Spotlight on Matthew Edwards

Matthew Edwards is a Partner at the Firm but dreamed of Captaining the England football team, or maybe a fighter pilot…
Matthew Edwards is a Partner at Pinney Talfourd Solicitors and Head of Private Client and Elderly Client Services.

1. What made you enter private client law?

When I was training to become a solicitor I had a strong interest in matrimonial law but my head was turned very late on by the appeal of private client work, its technical nature, and the variety of clients.

2. Did you always want to be a lawyer?

Not at all. To be honest I was a bit of dreamer when I was young and harboured aspirations for far too long of captaining England at Wembley or being a jet fighter pilot! Once reality set in I knuckled down, qualified as a solicitor, and never looked back.

3. What is your favourite part of the job?

We are very privileged as solicitors in that clients confide in us to seek guidance on a range of personal issues, often in times of great stress, and it is this solicitor/client relationship that I enjoy most – every client is unique with their own story to tell.

4. You ran the marathon for Saint Francis Hospice in 2014. Would you run another marathon?

I was privileged enough to get this opportunity. The cocktail of intense physical torture, mental trauma, and the sheer exhilaration of competing and finishing was an experience that will live with me forever. Given the chance I would run it again but I fear my knees wouldn’t allow it.

5. What’s your biggest achievement in life?

Hmmm, managing not to fall on to the Underground Line after my legs gave way on the platform after the London Marathon.

6. What has been the most awkward moment in your career?

As a young newly qualified solicitor I was required to make a home call to see an elderly client who was temporarily living with her daughter. Upon arrival I was thrown by there being no front door and the back gate was locked. I reluctantly peered through the front window and was met with the sight of the daughter spread on the sofa by an open fire in her underwear. I made a hasty retreat to the back gate and managed to open it before being met by the daughter in a baggy tracksuit. Judging by her reaction she hadn’t seen me peering through the window, or at least that’s the impression she gave me. I’ll never know for sure…..

7. Do you have any hobbies?

When I’m not spending time with my two young daughters I enjoy a bit of DIY, even if I’m not very good at it.

To find out more about Matthew and contact him please visit his staff profile page.