What is your position and what do you do on a day-to-day basis?
I am a Senior Partner at
Quanta Capital. My main role is running our Matrimonial Finance Division. Matrimonial Finance is a specialist litigation loan to cover legal fees and disbursements throughout divorce and related proceedings. In addition to my office-based work, I meet with solicitors, clients and professional bodies regarding the provision of our services.
How long have you been in this role and what brought you here?
I have been with Quanta Capital for nine months. I consulted in this industry for three years prior to joining Quanta, which I did as I shared the same ethics and values. Working with the legal industry was a change from my previous career, which saw me working in Sub-Saharan Africa for a number of years as a procurement contract negotiator.
Any memorable stories from your career so far?
Since joining the family law industry, I have met many great and wonderful people. It has been a fascinating and interesting journey, making my whole career thus far memorable.
What is the best and worst part of the day for you?
The best part is confirming a loan facility for a client, especially for those that are escaping a coercive and financially controlling relationship. Conversely, the worst part is when we can’t offer a facility. In an ideal world we could help everyone, or Legal Aid would be available.
What keeps you motivated?
I love assisting less financially dominant clients in obtaining legal representation, thus securing equality and symmetry in proceedings.
Tea or coffee?
Neither – sparkling water is my drink of choice.
What would you say to anyone thinking of a career in your field?
Don’t think of it as another financial services product where you will earn a huge salary and commission. Our clients are vulnerable individuals who often have no other choice. Emotions can run high, so sensitivity and empathy are key skills in this industry.
What song do you listen to the most?
Who inspires you within the world of family law?
My very dear and sadly late friend
Valentine Le Grice QC. I spent many an hour conversing with Val over the intricate details of family law. He had a phenomenal legal mind. His passing was a great loss to the Family Bar.
How do you enjoy your time outside of work?
I really enjoy being creative in the kitchen, I find it relaxing to cook and listen to some music. Aside from that I watch rugby; however, supporting
Scotland and
Harlequins makes it quite the emotional rollercoaster! I’m also a bit of a petrol head so I spend a lot of time tinkering with and cleaning my
Mustang.
What book would you recommend to others?
I enjoy reading so this is quite a tough one, but one book that I have read a lot is
The Kid by Kevin Lewis. It is a true story of a child who was mistreated by his parents and was let down by the care system. While it is not light reading, it is very inspiring as he does go on to achieve later in life.
What would be your alternate career?
Probably a pilot. Aviation has always been a strong passion of mine. In fact, I qualified to fly solo before I was old enough to have a driving license!
If you could change one thing about the family justice system what would it be and why?
I’d make the offering of alternative dispute resolution (for example, private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings and Arbitration) more commonplace. There can be a lot of benefits to this approach for clients, and it could also alleviate some of the pressure on the court system
22 APR 2024
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