professional and regulatory issues; and engineering and product liability cases.
 
As Head of Business Litigation, I am also responsible for the overall management of the team and the achievement of it's business objectives, including most importantly the standard of work undertaken.
 
What have I done?
 
As a much younger man, I played senior rugby at both Sale and Stoke RUFC (when the latter was still in the National Divisions), and captaining Stoke in the 1991/1992 season.  I also represented my County from 1993 to 1996.
 
I played football for Staffordshire at a under nineteen's level and I have reverted to football as a veteran, having successfully played in the Umbro National Veterans Final in May 2009 at Rushden and Diamonds.
 
Academically, I was awarded the R.W. Stead junior scholarship in 1982 from the University of Manchester.  I joined my last (and only other) firm in 1985 as a Articled Clerk.  I qualified in 1987; became a Partner in 1990; and Head of the Dispute Resolution Department and Managing Member in 2006. 
 
What Do I Like?
 
I still have a passion for rugby and the people involved in the game: I was lucky enough to travel to South Africa this year to watch the first two Lions tests.  I have been on the committee at my old club for the last 17 years.
 
Playing football on Sunday mornings still keeps me fit, alongside playing with my two children (Joseph nine and Grace seven).  For real rest and recuperation I play in a regular three ball most Saturdays at Trentham Golf Club.
 
When not playing or watching sport, my wife and I enjoy relaxing and improving our French at our home close to Brive (spot the rugby connection there!). 
 
Memberships:
 
I am member of the Law Society, both nationally and locally; the Solicitors Assistance Scheme; and the Association of Partnership Practitioners.  Outside work, I am a member of the local rugby, football, golf and cricket clubs.  To complete matters, as a family, we are members of the National Trust.