INSIGHT
SLS Insight – with Maralyn Hutchinson SURREY LAW SOCIETY Why did you join the SLS Committee? My office location straddles Middlesex and Surrey. I have been a member of Middlesex Law Society for over 20 years and hoped to find common interests at SLS. What do you enjoy most about being on the Committee? Every committee member has individual experiences and expertise to bring to the table. It's also a good forum for general discussion about topical issues, general and local to the Surrey constituency. What are you looking for in new Committee Members? Enthusiasm, and an interest in the wider legal world. Why would you encourage someone to join the SLS? Because it is possible to try and influence change and be part of the legal landscape rather than a pure recipient.
Maralyn Hutchinson
THE PROFESSION
ABOUT YOU
When and why did you become interested in the law? Like so many other lawyers, I was argumentative and questioned everything – I was head of the debating team at school. My uncle was a QC.
What’s your favourite film? A 1966 French film written and directed by Claude Lelouch and starring Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant called A Man and A Woman.
What firm do you work at and what is your role there? Kagan Moss in Teddington – I deal with residential property work, and probate, wills and LPAs. I handle recruitment and other office admin functions.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A brain surgeon or a make-up artist.
What is a typical day for you at work? Coffee, stress, more stress, more coffee, stress then a 2 hour drive home. What is the most enjoyable part of your role? A seamless completion day, and a grant of probate with no mistakes in it. What’s been your most memorable career highlight to date? Many years ago, I handled a very serious criminal case that made the papers. Our leader was an ex-Home Secretary and we had 2 trials. Thanks to the Central Court taxing office, we did not make any money but I will never forget that time in my younger career, or the parties or counsel. What’s been the hardest challenge career-wise? Dealing with third parties. What are the biggest challenges facing the legal profession in the next 10 years? Insurers, freelancers, changes to the legal landscape that adversely affect the general public.
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If you were CEO of a company name one thing you would make compulsory in the office? Lovely food provided throughout the day. Name the 3 celebrities you most admire David Attenborough, Noel Fitzpatrick and Ru Paul. What would you do if you were invisible for a day? Eavesdrop in the newsroom of a national newspaper. What's a great book you've read recently? Elizabeth Taylor (not the actress!) – short stories. What do you think is the greatest invention of all time and why? Not sure – probably the internet or heart stents. What is your favourite day of the week and why? Saturday – I can sleep late and the next day is not usually a working day. ■
