Here at WBW, we value every one of our team members. Each member of staff has their own stories, motivations and reasons why they enjoy working for WBW.
Today we talk to Helen Davies, Office Partner at our Launceston office.
What is your role at WBW and what area of law do you specialise in?
I am the Office Partner in Launceston, a member of the HOD team and the firm’s Data Protection Officer. I am a Property Lawyer and do a mix of predominantly commercial and agricultural property.
What did you want to be when you were young?
I toyed with the idea of nursing when very young. My mum said I should aspire to be a doctor, but also pointed out that I hated the sight of blood.
What was your first full time job?
Shop assistant in C&A during the uni summer vac. I hated the polyester uniform and smelly changing rooms…
What do you like the most about the town you work in?
I love the really strong sense of community.
What has been the best moment in your career?
Every successful completion is a high.
For over twenty years I served as a Council Member on the national Law Society, representing the West Country and Gwent, and I met some amazing people and had some fascinating experiences during that time. I also learned a great deal, about myself, about organisations, and a bit of advocacy.
What are your top tips for client’s?
Be organised, listen and provide the information we ask for. That makes it easier for us to help you.
What has been the most challenging part of your career?
Client expectations only ever increase, but so much of what we deal with is entirely outside our control, so currently, the Land Registry.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your profession?
Which profession? I am also a priest in the Church of England. Clients are sometimes surprised but mostly in a good way, when they see me officiating at a funeral.
Just for fun…
I recently went to the Exmouth office drinks party wearing my pyjama top.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Or If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Club Med, Agadir. I’m gutted that it has now closed. Second choice, Godolphin House, just outside Helston. And if I could live anywhere, I would still choose Cornwall.
Who has been an inspiration for you?
I have benefitted from generous mentoring from many people through my career but particularly admire Jane Ward and Jane Lister, pioneering women solicitors in the Plymouth legal community. It is easy to forget how recent women’s progression in the law has been.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
In the law, Carrie Morrison, the first woman admitted as a solicitor.
Outside the law, the designer Alexander McQueen.
An interesting fact about me is…
I was the first female president of Cornwall Law Society.
Should you have a Property matter that you wish to discuss with Helen, please contact her by telephone on 01566 771115 or email helendavies@wbw.co.uk.
WBW Solicitors has offices in Axminster, Bovey Tracey, Brixham, Chard, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Launceston, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Seaton, Sidmouth, and Torquay.
