Spotlight on… William Hart

A real estate solicitor who spent nine months working on farms in New Zealand? Meet William Hart.

Where do you live and how long have you been a lawyer?

I live in Redwick, Magor, which is a small village just south of Newport. I qualified in September 2021 but have been with Harrison Clark Rickerbys since July 2018.

I originally joined on a work experience programme where I was hired as a paralegal, before then getting onto the training contract and qualifying.

What type of legal advice do you provide and to what sort of clients?

I provide a range of real estate advice, from the purchase and sale of commercial property to representing landlords and tenants. I also advise private individuals and companies. So quite a few areas!

What’s your most memorable outcome for a client and why?

Helping a client to get into a lease when it was time-dependent, as without this they would not have had a base from which to run their business.

What is your number one tip for clients?

Ensure that the ‘heads of terms’ are agreed in detail, as this will ensure a transaction works and avoids protracted negotiations further down the line. Property transactions can take a long period of time, and this can help to mitigate that.

How do you like spending your spare time?

I’m a big sports fan, particularly rugby and golf, both of which I play. I also enjoy football – I’m a Liverpool fan and follow Wales on their away games.

When I’m not playing sports I’m travelling – from west Wales to New Zealand (where I spent nine months working on a variety of farms), and catching up with friends.