The managing partner of Wiltshire firm Goughs Solicitors shares his passions and interests with The Brief.

How do you like to start the day?

A short HIIT or weights workout followed by a cup of mint tea. My body is certainly not a temple but I try to keep healthy. One of my partners swears by early morning meditation and, to be fair, he is a very Zen person. It’s on my list of things to try.

What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?

There’s a watercolour painting by my late mother hanging on my office wall, which is particularly precious to me. It’s a river view with autumnal trees reflected in the water, so a calming piece of art, just right for a busy lawyer’s office!

Who is your closest colleague?

Hannah Conway, a colleague in our Family department, has the office next door but that may not be the point of the question! I am close to the other six owners of the business and that helps foster a high degree of trust.

Being an equity partner at Goughs requires a huge commitment of time as well as a substantial financial investment, so it’s important that we have a close relationship. That’s not to say we don’t have disagreements around the boardroom table. Being able to safely challenge each other makes for better decision making.

Do you have a favourite family heirloom?

No.

What’s your favourite song of all time?

That’s impossible to choose – probably something by Fleetwood Mac. I listen to a lot of modern music, which is inevitable when you have children, but there is always something extra special about the music listened to in those formative years. I was also a huge Queen fan and regret never getting to see them perform live.

What’s your favourite play?

Richard III. That might be an odd choice, but it’s based on a 2019 production I saw at the Bristol Old Vic. It was so utterly brilliant that I immediately bought tickets for the whole family to see the production the week after.

Who’s your favourite movie star?

Christopher Walken. Again, not an obvious choice, but he always adds a fascinating dimension to any film and character he plays, from The Deer Hunter, through Bond villain, to “cameo” roles in such films as True Romance and Pulp Fiction, everyone a standout memorable performance.

What’s your favourite book?

I first read The Lord of the Rings as a teenager and fell in love with the characters and Middle Earth. I could lose myself in the detailed fantasy world and was bereft when I reached the end of the book. Nothing has since topped that. Tolkien was a genius.

What book are you reading right now?

One from the Goughs book club list – Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd. There are about a dozen of us in the firm’s book club, which meets monthly, alternating virtual Teams meetings at lunchtime with in-person meetings over supper at a local pub. The book club encourages me to read literature that I would never otherwise touch. There’s the odd book I don’t enjoy, but none are compulsory!

What book do you wish you had written?

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. A story within a story. It’s a clever gothic novel with rich characters and imagery. There’s plenty of drama and tension, but above all it’s a brilliant love story.

What’s the greatest invention of all time?

The printing press. Where would we be without access to books? Before the printing press books, journals and pamphlets were hand copied or hand printed. It was a pivotal moment in time, providing access to knowledge to the ordinary person and allowing mass communication for the first time.

Is there a sport you wish you could play?

Regrettably I am not blessed with terrific hand-eye coordination, partly the result of a blind spot in my right eye. I do, however, enjoy playing tennis, but wish I could rise above the standard of mediocrity. I am regularly on the verge of taking professional tennis lessons but they have so far remained elusive.

Who inspires you in business?

My old senior partner, Dr Nick Davis. He was the smartest lawyer I ever knew, being someone who could master any practice area. He led the firm for many years, inspiring the partners at the time to transition Goughs to a modern law firm and to constantly reflect on how we might do things better. I try to emulate this as much as possible, allowing us to stay ahead of other similar law firms.

In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?

I nearly always dress up. Smart suit, French cuff shirt and a tie. I suppose I see this as part of my uniform which distinguishes work from home. It is still the expected apparel of a professional lawyer for many clients. And as an occasional advocate, it is essential. Having said that, the last Friday of the month is always a charity dress down day, so I will come to work in casual clothes which might even include a pair of Onitsuka Tigers.

Where do you go to relax?

My garden. I am no great gardener but I do like to lose myself amongst the trees, shrubs and birds. For me it’s a time for mindfulness where I can allow my mind to wander. I have a gardener who, unlike me, knows the difference between a weed and a precious plant when they poke a shoot above the surface, but I am responsible for the vegetable beds, fruit bushes and landscaping.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

New Zealand. Home of the hobbits (see above). I have not yet felt able to take three or more weeks away from the business in one go, and a shorter visit wouldn’t do it justice.

Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?

Tissues. Possibly a throwback to when the children were little. Snotty noses, ice-cream dribbles, scraged (yes, that’s a proper word in the West Country) knees. You get the picture.

What’s the best part of your job?

There are definitely two parts to this. Firstly, meeting new clients and helping them through their journey from marriage breakdown to a new chapter in their life. Often very challenging problems to resolve, but they always leave the professional relationship in a better place.

Secondly, building a firm with amazing colleagues to work with. I have interviewed and employed many dozens of fantastic lawyers and support staff over the years. Even some of my co-owners started their journey as a trainee solicitor with me. It’s difficult not to feel both paternalistic towards the firm and very proud of what we have all achieved. It’s such a happy place to work, reflected in us being recognised by The Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards.  

How do you unwind after work?

An audio book on the drive home. That also allows me to get through our book club list.  

Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?

I recently treated myself to an Alpine A110 GTS. It’s a bit of an indulgence, but it’s a super-fast lightweight French sportscar that puts a smile on my face.

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