Dayton Littles Everest Story | October 2018

From October 1st to 18th 2018, Dayton Little, Private Client Senior Practitioner in our Chippenham office headed off on a trip of a lifetime. Here he tells his story...

I have always been a keen walker, although mainly in the UK. I have completed the National Three Peaks Challenge and have a Bucket List of trips I would like to do. So, when the opportunity came up to realise one of these dreams and join a group to Trek up to Everest Base Camp I seized the opportunity with both feet!

After a day of travelling to get to Nepal, and a day’s sightseeing in Kathmandu, we eagerly (with some trepidation) awaited an internal flight to Lukla (known as the most dangerous airport landing in the world). 

Having survived the landing, ahead of us lay 12 continuous days of trekking through the most amazing and diverse scenery imaginable. The plan was to take 8 days to get to Everest Base Camp (incorporating 2 acclimatisation days as we ascended) and then 4 days for the trek back to Lukla and that “interesting” flight back to Kathmandu.

The following days saw us trekking up and down the paths (“flat” doesn’t exist in Nepal!) alongside glacial rivers and through valleys weaving in and out of Yak and mule trains carrying supplies for the villages further up, gradually gaining altitude towards our goal, staying in “tea houses” – local lodges - each night for a welcome meal and hot drink. We started off by walking in trousers and T-shirts through beautiful wooded valleys, which were soon left behind in exchange for more barren terrain surrounded by majestic  snow-capped mountains. As we gained height, the air got thinner making the walking harder and the layers went on as the temperature dropped! 

Our final night in the tea house at Lobuje before the attempt at Base Camp saw temperatures down to -12 degrees, and it was still -6 degrees when we set off the next morning. After 3 hours we stopped at a very basic and barren settlement called Gorak-Shep for breakfast, and then the final 2 hour push to the Everest Base Camp which stands at 5,365 metres (almost £17,500 feet) above sea level. The euphoria and team spirit of reaching our goal was absolutely amazing.

The whole trip was incredible and hard to put into words. The camaraderie of 14 strangers was fantastic and created such a bond that even six months later we are still in touch. The Nepalese people were lovely and so welcoming and our Sherpa Sirdar, guides and porters couldn’t do enough for us – we certainly wouldn’t have made it without them.

Meet the Lawyer - Matthew Brewer

MATTHEW BREWER OVER TO YOU…

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am a Property Solicitor based in our Marlborough office having joined Awdry Bailey & Douglas in 2014. I am originally from Chippenham but now live in Wanborough with my partner and our dog, Bertie.

WHAT AREA OF LAW DO YOU WORK IN?

I am based in the firm’s Residential Property Department and I have particular experience in complex and high value Residential Property matters. I regularly deal with the purchase of new build properties, retirement developments and I also act for many local investors looking to expand their property portfolios. As well as working locally, I also have a strong following of London based clients. 

 TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO THE LAW?

After obtaining a Law Degree from Portsmouth University, I initially undertook a work experience placement in the summer of 2014 with ABD in order to obtain hands on experience into the workings of a busy legal practice. I was then offered a role in the firm’s busy Accounts department as well as working with the firm’s Private Client department. Having always been interested in Property and wanting to be a Solicitor, it was not long before I started studying my Legal Practice Course part-time whilst working full-time in the firm’s Devizes Conveyancing Team. I shortly  thereafter relocated to the Marlborough Office and continued my part-time studies at the same time of undertaking a Training Contract to qualify as a Solicitor. In August 2017, I qualified as a Solicitor and I am now looking forward to progressing further with my career.

WHAT ARE 5 WORDS A CLIENT WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

Diligent, Proactive, Approachable, Positive and Efficient.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

Qualifying as a Solicitor has to be the stand out highlight in my career so far. After studying and working hard for over 7 years, the achievement of qualification makes this all worth the effort. I also receive a great deal of satisfaction from seeing individual property transactions complete and being a part of my clients journey, whether this is purchasing their first home or downsizing into retirement accommodation.

WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Many of my senior colleagues inspire me on a daily basis. Watching and learning from those who have been in my shoes already is a huge benefit and inspires me to be successful.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I am a huge sports fan and a keen follower of Newcastle United, although this can be painful at the best of times!! When possible, I also try to lower my golf handicap to mixed success and I am keen skier. My weekends are usually enjoyed going on long walks with my partner and our dog and I can often be found sampling an alcoholic beverage in a local pub.

