Damien Todd - Sweeney Miller Law
What were your career ambitions growing up?
During my school years I wanted to be a fire officer, quite why I am not so sure, however from a young age, I have always admired the bravery of those who risk their lives whilst doing a day’s work.
As I worked my way through secondary school mathematics was my strongest subject which led me to think being an accountant may be a sensible career path.
My interest in law did not come about until I had to pick my subjects for college. Maths, IT and English language were a given however for my final topic I narrowed the choice to law and politics. Thankfully I chose law!
Which area of the law do you work in?
Conveyancing, although I spend a large portion of my working day managing the department rather than fee earning. I feel privileged to genuinely enjoy the challenge day to day, month to month, year to year.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career to date?
I am a proud father with two young amazing daughters, Daisy aged four and Rose aged two, and a gorgeous wife, Gemma.
Time goes by so fast and I do not want miss out on family time.
Together with Surbhi and Jess, being responsible for Sweeney Miller Law does bring pressures and significant work. I have at times found it difficult to find the correct work life balance however I feel positive with the solution I have at present.
Who do you most respect in your industry?
My immediate role model was Paul Miller, one of the Sweeney Miller Law’s founding Partners.
I feel I learnt a great deal from Paul and shall be forever grateful to him giving me the opportunity to join the firm at that time, albeit it was work experience!
What has been the highlight in your career to date?
To come full circle and, together with Jess, acquire Paul’s share of Sweeney Miller Law, was hands down my proudest moment in my working life.
Which fictional lawyer would you most like to meet?
Easy, Harvey Specter.
I am big fan of Suits. I feel the scripting is brilliant and Harvey’s fictional skillset is unrivalled. Although, he does always appear to have an endless amount of time when we know there aren’t enough hours in the day for most of us.
What is your biggest weakness?
I recognise that most people have areas where there is room for improvement. I am certainly no different.
In my younger years, I did find it difficult in some situations to handle certain personality types that were opposite to my own. However, as I’ve grown into my current role, I feel that my management skills have significantly improved.
What are your remaining career aspirations?
I want to continue to build on Sweeney Miller Law’s well deserved reputation as being one of the key players in the North East, and indeed beyond given our work with many individual and business clients from outside of the region, including London. With the aid of my fellow forward-thinking Partners and our amazing staff, who are our most important resource, I am confident together we can do it!
How do you see your industry evolving in the next five years?
I feel legal technology is going to play a crucial role in the present and future.
Sweeney Miller Law are investing in such technologies as we recognise that being able to offer innovative services and communication methods to clients is key to growth.
How do you like to unwind?
I’m not great at relaxing although I find it easiest when spending time with my daughters whilst they watch whatever TV program is in favour at the time, at present Cocomelon.
Rather than unwinding, I find being active, whether that is cycling or playing football, contributes positively to my head space outside of work.
I’ve signed up for the Fred Whitton cycling sportive in May and the Great North Run in September this year. Events like these give me something to train and stay fit and healthy for.