What have you done that has made you most proud?
A few years ago, I acted for a large logistics company which wanted to acquire a large number of properties from an administrator. The client and the process were very demanding and I wondered if I would be able to meet the expectations upon me. I built up a good rapport with the client resulting in a strong working relationship and successfully acquiring the required properties within the time frame. The in-house solicitor for the client has since moved on and we are still in contact as friends.

What is your definition of great client care?
I always like to meet my clients at their place of business.  If I understand my client’s requirements at the start it helps the transaction proceed smoothly and swiftly as issues can be raised and negotiated from the beginning. At times, I have picked up on issues that my client had not even considered.

How can you tell when you give great client care?
In a colleague’s absence, I had to pick up a complicated transaction for Sharba Homes Limited, which, on the brink of becoming abortive, suddenly steamed ahead. Documents were substantially amended with twists and turns and the whole transaction was a rollercoaster ride with a looming deadline. The client was very astute and recognised the difficulties I would have experienced having not worked on the file from the beginning. However, I led the transaction to a successful completion and the client gave my returning colleague and Head of Department very positive feedback on how I had looked after them.

What is your definition of being a step ahead in your role?
I have established a LinkedIn Group to work in parallel with property people:mk,  the networking group for people working in the commercial property sector which the firm facilitates. The group allows property people in Milton Keynes to connect online, share ideas, discuss current issues and make new contacts.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
It would have to be doing a tandem skydive from 13,000 ft for charity. Funnily enough, jumping out the plane was not really an issue (as the instructor pushed me) however flying up in a rickety tin can of an airplane was terrifying! I would love to do a tandem skydive and land in the sea however I do not think that there are enough sleeping pills in the world to calm my mother down if I did decide to do it!

Protima is a solicitor in the firm’s Property, Construction and Projects Group.