Meet the Lawyer - Tim Hotchkiss

TIM HOTCHKISS OVER TO YOU… 

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am an Equity Partner of ABD based at and managing the firm’s Marlborough office.  I live in a village just outside of Marlborough with my wife and our baby son, who at the time of writing is 4 months old. 

WHAT AREA OF LAW DO YOU WORK IN?

I am based in the firm’s Commercial Department and have particular expertise in Development, Commercial Property and Agricultural Property as well as specialising in complex and high value Residential Property matters and Company Law.  I act for a wide range of clients locally and further afield, with a particularly strong portfolio of London property work. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO THE LAW?

I started my career at ABD in September 2004 having deferred my place at the University of Nottingham where I was intending to study English.  Having always been interested in the legal profession, I felt that one year of work experience in a law firm would give me a solid foundation for potentially entering into a career in the legal profession once I had completed my academic studies.  

It was not long before I started researching other routes to qualification as a lawyer and I took the decision to enrol with the ILEX Tutorial College with a view to becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (FILEX).  After completing academic studies stretching over a 5 year period, I qualified as one of the youngest legal executives in the country during my mid-20s.  I was particularly proud of this achievement having undertaken a programme of part-time studies whilst running a full caseload in ABD’s Litigation Department.

I quickly decided to investigate the route to progressing to qualify as a solicitor.  I was advised that I had to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) in order to sit the Legal Practice Course (LPC).  I enrolled on the part-time GDL at the Leicester Institute of Legal Practice and completed the course with a Distinction. This enabled me to then enrol on the two year part-time LPC, again at the Leicester Institute of Legal Practice.  Having undertaken academic studies in law over a period of approximately 8 years, I was relieved to conclude the LPC and was delighted to be awarded a Distinction.  I qualified as a solicitor shortly after completion of the LPC. 

I became a Salaried Partner of ABD in 2016 and an Equity Partner in 2017.  

WHAT ARE 5 WORDS A CLIENT WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

Logical – I am a firm believer in seeking to keep issues as simple as possible and always strive to provide clear advice to clients combined with sound reasoning. 

Efficient – I pride myself on providing an efficient service to all of my clients and have a strong team around me to ensure that such standards of service are always maintained. 

Diligent – ABD always seeks to recruit lawyers that are attentive, offer an excellent client service and have a constant drive to achieve our clients’ aims.  I am no different and firmly believe in this objective. 

Professional – There is no doubt that the law has changed over the years and that many of my clients prefer a more relaxed approach from their solicitor than perhaps once was the case.  That said, one must never forget the overriding duty of professionalism which is displayed by me and every other lawyer at ABD.

Tenacious – The transactions that I work on are often complex and there is always a danger of negotiations becoming protracted.  There is a certain tenacity in my approach to such transactions that clients would recognise, and which I believe is an important asset in getting a deal done. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

As my colleagues will testify, I love my job and have had many career highlights to date.  Attending the Court of Appeal with Counsel on a case concerning the fiduciary duty of directors to avoid conflicts of interest is certainly up there in terms of my early experience. In recent times, I have derived particular satisfaction in dealing with a significant number of multi-million pound acquisitions of properties and development sites for well known developers and property investors both locally and further afield.  I am also particularly proud of the strong connection that I have forged with a number of property finance brokers based in and around London giving me access to a wide range of clients and contacts nationwide. 

WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I thoroughly enjoy being involved in deal-making and achieving the best possible result from my clients.  It is particularly satisfying to be involved in complex transactions from their infancy and seeing them through to a successful conclusion.  This is certainly where I derive my inspiration from. 

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I am a keen golfer and am always striving to lower my handicap (often unsuccessfully).  I also enjoy walking, particularly along some of the glorious South West Coast Path routes, cycling, and travelling to far flung destinations, although such adventures may have to be curtailed for the time being with a baby son now on board.  I enjoy watching most sports and am an avid Liverpool Football Club fan as well as a follower of Bath Rugby. 

Join us...

Are you are a positive and determined person with a genuine interest in providing great client service? If you are, then you would fit in well at Awdry Bailey & Douglas.

Attitude and character are the most important things.  At ABD we value knowledge and experience and of course they play a central role in providing great client service and in your career development, but your overall approach to life, work and the ability to build strong business relationships with clients, contacts and colleagues will really determine how successful you are.  

