CHARLIE LYNN - Sweeney Miller Law
Which area of the law do you work in?
I am a litigation solicitor dealing with both general and commercial litigation, providing advice to individuals and businesses across a wide range of issues including contract disputes, debt recovery and commercial property disputes.
I also deal with landlord and tenant disputes such as possession proceedings and rent arrears recovery involving both residential and commercial property. My work involves a wide range of residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters, including drafting tenancy agreements and contracts, eviction notices, as well as providing advice on deposits, rent reviews, lease renewals and dilapidations claims.
What has been your career path so far?
After passing my A Levels I studied Law at Durham University. Following graduation, I obtained my Legal Practice Course and Masters qualifications at Northumbria University. I initially joined Sweeney Miller Law on work experience whilst studying my degree. I then secured a role as a paralegal and my hard work was rewarded when I was offered a training contract at the firm leading to qualification as a solicitor in July 2021.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
As a junior lawyer, I was initially a little anxious representing clients at Court, however as with the other skills that I have developed within my professional career, I quickly adapted and managed to build upon my experiences to overcome those challenges and achieve positive outcomes for clients. I also qualified during the Covid pandemic which presented its own difficulties in terms of day to day training and client contact. However, with the excellent and enthusiastic support of my senior colleagues and team, I quickly adapted, leading to me becoming a qualified solicitor.
Who do you most respect in your industry?
That is a tricky one as there have been a lot of people who have helped me greatly throughout my career. Sweeney Miller Partner Damien Todd is someone that I very much respect. Like me, he started working at the firm on work experience, then became a paralegal, qualified as a solicitor and ultimately became an Equity Partner at the firm which is inspiring for someone like me still at the very early stage of my legal career. Managing Partner at the firm, Surbhi Vedhara has also been invaluable to my progression, I worked closely with her during my training. She is focused on developing people within the firm and has helped to create a sense of a close-knit Sweeney Miller ‘family’ and an environment where there are no limits to what can be achieved.
What is your biggest weakness?
I would say switching off from work and obtaining a work/life balance is always tough, but it is something I am continually working on. Given many of the regular and repeat business owner clients we work with, in some respects the office never closes and we have to be available to them as readily as possible. Getting the best results for our clients is very rewarding and makes it all worthwhile.
What are your remaining career aspirations?
Whilst I am still relatively newly qualified, I am lucky enough to have a small team of my own which continues to grow. My aim is to continue to develop the litigation department at the firm, both supporting the other teams ensuring clients have access to all the legal help they need, as well as building our own portfolio of dispute resolution clients. As part of that process, I aspire to continue being a driven, approachable, and technically advanced litigation lawyer.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
Obviously Covid has impacted our profession and I think this has encouraged and accelerated the use of technology, such as video and telephone Court hearings and generally how we approach interacting with both clients and colleagues. The provision of the Damages Claims Portal is another example of technology coming into play with regards to Court proceedings and I only expect technological advances to increase. Another significant development and something that will hopefully continue to grow, is Newcastle having its own Business and Property Court which means that local businesses of all sizes and types from start-ups to large blue chips, can have their disputes cost effectively dealt with in the North East.
How do you like to unwind?
I enjoy playing football and watch pretty much any football that is on the TV. I also enjoy socialising with family and friends. I am also a music fan and was fortunate enough to go to this year’s Glastonbury festival.