3 Questions

Ashley Garthwaite Solicitor, Residential Property team

QUESTIONS

Where did you study law and why did you want to become a lawyer?

When I was younger I always wanted to be a policewoman, so it wasn’t until I was choosing my options for Sixth Form that I thought of studying law as a subject (alongside media studies, history and psychology). Until that stage, I hadn’t really considered being a lawyer, as having a legal background didn’t “run in the family” and, back in 2005, I was under the impression that to get into law you had to have family members in the profession. Until that point I had only ever seen lawyers in court on TV; I don’t think I quite understood that lawyers come in all shapes and sizes!

After enjoying the subject at Sixth Form, I decided I would go on to study law at University too, while still not knowing where it would take me. As I enjoyed family law the most at that time, I centred my dissertation around domestic violence and went on to become a family law paralegal following the completion of my studies.

Why did you want to specialise in residential property work?

Although I enjoyed my time as a family law paralegal, I decided I wanted to explore other areas of the profession and I was lucky enough to join Swinburne Maddison as a secretary in the Residential Property team. It didn’t take me long to realise that my future would be in property. For me, the main attraction to conveyancing is the structure and processes involved in the transactions, which I feel suit my skill set. I enjoy the legal issues that arise and the interaction with clients, coupled with the fast-paced environment. It is so rewarding to guide clients through the process of buying their first home or helping them move onto their next adventure, whether this is upsizing or downsizing.

What has been your greatest achievement at Swinburne Maddison?

After progressing through the ranks of secretary, paralegal and trainee solicitor – all since joining the firm in 2016 – qualifying as a solicitor last year has to be my greatest achievement to date. It will certainly not be easily forgotten as it happened during one of the busiest work periods on record, in the midst of the SDLT holiday. A time which I’m sure every conveyancer will want to forget!

Whilst I didn’t take the usual route to qualification, I believe my time as a secretary and paralegal – and the experience I’ve gained by working alongside such a great team of property lawyers – has been hugely beneficial to my development, training and work ethic.