Best brains in...

Shopping centre and retail development projects. A particular focus is large-scale and high-speed lettings programmes - securing income stream and investment value as quickly and efficiently as possible. I am currently advising the Trinity Walk Limited Partnership on all aspects of the development at Trinity Walk, Wakefield.

Highlight of your career so far?

Christening the champagne bar at Selfridges on the day the new Bullring in Birmingham opened in 2004. I worked on the project for seven years and it is a fantastic example of city centre regeneration. I am from the Midlands, was mugged in one of the old subways when I was 12, and to see a city centre regenerated in this way is worth celebrating.

Also, having the opportunity to make a difference in Wakefield acting for Sovereign Land and AREA in this regeneration project.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

The Wakefield acquisition: buying a half-built and part-let shopping centre development, at speed, from administrators.

What's your definition of going the extra mile and when have you delivered great client service?

Taking service delivery personally, with 24/7 advice coming as standard to all clients.

When a World War II bomb was discovered on one particular scheme, we dropped everything and quickly assembled a project team to deal with the issues arising. Within 15 minutes of the call from the client, we were dealing with site evacuation, handling the construction delays and overall crisis management, even though the team at the time was split across Europe.

Best example of a creative legal solution?

The best legal solutions are also commercial and practical. One example is our methodology for high-speed/high-volume lettings, which allows space to be let as quickly as possible. It navigates a way around all potential delaying factors in a transaction, before they have even occurred.

How do you get under the skin of a client business?

Time: spending it getting to know the client (personally) and their business. Asking questions, and, more importantly, listening to the answers. It is about long-term relationships.

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

"Toby makes difficult things look easy" - a very satisfied client.