"The use of computers has changed the world and and our expectations so much in recent years and information is much more accessible.

"In days gone by you would have visited your solicitor and everything would have been very formal and proper but I'm pleased that things have changed so much since I qualified in 1988 and I am less formal and also have a world more experience and knowledge.

"I studied Law a Sheffield University, graduating in 1985 with a 2,1 LLB (Hons) and then passed the Solicitors' Finals examinations a year later. Since then I have practised in a number of different areas including family & matrimonial, property, welfare and public law. l have also taught land law and a variety of subjects for people studying to become Legal Executives.

"Since 1997 my practice has comprised wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney and related matters connected to planning in advance for what happens when we die or if we lose our mental capacity and to sorting matters out after death or the loss of capacity.

"I am fascinated by the law and regard it as a great privelege to use what I have learnt over many years for the benefit of others. It isn't easy for people to think about their own death or dementia but it is so much better than putting off making arrangements for so long that nothing is done and the family is faced with having to come to see me with a legal situation which may be quite chaotic.

"As a society we are growing older and I am concerned that there are so many older people who are alone and vulnerable. I believe that the vast majority of people are kind and helpful but there are others who behave in an opposite manner and who will take advantage of a lonely older person to their own advantage.

"I encourage everyone to think about these matters and to take action, families need to start talking about what we want to happen at the end of our lives - whether we want to receive life sustaining treatment in certain circumstances when we have lost our capacity. Then we need to get legal advice and put our wishes into place properly.

"I think that it is so important to raise public awareness about these matters and the legal consequences of not taking any legal action (horrendous) and I have recently done a series of library talks in my capacity as a member of Solicitors for the Elderly. I hope to do another series in the autumn.

"At the firm we present regular free seminars about planning for the future and these are advertised on the website.

"I hope you have found this information useful and I look forward to meeting you."