As a solicitor in the family team at Gordon Brown Law Firm (LLP) and a member of the Law Society's Children Law Accreditation Scheme, Sam Wardle is dedicated to helping people who are experiencing any kind of Family Law issue. However, her second passion is shoes, and the more unusual the better.
What is your passion outside of work, how did you get into it and why do you enjoy it so much?
My passion is collecting shoes. To be honest, I don’t really remember how I got into it, as I was a tomboy growing up and hated anything remotely feminine; my mam was forever putting me in Laura Ashley dresses, and I was always getting told off for climbing trees and building dens while wearing them.
I think things changed when I graduated from university and entered the workplace. As conventional business dress can often be sombre colours, shoes are a great way of expressing individuality. Plus, as my shoe size has been the same for close to 20 years, I know that if I look after them they’ll last forever, and they’re just fun to collect. I don’t care about what brand or season they are – I love a bargain and seeing the boxes in the wardrobe, all neatly stacked. I forget how many I have and then when I open the boxes I remember what’s in there and where I was when I wore them, who I was with and what I felt like at the time, and that’s comforting to me.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Honest, friendly, cheeky.
What would your autobiography be called?
‘How do these things continue to happen?’
What do you look forward to most at the end of the week?
It’s simple, but it’s turning my phone and laptop off, getting the house clean on Saturday morning (as I can’t relax otherwise), and then just enjoying time with family and friends over the weekend. I insist on a making a roast dinner every Sunday as the lives of my family and friends are so busy, and I like to have at least one meal a week where we’re all together, phones switched off and just talking and catching up. It’s an open house so if friends are free, they know they’re welcome, especially if they bring a pudding.
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be, and why?
Prince – I love that man.
What is the best book you’ve ever read, and why?
Any of the Tudor novels by Philippa Gregory, they’re easy to read and I feel like I’m learning something.
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
Superhuman speed.
What was your dream job as a child?
I was going to join the ThunderCats and be like Cheetara. I still have that dream. Failing that, I wanted to be Donnie Wahlberg’s PA so I could be with him all the time. That one could still happen. New Kids on the Block are still together and I’m convinced all I need is an introduction!
What is your greatest achievement?
I don’t know that I’ve achieved it yet, as I’ve still got lots to do in my personal and professional life.
What is it about your role at GBLF that inspires you?
Helping people is the aspect of my role that inspires me the most.
How long have you worked at GBLF for, and what attracted you to the firm?
I’ve been here over 8 years now. I joined the firm hoping they would allow me to be myself as well as being all that is professionally expected of a solicitor. I haven’t been disappointed and I’m grateful that I’ve been encouraged to maintain my individuality as well as being part of a strong team.
GBLF’s dedicated family team understands the anxiety and distress that family disputes can cause. Its team of experienced solicitors represent clients to always ensure the best possible outcome for everyone, and are on hand to help on a range of matters including divorce, separation, children, matrimonial finance, social services, prenuptial agreements and domestic violence.
