A bit more about me
Born in Wimbledon, I grew up in Surrey before completing an undergraduate Masters in Modern History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland - attracted not only by the very highly-rated Modern History department but also by the golf… As well as spending rather too much time on the various golf courses, I represented the University at hockey and, on one occasion, at swimming.
On my way back down south, I stopped off for a couple of years to study at The College of Law in York. I subsequently spent 7 years in London, training and then as a member of the leading Family Law department at Withers LLP. During my time at Withers, I was fortunate enough to work with some of the very best family lawyers in the business. A number of my matters became reported as leading cases.
In 2008, I returned with my wife to Yorkshire, settling in York. I joined the top ranked family team at national firm Mills & Reeve LLP, where I spent the best part of a decade. My colleagues there included the then President of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers* and the only two-term Chair of Resolution**.
In 2016, I was approached by Stewarts, the UK's largest litigation-only law firm acting for corporate and individual clients in high-value and complex disputes. I duly joined the firm's top ranked divorce and family team in 2017 as a senior lawyer, the brief being to help lead, expand and drive forward the firm's Leeds-based Divorce team. I was appointed Legal Director in May 2019, but subsequently left the firm in December 2020 in order to focus on coaching.
I am married with two inspiring daughters, of whom I am and shall always be in awe. When not working or spending time with friends and family, I enjoy:
Sport – I run and swim, play golf and am a passionate and long-suffering supporter of Scotland Rugby and a member of the MCC;
Food – I enjoy both cooking and eating; and
Travel – although I have had relatively few opportunities in recent years.
(* The International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, now the International Academy of Family Lawyers, is a worldwide association of practising lawyers who are recognised by their peers as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries.)
(** Resolution, formerly the SFLA, is a community of over 6,500 family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way.)