Tell us about yourself
I have almost 30 years of legal experience having qualified as a solicitor in 1994 after completing my training in North Manchester where I became a partner before moving with my family to Somerset in 2002. Following my move I joined an established local firm followed by a new enterprise where I served as the senior partner. My move to John Hodge Solicitors coincides with their plans to expand and develop their Practice of providing specialist legal advice in the Sedgemoor area. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the many clients and their families and other professionals that I have met over the years.
Before having to retire for being too old, I was a member of Round Table for 20 years, serving as Chairman on two occasions and subsequently as President. I have also served as a school governor and been otherwise involved in the local community in various ways.
What is your specialist area of law?
I specialise in Private Client work, particularly in relation to older clients, and advise in connection with wills, tax planning, powers of attorney, estate administration, trusts, Court of Protection applications, care fees and similar issues.
What do you offer clients of John Hodge Solicitors?
Having worked in general practice in the early part of my career helps me see the bigger picture for clients so that I can adopt a more holistic approach in advising them.
Do you belong to any Panels or Associations which show you have reached a notable level of expertise and experience in your specialist area of law?
I am an accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly. I appeared before the Court of Protection in the matter of Public Guardian v Miles & Beattie and instructed Counsel in the successful appeal of a first instance decision, which established acceptable wording for use in Lasting Power of Attorney, which has subsequently been widely adopted by practitioners.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
The sense of achievement in securing the right outcome for a client.
A message for clients
Aside from making clients aware of legal issues, I strive to provide pragmatic and cost effective solutions to the problems they face. I believe it is important to try and reduce the barriers to clients in seeking advice and so whilst I do have a Somerset heritage (my father met my mother whilst on National Service stationed at RAF Locking), I speak with a Northern accent and only wear a tie to court and at funerals.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
When not working I am a keen cyclist and in 2017 was part of a team from Taunton Round Table that completed a Lands End to John o’ Groats bike ride raising £20,000 for local charities. I am currently learning to play the alto saxophone.
