What drew you to Hazlewoods originally?
I was particularly drawn to Hazlewoods as they are sector specialists and highly regarded as advisors to the legal industry. The combined experience and knowledge within the team is staggering and I am looking forward to learning a great deal from my colleagues and working with high profile clients.
What is one thing that surprised you about working at Hazlewoods?
The firm is growing and expanding into new markets very quickly. It is inspiring how this has been achieved organically without shifting focus on the core values of the business.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy building long lasting relationships with my clients to so that I understand their commercial objectives and can ensure that our advice is suitably tailored.
I mostly focus on easing the tax burden for my clients so that they can focus on their busy lives.
What do you enjoy about the office locations?
Each office is unique and very easy to travel to. As I live a 20-minute walk away from our Cardiff office, it is great to be local to the market and I am always available to see clients face to face whether for a formal meeting or a coffee
What is the best advice you can give to someone just starting out in their career?
Not to worry if you make a mistake, it is how you learn.
What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?
Tackle the difficult job first thing in the morning
What should clients be currently thinking?
There is cash pressure being felt across the industry, driven in part by the ongoing impact of basis period reform, capital investment requirements, salary and employer NIC increases as well as a downturn in transactions. Firms need to be aware of the potential impact and consider if they require additional funding, either externally or via partner capital calls.
I am also keeping an eye on the Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts Scheme (ILCA) consultation. In recent years, some firms are earning significant interest from such sources and the proposals should therefore be considered in any forward planning.
Can you share any insights regarding the current legal sector?
If you operate as an LLP it is important to be aware that the salaried member rules remain an area of interest for HMRC. Firms should ensure they review and document the conditions annually to ensure compliance or seek advice if needed.
Separately, if a Law firm is required to pay the economic crime levy it is important to note that this is not a tax deductible expense, with legislation specifically stipulating this. As this feels somewhat contrary to the usual ‘wholly and exclusively’ rules, it is worth a reminder to check compliance.
What would you do (career-wise) if you were not in this current job?
I wanted to be a professional cricketer, but would more likely have been a PE teacher,
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I am a Charlton Athletic fan… which brings me joy about once every 5 years.