We currently have a number of legal, secretarial and support staff positions available:

Conveyancing Fee Earners

We are looking for friendly, proactive fee earners and paralegals who have an interest in providing excellent client service to join our Award Winning Residential Conveyancing Department. The position is open in our offices throughout Wiltshire, in Devizes, Chippenham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Marlborough.

To find out more click here.

Legal Secretarial Positions 

Our Award Winning Residential Conveyancing Department is seeking full time or part time Legal Secretaries who are friendly, enthusiastic and proactive to assist in the continued development of the department. The position is open throughout our office in Devizes, Royal Wootton Bassett,  Marlborough and Chippenham.

To find out more click here.

Apprentice Receptionist / Administrator

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual to start a Legal Receptionist / Administrator apprentice programme based at our offices in Devizes. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and relish the opportunity to learn and develop receptionist/administrator skills working closely with the Practice Manager.

To find out more click here. 

We are a modern and progressive law firm and we are committed to making ABD a great place to work. Our aim is to ensure that this is a positive, supportive and forward looking environment.

If you are interested in any of these positions then please forward your CV and covering letter to David Turley at david.turley@awdrys.co.uk or call 01380 722311.

Meet The Lawyer - Georgina Catlin

GEORGINA CATLIN - OVER TO YOU…

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am really interested in health and wellness and try to adopt daily routines where I can.  These encourage me to stay motivated when approaching work/life challenges or to stay calm when life becomes stressful.  This might include meditating or listening to a motivational speaker in the car on the way to work.  I am very family orientated and I love spending time with my twin sister, whether it is supporting my 6ft 5 rugby playing brother on the edge of a rugby pitch, or going for long country walks. Although we are very much a Rugby family, I do occasionally put my Man United hat on when watching the football with my partner! 

WHAT AREA OF LAW DO YOU WORK IN?

Family Law - which can be very broad and covers most issues that arise as a result of a relationship breakdown.  This could range from a divorce or separation and the associated financial issues that need to be resolved, or alternatively dealing with issues in relation to child care arrangements.

TELL US ABOUT  YOUR JOURNEY TO THE LAW?

I initially studied Law and Criminology at University but I soon realised that my passion was for the Law and not the intricacies of how and why people broke the law!  Upon graduating, I began working for ABD as a Family Law Secretary in order to gain legal work experience and commenced studying the Graduate Diploma in Law part time.  I developed a keen interest in Family Law and thereafter began training as a Solicitor whilst completing my LPC part time.  I am due to qualify in November 2018 and hope to continue my role as a Solicitor in the Firm’s Family Law Department.  

    

WHAT ARE 5 WORDS A CLIENT WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

Tall.  Approachable. Conscientious. Understanding. Positive. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE? 

Having the opportunity to see my client’s positive reaction immediately after a successful outcome at a Financial Court Hearing.

WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Many of my colleagues inspire me on a day to day basis.  Although on a more personal note, I would have to say my Mum as she has fully supported me at all stages of my life and career so far.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love to eat good food and drink good wine whilst socialising with my partner, friends and family.  I also enjoy exercising, which mainly involves early morning running outdoors or attending gym classes in order to burn off the food and wine! I love the outdoors and really enjoy wandering around beautiful gardens and going to the theatre.  When I am not doing the above, I enjoy watching a good old action film with a bar of chocolate whilst relaxing at home with my partner. 

Could Civil Partnerships be on the horizon for all couples? In the meantime, what can the rest of us cohabiting couples do to protect our finances?

The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of Rebecca Steinfield and Charles Keidan, whereby a panel of 5 Supreme Court Justices declared that the Civil Partnership Act 2004 is “incompatible” with their human rights and amounts to discrimination.   

Steinfield and Keidan believe that the institution of marriage is sexist and patriarchal and sought a judicial review of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, as it does not permit couples of the opposite sex to enter into civil partnerships.  As we already know, the Civil Partnership Act 2004 provides same sex couples with the same legal rights afforded to married couples upon dissolution or divorce.  

Time will only tell as to whether the Government will act upon the ruling and amend the current legislation one way or the other.   

In the meantime, according to the office of national statistics, cohabiting families were the second largest family type in the UK at 3.3 million families last year. So, what steps can cohabiting couples currently take to protect their financial position?

