Whether you are buying or selling a house, or both at once, you need an experienced solicitor on your team. Today we talk to Helen Davies – a Partner in the Property Department at WBW Solicitors. She is primarily based in our Launceston office in Cornwall which she also manages. As well as being a legal expert, Helen is also an Ordinand with the Church of England.
What did you want to be when you were young?
A doctor, until my mother pointed out I couldn’t cope with the sight of blood.
What was your first full time job?
Articled clerk. They don’t exist anymore. My first ever job was a newspaper round.
What’s in your pockets?
A hankie, and usually a handful of post it notes with to do lists on.
How do you like to relax?
A book in the sun, or on a tennis court, or (a new passion) dog walking on the beach…
If you could build a house anywhere in the world where would it be?
Cornwall of course. Somewhere quiet along the Saints Way.
What has been the best moment in your career?
I still get a real buzz on every transaction that completes. But also, being the first female president of Cornwall Law Society.
What has been the most challenging part of your career?
After merging with WBW Solicitors, we had the inventible task of learning new processes and systems. Thankfully, we have brilliant people, who worked through it, and we now have all the advantages of working with the support of bigger teams, and client’s access to a much broader range of services.
What’s the best thing about Cornwall?
Where to start?!
If you could invite any two people for dinner, who would they be and why would you invite them?
Carrie Morrison who was the first woman to qualify as a solicitor in 1922. She won a running race down Chancery Lane against the other three women who finished their training together, to decide who would be admitted first; and Angela Berners-Wilson, the first woman to be ordained priest in the Church of England in 1994. We could talk about their experiences, about how much has changed for women in the workplace, and where challenges remain. Despite the proportion of solicitors who are female, WBW is still unusual in having a predominantly female equity partnership.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Playing tennis in Agadir.
If you could be God for a day, what miracle would you perform?
First, I would abolish the need for foodbanks, then I would ensure there were pockets in all women’s’ clothing (for my hankie and to do notes).
What was your biggest mistake in life?
I look forward not back, but a few years ago I travelled up to London for a meeting, a day late.
What was your luckiest break?
A water leak, because of which I am with my lovely partner David (and his dog Marley). It’s a long story…
What would you like to be doing in five years’ time?
More of the same; an interesting job working with a great team of people, alongside part-time ministry in the church, and time for family and dog-walking.
Should you have a property matter that you wish to discuss with Helen, please contact her by telephone 01566 771115 or by email helendavies@wbw.co.uk. WBW Solicitors has offices in Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton, Bovey Tracey, Exeter, Launceston, Honiton Exmouth and Sidmouth.
