I am outcomes driven with a focus on getting the parties to a mutually acceptable settlement, if they can. I am empathetic, creative and proactive in moving things forward. Given my litigation experience I am aware of the impact that a trail can have on the parties and the interplay of legal costs on the overall dispute. I run my own business and so am aware of the issues involved in business and commerce.

Indeed, during my 24 years as a Civil Litigation Solicitor in a regional firm I have settled over 1,500 disputes, the vast majority before trial. I was an equity partner for 14 years, sitting on the Board and running a large department (£4.5m turnover).

On leaving private practice in 2014 I set up my own consultancy, helping businesses to run better, both strategically & operationally (incl. implementation and training on new Case Management Systems), consulting into over 150 firms so far (nearly all SMEs). Whilst in practice I was  compliance and Quality Officer for my department.

As well as working in the legal sector, I have worked in the logistics industry, lodging patent applications for a new invention and then taking it to market, including doing the sales (incl. phone calls & site visits). I assisted a company setting up a brokerage platform for manufacturers of green energy generation systems. I started my working life as a progress chaser in a manufacturing business. I have trained as Business Coach. I was a Trustee and Chair of the Communications Committee on the PCC at my local church for 4 years, overseeing many projects, including rebranding and the creation then refreshing later of the website. I am now a Non-executive Director with the North Oxfordshire & South Northants Citizens Advice. In addition, I lecture to university law undergraduates on ‘What it’s Really Like to Work in a Law Firm’. I used to play in an Irish folk and Ceilidh band and called for the dances. A keen hill walker, cyclist, rugby fan and passionate about conservation. I am half Swedish and married to an African – between us we have 4 teenage children.