Next in our meet the team series is Maxine Reid, Legal Director based at our Hereford office. Maxine shares why she was first attracted to a career in law and her number one top tip for clients.
1. What first attracted you to a career in law?
I was attracted to a career in law because I wanted the ability to help others & I thought that having the opportunity to do that, through application of the law, would be both interesting & fulfilling. The legal industry serves a much needed purpose in a democratic society & the number of different practice areas in the profession was an attraction too, with the ability to specialise but to still have fresh challenges with the uniqueness of each case & the constantly evolving laws & legislation.
2. What type of legal advice do you provide and to what sorts of client?
I offer family law advice to a wide range of clients from various backgrounds. The bulk of my work relates to financial matters following divorce or relationship breakdown. I have a business degree which serves useful in dealing with business interests within financial disputes. I also have a particular interest in cross border divorce & over the past 20 plus years I have represented numerous clients’ with international connections & significant financial wealth, with property & assets overseas, inherited wealth & trusts.
3. What is your most memorable legal experience? And why?
A significant memorable legal experience was receiving a compliment from an opponent about the service that I had provided my client (after securing a successful outcome for my client at final hearing in financial proceedings where trust interests were in contention & successfully defending an appeal).
4. What is your number 1 top tip for clients?
My top tip would be not to rush into decisions. Going through a divorce is a difficult life event & emotions often run high. Rather than reacting to information, take a step back, digest what has been said & take time to think carefully about the next steps. The focus needs to be upon moving matters forward & your future, rather than what has happened in the past.