Here are a few suggestions which could avoid the need for costly Court Proceedings:

1. Cohabitation or Separation Agreements – These are contractual agreements that record the parties’ intentions regarding the finances of their relationship while they live together and also if the relationship breaks down.  It is important that such documents are drafted correctly to avoid their validity being called into question.    
2. Declaration of Trust – if you have made an unequal contribution towards the purchase of a property, you may wish to consider recording the contribution by entering into a Declaration of Trust recording what should happen to the proceeds of sale if the property is sold.   
3. Make a Will – If you do not make a Will your estate will pass under the rules of Intestacy which will mean that your cohabitee will not benefit in any way which may not accord with your intentions. 

For more information or if you would like to book a free initial consultation, call Georgina Catlin at ABD Chippenham now on 01249 478333. 

WELCOME TO THE AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS ‘MEET THE LAWYER’ SERIES

OLIVER GRAY - OVER TO YOU…

  

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am commercial solicitor working in ABD’s Marlborough office. I have a particular interest in business law and always love a challenge.

WHAT AREA OF LAW DO YOU WORK IN?

I work primarily in commercial law, which incorporates both commercial property and corporate commercial matters (business law). I do also however undertake additional work in high value and complex residential property matters and certain areas of Data Protection Law.

TELL US ABOUT  YOUR JOURNEY TO THE LAW?

Even before I began my A-Level in Law, I knew that it was the career I wanted to pursue.

After leaving school I completed my Law Degree at the University of Plymouth. I then completed my Post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Bristol Law School (University of West England). This was shortly before I came to work at Awdry Bailey & Douglas.

During my time at ABD I initially began training with both the commercial and litigation departments and, after undertaking litigation work for approximately 7 months, moved from ABD’s Devizes office to Marlborough to focus solely on commercial work. Alongside my work at ABD, I have also completed a Masters Degree in Advanced Legal Practice, focussing on complex and protracted contract disputes and contract formation.

  

WHAT ARE 5 WORDS A CLIENT WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

Practical – There will always be a need to look beyond the purely legal aspects of a matter in order to find practical solutions. 

Realistic – I have found it very important to manage my clients’ expectations and, particularly when negotiating, this is important to ensure that a reasonable and realistic approach is taken. 

Modern – the law is ever changing and it is important not only to stay up to date with this, but in a more practical sense, to take advantage of technological advances such as electronic submissions and registrations to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Diligent – given the significance in law of matters as seemingly insignificant as the type of punctuation used, I take a meticulous approach to my work.

Positive – involving solicitors can be fairly daunting, even for regular clients. I always try to keep a positive outlook and to inspire the same in my clients.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

My career highlights to date have certainly been my involvement in a number of very high value cases, both for company purchases and sales and in respect of development work on a number of sites in the UK. I found it immensely rewarding to be entrusted with such significant work and to have been able to undertake this alongside a team of hardworking and competent colleagues.

WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Though a fictional character, I have always been inspired by Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. I can recall reading an article in the Law Society Gazette whilst at university which extolled the virtues epitomised by Atticus Finch revolving largely around his patience, practicality, honesty and integrity.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Outside of work, I am a regular gym goer, hiker and have a particular interest in martial arts. I trained in Mixed Martial Arts for several years whilst at school, earned my black belt in Tae Kwon Do at 16 and continue to practice occasionally alongside my more recent interest in Aikido.

I am an amateur coleopterist (i.e. I collect and study beetles) with a particular interest in African flower beetles. I have been doing this for at least the past 5 or 6 years and have a formidable collection of Asian and African beetles. I have not however collected any specimens for over a year as I now prefer to photograph beetles instead.

I am also an avid reader and enjoy reading both fiction (generally fantasy) and non fiction (specifically Naval History) books.

New Local Charity Support Announced

Awdry Bailey & Douglas are proud to announce Greatwood as its local charity of the year 2018/19. Greatwood is a Marlborough based charity that, via equine facilitated learning, uses rescued and rehabilitated former racehorses to help educate disadvantaged children and young people with Special Educational Needs.

With offices in Marlborough, Devizes, Chippenham and Royal Wootton Bassett, Awdry Bailey & Douglas supports one local charity in Wiltshire each financial year and is exploring the possibility of a longer term partnership with Greatwood.  

After the Greatwood charity was founded in 1998, the rescue and rehoming of former racehorses began to develop into more, and the innovative and educational programme Horse Power was developed. Designed for young people aged 5-24 with cognitive, physical, emotional and social challenges or disabilities, Greatwood aims to make a real difference to the learners’ future lives and careers as well as facilitating their social mobility. Over the last 11 years, they have educated in excess of 2,000 disadvantaged young people from Wiltshire and adjoining counties.

