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. 

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.

Awdry Bailey & Douglas are proud to now be a Business Partner of WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise).  

WiRE is a national business support network; promoting, supporting and developing its membership of rural businesswomen. Grown from an academic research project based in Shropshire, WiRE is now a national membership organisation, widely recognised as a dynamic and positive force within the economy of rural areas and as the voice of rural women’s enterprise in the UK.

Awdrys recently hosted a legal clinic for WiRE members covering aspects of Family, Employment and Commercial Law in order to provide members with a general overview of important considerations for business owners. Three members of the practice spoke:

• Georgina Catlin (Family Law) discussed the wide ranging topic of family law to include ways of protecting your finances      both pre and post separation/divorce;
• Jessica Arnold (Commercial Law) provided an overview of the various ways in which a business can be structured and discussed the key risks and benefits that individuals and companies should consider when deciding what business structure is right for them; and 
• Maxine Nutting (Employment Law) then talked about factors businesses and individuals need to be aware of in terms of whether their workforce or contractors may actually be considered employees and what that could mean for you from a legal perspective if something goes wrong.

Maxine Nutting from the Employment Team discussing the issue that 'workforce' and 'contractors' could potentially be considered as 'employees' in the eyes of the law

The Clinic also provided members with an opportunity to ask questions on an informal basis and many members took advantage of this opportunity.  

Following this, the group then enjoyed a cookery lesson hosted by The Farm Cookery School in Bromham and were able to feast on their creations over a networking lunch.

For further information about WiRE and their members please read our profile http://www.wireuk.org/members/georgina-catlin/

The Wolf Run - Autumn 2018

Woods, obstacles, lakes and fields... WILD RUNNING. Yes call us crazy, but a team of staff here at Awdry Bailey & Douglas has taken the plunge and signed up to participate in the hardcore 10k run across raw natural terrain, otherwise known as The Wolf Run.

The team will tackle a series of tough obstacles in the September run, both man-made and natural. They'll have to run, climb, jump, wade, crawl and swim through the course which is designed to challenge mental and physical strength and skill.

Weekly training has been going well so far, with everyone surviving Practice Manager Dave Turleys gruelling regime! We have new additions joining each week and hope to continue the training group after the run has been completed. 

The wolf pack post training session - still smiling!

The team are honoured to be raising money for a charity that we work closely with at Awdrys, Starlight Children's Foundation - dedicated to brightening the lives of children and teenagers suffering from a serious illness. 

Wasps Legends Rugby Golf Classic 2018

Awdrys Partners Tim Hotchkiss and Alex David attended the Wasps Legends Rugby Golf Classic 2018 in La Manga, Spain from 14-17 June in support of the Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation.  

L-R: (left to right) – Antony Bulley (MD of Strakers), Alex David, Tim Hotchkiss and Matt Powell (former Saracens, Harlequins Worcester scrum-half)

The Foundation is the fundraising element of the Wasps Legends Past Players Network and supports a charitable project each year that is close to the heart of the Wasps Legends teams, with small grants awarded to chosen charitable projects throughout the year and a main grant awarded annually.  

L-R: Tim Hotchkiss, Matt Powell (former Saracens, Harlequins Worcester scrum-half), Alex David and Antony Bulley (MD of Strakers) 

L-R: Tim Hotchkiss, Matt Perry (former Bath, England and British & Irish Lion full back) and Alex David

This is the second time that Tim and Alex have attended the Golf Classic.  The event involves three themed nights (as can be seen from the fancy dress in the photographs) and two rounds of golf with the chance to play with a rugby legend on each of those days.  Approximately 150 guests attended and a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all, with initial reports confirming that well over £100k has been raised following this event alone. 

L-R: Tim Hotchkiss and Alex David with former Wales and British & Irish Lion No.8, Andy Powell

L-R: Alex David, Antony Bulley (MD of Strakers), Tim Hotchkiss and Peter Scrivener (founder of Wasps Legends and Trustee of the Charitable Foundation and former Wasps No.8)