Best brains in...

Social housing. Having worked in-house for eight years, I have a good understanding of the commercial and political pressures facing clients who are trying to deliver the best service while achieving value for money.

Highlight of your career so far?

The transfer of a local authority's housing stock to a newly-formed subsidiary of a major housing association client. The job was technically and commercially challenging for various reasons, involving lots of contact with the members of the newly-formed board, and many, many meetings with the council team. After a few commercial hiccups, and with an iron will to see the job through on the part of my clients, we eventually managed to steer our way through the issues and complete the transfer. The improvement of the housing stock is now well underway and hopefully tenant's lives will have changed for the better.

It's also always great to see the physical results of jobs you have been involved with. I have acted on several housing regeneration schemes which have improved the area and the lives of people who live there.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

Every job has its own challenges. A few years ago I was leading on a housing-related outsourcing for a major local authority client, which happened to close in the same week as a housing stock transfer I was also leading on. Prioritising in that situation has its challenges – with meetings going on 150 miles apart! With great support from my wonderful colleagues, both jobs were completed within the deadlines (the last at 2am on the Saturday morning!)

What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?

As a very junior lawyer, I once spent a sunny bank holiday Monday at a client's house, running through documentation prior to signing. Many late nights and office bound weekends have followed!

Best example of a creative legal solution?

I am a very practically minded lawyer. My pet hate is lawyers who argue over a point for the sake of it. The key to providing creative, commercial solutions is to demystify 'the legals', and help clients to assess risk by explaining issues to them in plain English and telling them what you would do in their position.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

I have great clients and it is really important to me that I meet and exceed their expectations. I once got a round of applause at a board meeting, which was very embarrassing, but meant a lot!