intouch

For this edition of intouch, we caught up with Simon Child from TWM Solicitors LLP and hear about his love of American Football, who his legal heroes are, and his early ambition for space travel!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I went from wanting to be a builder, like my dad, to astronaut having been bought a telescope. I think I will need to work for a good few more years yet though until I can afford a spot on Virgin Galactic!

What attracted you to conveyancing?
Having a tangible asset to review and the idea of being involved in large scale regenerations whereby entire areas could be redeveloped and revitalised. That and the nature of the work – piecing together a puzzle. It helps that the people I trained with at Eversheds were so enthusiastic and the clients have always been real characters. I joke that my time working with my dad when I was younger on building sites might allow me to both buy and then build client’s properties but no-one has taken me up on the offer yet. I’m a bit rusty but I think my developer clients would prefer I do not give up my day job!

If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be, and why?
I love American Football so from a purely selfish point of view, right now, I’d have to say Patrick Mahomes – the Kansas City, MVP, Superbowl winning quarterback. It must be an amazing feeling to be part of a brilliant team with a passionate following, at the very top and pinnacle of your career so early on. I guess just like a typical day at TWM!

What’s your proudest moment?
Aside from the birth of my daughter or wedding day? From a legal perspective, graduation at university and qualification at the law Society building on Chancery Lane were both very special moments. Professionally it has to be buying the Printworks in Manchester for around £99m as a 3 year PQE. It was an amazing experience, all prefaced by a memorable site visit – a lot of men in suits trying not to look out of place during a student night at the Tiger Tiger club within the scheme.

Who do you most admire within the legal industry?
Is this where I am meant to say our managing partner? There was the incredible JC Smith at university and all those commentaries of Denning but since then, perhaps simply those supervisors of mine over the years, young and old, who have shaped my career. I should also mention my wife who is also a lawyer, in-house now, who has forged her own path and standards, set an example as to how to approach work and does an amazing job as a head of sector and mother.

If there was one thing you could change about conveyancing, what would it be?
The current delays with the Land Registry are proving very challenging. Clients do not understand or appreciate the delays. I do not envy the pressure and workload they are under but if the registration process could be streamlined further it would make everyone’s lives easier.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?
I would say either Rome or New York. Two contrasting places but I love the sights and sounds. It probably helps that great pizza is available at both.

Finally, what’s your favourite hobby and why should we all give it a go?
As mentioned above I’m an avid NFL fan. Whilst my playing days have long since passed I still enjoy following it, especially when they play the games in London. I know people complain about the time it all takes, the swapping of players and oversized kit, but the fact that every person plays an important part, and is equally valued, is great.