Spotlight on The Committee

Spotlight on the Committee

Ian Robinson

Honorary Secretary of Hampshire Law Society

Ian Robinson

Area of Expertise:

Although I retired last year, I specialised in criminal law for nearly 50 years. I was initially employed as a legal advisor to the Magistrates before moving into private practice. For the last 15 years of my career, I was the Managing Partner of Churchers Solicitors LLP, taking responsibility for compliance and regulatory matters, as well as the general running and development of the firm.

What attracted you to work in the law: My father was a police officer, so I had always an interest criminal law, particular road traffic offences. A vacancy arose at a local Magistrates Court for a trainee legal advisor - and the rest they say is history!

What is the most amusing / intriguing incident which has taken place on a case you have acted on:

So many incidents over the years - I was asked to advise detainees being interviewed regarding the collusion of British intelligence in criminal activities in Northern Ireland. Somewhat scary! Those who remember Brookside - I represented a client who killed his wife and buried her under the patio. One particular regular criminal client smuggled a pet rat into custody when he was arrested which caused some concern to the custody staff.

What is your biggest career achievement: Qualifying as a solicitor. I took a ‘long route’ so took several years!

What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: Friendship

Why do you think HILS is important: Supporting individuals develop careers, from students and trainees to senior partners. Representing the profession on matters affecting solicitors, particularly when the SRA seek to introduce unnecessary changes, restrictions or regulation.

Personal

Who inspires you:

My father. From a relatively humble background born into a working class family Liverpool during the 1920’s recession, he achived the rank of Chief Superintendent in the police showing hard work and determination to succeed ‘paid off’. He served in the Royal Navy during WW2 serving in the Pacific Fleet and was in Tokyo when the Japanese surrendered and saw some horrific action, transporting released POW’s to Australia.

What was the last book you read: Ann Cleeves - Vera

What is your favourite film: Gosh - so many, probably ‘Its a Wonderful Life’.

What is the next place on your travel bucket list: Currently booked to visit Canada and Alaska, but would like to visit the Far East, particularly Bali and China especially the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army.

Name one item you cannot live without and why: A car door - open the window for a breeze when it’s hot and close it when it’s cold.

What is your favourite quote:

Mind who you step on, on the way up as you never know who you will meet on the way down!

Mo Aldridge

President of Hampshire Law Society

Mo Aldridge

Work Firm: Jasper Vincent Solicitors

Area of Expertise: Residential and Commercial Conveyancing

What attracted you to work in the law: Completely different to my first degree (Geography) and I like office work

What is the most amusing / intriguing incident which has taken place on a case you have acted on:

A Seller advising us (the Buyer’s Solicitors) the day before completion that they couldn’t complete because they had to apply to have the road closed to get a crane down there to take the roof off the house to lift the fish tank out!

What is your biggest career achievement: Becoming a Partner and then managing to juggle that with 2 kids!

What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: The contact with other lawyers and being able to socialise and share with them

Why do you think HILS is important: Local networks are the heart and soul of the legal communities we operate in. Personal connections and knowledge is forefront in the services lawyers offer so societies like HILS that offer those opportunities to train with and socialise with other local lawyers are key.

Personal

Who inspires you: No one person, but Athletes and Military Special Ops – the dedication and determination is an eye opener

What was the last book you read: The Keeper of Stories

What is your favourite film: Soooo mood dependent but I could pretty much watch Pitch Perfect anytime!

What is the next place on your travel bucket list: Hawaii

Name one item you cannot live without and why: Hairbrush – I couldn’t leave the house without taming my hair.

What is your favourite quote: ‘Life without you is like a broken pencil – pointless’ Blackadder