Spotlight on the Committee

Spotlight on the Committee

Committee Member Sarah Hallett

Work

Firm: Churchers Solicitors LLP

Area of Expertise: Criminal defence

What attracted you to work in the law: My father was a police officer and I was always knew I wanted to pursue a career in criminal law - I just ended up on the other side!

What is your biggest career achievement: Becoming a partner - earlier this year

What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: The contact and connections with other lawyers locally

Personal

Who inspires you: I am inspired by those from under privileged backgrounds that work hard to make a change - many people that I come across have hectic lives, and a less than impressive education yet many manage to overcome their hardships and work so hard every day to build themselves a better future.

What was the last book you read: The Governor - written by the Governor of HMP Wormwood Scrubs.

What is your favourite film: I LOVE The Sound of Music!

What is the next place on your travel bucket list: I would love to hike to Everest Base Camp. Or run one of the UTMB courses - Maybe I will, one day!

Name one item you cannot live without and why: Can I say my dog!? She is a springer spaniel cross collie and is absolutely crackers! I do a lot of running & she is the best running companion - it’s the only time I truly turn off from work.

What is your favourite quote: Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!

Vice President HILS Tom Mitchell

Work

Firm: Trethowans LLP

Area of Expertise: Commercial Property

What attracted you to work in the law: I wish I could say it was something other than I just sort of fell into it as I studied Law and French at university and I was never going to be a French teacher. But having worked in the law for over 20 years I can safely say that I wouldn’t make a different career choice.

What is the most amusing / intriguing incident which has taken place on a case you have acted on: When acting on a commercial property sale a client made an off the cuff comment about there potentially being some radioactive waste on site and hoped this wouldn’t be an issue. Luckily the sale went abortive but not for that reason.

What is your biggest career achievement: Qualifying as a solicitor back in 2002 and also to still be enjoying it in 2023

What is your favourite part about being a member of HILS: Trying to help and support local firms as well as interacting with fellow lawyers with similar goals.

Why do you think HILS is important: HILS is here to support law firms but also the individuals within those firms which is needed as much now as ever given the continuing changing legal landscape.

Personal

Who inspires you: I don’t know their names, but when I was doing a 10k run I saw a couple who must have been in their 70s and they were both jogging and enjoying themselves. I thought that if I could be anything like that when I’m in my 70s then I would be delighted.

What was the last book you read: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

What is your favourite film: Leon by Luc Besson

What is the next place on your travel bucket list: Samarqand in Uzbekistan

Name one item you cannot live without and why: Southampton FC season ticket as without this, until this season, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be miserable every other weekend.

What is your favourite quote: Not a legal one but Stephen Fry once said: “Books are no more threatened by Kindle than stairs by elevators”. I love books!