Spotlight on the Committee

Spotlight on the Committee

Committee Member

Russell Evans

Work

Firm:

Resolve UK & Clerksroom/ TBG (Top 10 Mediator)

Area of Expertise:

I work as a full time Mediator throughout the UK and am an expert in Chancery, Business & Property disputes. My expertise includes Contentious Probate, Tolata, Proprietary Estoppel, Property, Commercial, Company Shareholder and Partnership disputes as well as Professional Negligence. I also conduct Sports Arbitrations via Sport Resolutions.   

What attracted you to work in the law:

The inspiration of Lord Denning and the thought that justice could be achieved. In my youth I was also fascinated by history and archaeology.

Whilst in recent years I have been on archaeological excavations in York and have even unearthed a Viking anvil from the camp of Harald Hardrada which has now witnessed the first light of day since 1066 I did not follow that path. The path of Lord Denning and ultimately the diplomatic arena won over.  

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

There have been many incidents and many intriguing and sometimes surreal moments over the years. In terms of actual cases it is probably a choice between dealing with a certain member of the royal family, a world champion boxer and a playboy sex symbol with film star and celebrity entourage. All were explosive and highly revelatory. Unfortunately or fortunately I have signed confidentiality agreements and so publication and book rights will have to be preserved for now. I also recently watched the first 7 days of the Paris Olympics to witness every day participants including Olympic medal winners who gave evidence to me in a recent arbitration.

What is your biggest career achievement: 

Resolving cases by way of mediation that have baffled others and been ongoing for more than 15 years to bring new hope and life to the participants. On another occasion I successfully mediated a case with more than 250 parties and multiple diverse views. I have also won a national mediation award and judged multiple national and international mediation and arbitration competitions.   

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

The camaraderie that this affords.

Why do you think HILS is important: 

It gives a voice to members of the profession as well as a sounding board and a social outlet.     

Personal

Who inspires you: 

Nelson Mandela the archetypal diplomat striving for peace and Members of the Elders as well as ordinary people facing oppression and dealing with adversity + those who give selflessly including MSF, the Red Cross & Crescent. 

What was the last book you read: 

“Migrants: The Story of Us All” by Sam Miller – It contains epic as well as thought provoking migration stories from Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens to the rivers of Babylon and Tierra del Fuego - It shows that we are all inquisitive wanderers at heart.  

What is your favourite film: 

The Shawshank Redemption – An epic heartfelt film with hope and redemption at its core.  

What is the next place on your travel bucket list: 

My son works in the Far East and my daughter Down Under so Thailand & Australia are the hot favourites.  

Name one item you cannot live without and why:  

Earl Grey tea. It is my link and call to the Orient, my morning awakening and refreshes the parts that others can not reach. I have to admit that I did take part in a 3 hour tea ceremony in China amidst the Himalayan rain. I have not yet succumbed however to morning Tai chi.  

What is your favourite quote:  

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Lao Tzu …but I could not leave out; 

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone” Audrey Hepburn 

Committee Member

Melanie Lidstone-Land

Work

Firm:

Lester Aldridge LLP

Area of Expertise: 

Clinical Negligence 

What attracted you to work in the law: 

I liked the thought that justice prevails, that wrongs can be put right and that I would get to help people when they are in tough situations and go some way to making that situation better. 

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

When I was training, a lot of years ago now, I was involved with a case that the press got hold of. A popular tabloid was running the story and camped out in our office car park. I recall that myself and my colleagues were offered (and obviously declined) the princely sum of £25 to interview with the paper - these days that wouldn’t even cover my weekly Costa habit! 

What is your biggest career achievement: 

There have been a lot of big and complex case successes but for me that has always been about teamwork. Working as part of some brilliant teams has been absolutely the best achievement of my career. Over the last 15 plus years I have had the privilege of helping to train other lawyers in those teams and be involved in mentoring younger lawyers. Watching those lawyers gain knowledge and confidence, going on to achieve accreditations and succeed in their own careers is immensely rewarding and if I have had even the smallest involvement in that, that’s a big career achievement for me. 

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

Sometimes, working as a lawyer feels overly business focussed, results and fees driven. All of that can be a bit isolating. Being a member of HILS reminds me that we are a community and that there are people who I can reach out to with a problem or an idea.  

Why do you think HILS is important: 

Local law societies are important.  HILS provides support and help to members. Being a lawyer is not an easy job. The landscape is constantly changing, challenges present themselves over and again. Not one single person has all of the answers but when we come together we get to effect change, network, support others and educate each other – everything that we need to operate in todays’ legal climate.   

Personal

Who inspires you: 

Definitely my children. Even though they are grown up now, they have always (and still do) made me want to be the best version of myself every day. To see how they stride out into the world, creating a space in which they can thrive is inspiring. I don’t remember being that fearless or embracing opportunity as much as they do.  

What was the last book you read: 

“It starts with us”, Colleen Hoover. A great sequel to the “It ends with us” story, nice easy read in the garden with a glass of wine.

What is your favourite film: 

“Casablanca”. I adore old Hollywood films and this one is as good as they get. 

What is the next place on your travel bucket list: 

Japan In Sakura season to see the cherry blossoms.  

Name one item you cannot live without and why: 

My record player. Music is now and always has been a hugely important part of my life. Putting on a record and committing to listening to it from beginning to end is such a pleasure. I have so many wonderful memories that are linked to music and listening to certain songs / albums takes me back to specific times and places spent with the people I love spending time with and those that are no longer here.  

What is your favourite quote:  

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”…Nelson Mandela