Tim Hotchkiss, a partner at Awdry Bailey & Douglas saw the work that they do firsthand. “I could not have been more impressed with the Greatwood site at Rainscombe Hill Farm and their innovative methods of using former racehorses to educate children and young adults. It is the dual charitable purpose of caring for both young people and animals that is so endearing to me and our members of staff. At Awdry Bailey & Douglas, we recognise that beyond providing legal advice and expertise to our clients, we have a responsibility to actively engage with and contribute to the wider community in our local area. Our staff are passionate about supporting our local communities and raising money for charity. They are very much looking forward to getting involved in every aspect of the work that Greatwood do, including fundraising events throughout the year, supporting their annual Charity Race Day at Newbury Racecourse and getting stuck in to corporate volunteering at Rainscombe Hill Farm as regularly as possible.“

To find out more about Greatwood please visit their website http://www.greatwoodcharity.org/index.html

Summer Ball 2018

ABD decided to do things a little differently this year, with a “Golf themed” Summer Ball.  The Ball was held at the picturesque venue of Wellington Barn with members of staff having the opportunity to test their crazy golf skills late into the night on the mini golf holes.  The winning team even managed to win a days extra holiday for their members of staff with other guests winning Amazon vouchers. 

Welcoming drinks were offered on arrival which were much needed after such a scorching day of sunshine. 

Once seated, the whole room engaged in a Charity Auction.  The following prizes/services were auctioned by Tom Paget and Alexander David and ABD are proud to announce that the auction managed to raise an outstanding sum of £515.00 for the fantastic charity that is the Starlight Children’s Foundation. 

There were some fun and great lots on offer:   

1. Tim Hotchkiss and Alexander David’s garden and cleaning service – offering a lawn       mowing and car cleaning service.
2. David Turley’s DIY – Dave has offered one whole day of his time to help out with those DIY jobs which you simply don’t get round to doing. 
3. Nicola Hunt - our resident artist unveiled an original artwork which was snapped up.
4. Alistair Everett in Fancy Dress  – Alistair shall be wearing a fancy dress costume around the Firm’s Chippenham Office or at the Firm’s Sport’s Day.

Stay tuned for future updates as the members of staff begin carrying out their chores and tasks!

Following on from the auction, all guests had the opportunity to win several luxury raffle prizes.  These included a trip for two to the Shard followed by a meal at Marco Pierre White’s City restaurant and Laurent-Perrier luxury pink champagne with two flute glasses. 

 All guests then indulged in a delicious 3 course dinner courtesy of Clever Chefs and went on to dance the night away on the dance floor. 

Many people also took advantage of the fun photo booth by ‘striking a pose’ whilst using various different props.

Written by:

Prenups … Sharing more than an intimate meal for two…

As unromantic as it may seem, over the past 12 months Peter Berry at Awdry Bailey & Douglas has dealt with more enquiries about Prenups than during the last 10 years.

Why are so many people looking at Prenups?

More than ever before, people are choosing to marry later in life. The number of weddings for men aged over 50, and for women aged 35 to 39 years has increased substantially. The figures for over 65s have increased by over 40%!   

For younger couples, social attitudes are changing and the number of family businesses and people who are self-employed continues to grow.  

So why might a “Prenup” be on your wedding planners list?   

Do you:

Own your home?

Run a business?

Have a pension?

Have savings?

Have children from a previous relationship and possibly grandchildren too?

Have you:

Received an Inheritance from your parents, or relatives?

Invested in rental properties, or made long term financial plans?

Sold your business, and looking to enjoy your hard earned cash?

Been divorced before, and worked hard to rebuild your financial security? 

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then you should think about a Prenup. Starting a conversation about this is never going to be easy. Fears of arguments and embarrassment are entirely understandable. However, talking through the reasons often opens up a depth of conversation about feelings, wishes and about family. 

A Prenup is worth a lot more than the paper it’s written on. 

If the agreement is drafted by a specialist and adheres to legal requirements, you should expect to be bound by its terms as long as it is fair. 

At #ABDlaw we can help you prepare a prenuptial agreement that can stand the test of time. 

Contact Peter Berry on  01672 518620, or via email on peter.berry@awdrys.co.uk where he will be happy to offer a free until consultation or or visit our website.