Interview with Julia Lock, Andrew & Co LLPBy: Richenda Oldham

Julia Lock joined Andrew & Co LLP as an Associate in February 2012 and heads up the commercial property team at the firm’s Newark office. Before joining, Julia worked at Goole firm Heptonstalls LLP and prior to that Marrons Solicitors in Leicester. Julia has acted for a wide range of clients from national developers to local landowners and specialises in site assembly projects, conditional contracts, option agreements, planning agreements and overage arrangements. She has also worked on a range of agricultural matters including several multi-party renewable energy schemes. Since joining Andrew & Co LLP she has been forging relationships with local developers and agents and focusing on bringing clients up to speed on important changes in legislation such as in capital allowances, Localism and renewable subsidies. Julia says that the dualling of the A46 to Newark, should see an exponential growth of the town and she's looking forward to working with the commercial property developers looking to expand there. She was educated at Loughborough and Birmingham Universities and did her LPC at College of Law in York. 
 
Away from work, Julia is a busy young mother who lives with her family in Newark. She enjoys reading and cooking and, when time will permit, travelling. Julia cites an extended trip to New Zealand as one of her best holidays ever.

www.andrew-solicitors.co.uk/

What do you enjoy most about your current job?

I love that I live locally to both offices (15 minutes on foot to the Newark office and 25 minutes in the car to Lincoln) and also the fact that the firm has a number of high profile local land-owning companies on its client list.

What or who inspired you to specialise in commercial property law?

I trained with Leicester-based Marrons Solicitors. The firm specialises in planning and development work. While there I worked with some incredibly talented solicitors and they gave me the skills required for what I hope is, and will continue to be, a successful career as a commercial property solicitor.

Who has been the greatest influence on your life and why?

Probably my parents. My father had his own company for many years and I have seen the ups and the downs. Early exposure to the concept of hard work set me on the right path from the start.

What is the best career advice you have ever been given?

If you know what you want to do just put your head down and go for it. Given to me by my parents and I think it paid off!

What is the best career decision you have every made?

Accepting my position with Andrew & Co LLP. Since joining the firm in February 2012 I haven’t looked back. The mix of a friendly team and high quality work is perfect.

If you hadn't become a lawyer, what else would you have liked to become?

Towards the end of secondary school and during my first few years at University I was aiming to join the Royal Navy as an Officer. I decided during the second year of my Politics and English degree that I wanted to study law. Unfortunately, without a law degree it was not guaranteed that I could follow a legal route in the Royal Navy so at the end of my undergraduate degree I decided to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Law and then to undertake my training in private practice.

What effect do you think the Green Deal will have on commercial property?

The Green Deal will add an extra level of due diligence in commercial property transactions. Solicitors will need to have a firm understanding of the Green Deal in order to ensure compliance with the regulations and will need to check that if energy improvements have been made that the appropriate consents have been obtained for the works. Lenders will no doubt be introducing their own requirements in connection to lending on a property that has taken out a Green Deal plan.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating investing in commercial property in the current market?

I think there are good deals to be had and, at the right price, commercial property can represent a solid investment. It is all about investors doing their homework (in terms of the price and the demand for the end-product) before committing to investing in or redeveloping property.

What, currently, is the biggest threat to commercial property market? 

The lack of finance is a big problem. However I think another factor stifling development is the rise in applications for the registration of land as common land, or village greens, and people challenging planning consents through the judicial review process.

What are the main challenges that commercial property solicitors currently have to face?

To attract and retain business, commercial property solicitors are having to rely on their skills as marketers as well as their ability to do a good job. It is sometimes difficult to find a balance between the need to market your services for new business and the pressure of doing a good job for your existing client base.

What do you feel is the best way forward for commercial property and development in the UK?

I think the greater availability of funding and a commitment from central Government to back development is the best way forwards.

How different is the commercial property market now to when you started?

When I started my training back in the early 2000s there was a gap in the market for commercial property lawyers and I got really good exposure to a wide range of work early in my career. The recession has played havoc with the commercial property market and there is still a way to go. Hopefully the Government’s commitment to get house-builders building again will see an improvement, although I think the availability of finance also has a role to play.

Is there such a thing as a typical day at work for you?

No two days are ever the same. If I am in the office, the day normally starts with reviewing the post and then settling down to review or draft documents. This is the one constant part of my job. On other days I can be out on site visits or attending meetings at a clients’ premises.

What do you do to unwind after a hard week at work?

I have a young son so spending time with him is a perfect antidote to a busy week at work.
What do you like most about living and working in Newark? Newark has the best of both worlds - the town centre is full of history with its 12th Century castle and cobbled market place, while the surrounding area plays host to a range of businesses from small local concerns to international brands. I particularly like the fact that I no longer have to spend up to three hours a day in the car as I live locally.

Who would you most like to do business with?

I would really like to meet and do business with Heston Blumenthal. His cooking style is so inventive; I think he could open my eyes to different ways to overcome some of the hurdles I face in my role. I have also acted for restaurateurs before so would love to act for him in connection with a new restaurant venture.

Favourite book?

I am currently reading the Game of Thrones series by George R R Martin. The books are a bit different to what I normally read but I was enticed into watching the television series by the fact that Sean Bean had a lead role and I have been hooked ever since!

Favourite film?

I love all Bond films from the golden oldies to the new. I really enjoyed Skyfall and will no doubt be watching it again when it comes out on DVD.

Favourite food/meal?

I really enjoy Mediterranean food, particularly Italian.