Martyn has been Practice Manager at Breeze and Wyles Solicitors LLP since the start of 2000 and has overseen the substantial growth of the firm since then. Martyn’s responsibilities range from planning for the future of the business to day-to-day administration. He is the Head of the Administration Department which deals with the Firm’s premises, people, IT systems and accounts; he is also the Firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

How would others describe you in three words?
I asked some others and quite a few 'three worders' came back.  Of the printable ones some made me feel quite humble.  The one I preferred - and would like to live up to - was 'Leads by example'

What has been your best professional moment to date?
When I worked as the listing officer at Birmingham Crown Court, I had listed a serious case when all of the witnesses were available but leading Counsel for the defence was due to appear in another matter at the same time and wasn't therefore available.  Counsel applied to the Judge to have the matter removed from the list on the basis that the defendant was entitled to Counsel of his choice.

I was in Court to hear what was said and my heart sank when I heard the Judge say "Yes Mr XXXX, I agree that your client is entitled to Counsel of his choice" but I could barely suppress a giggle when he added "but not necessarily of his first choice!" and refused the application - Don't you just love High Court Judges?

Probably the best of all is the way that Breeze & Wyles has developed during the time that I have been here. It's great to see how the firm has changed and developed over the years, and I would like to think that I have had something to do with that.

What has been your worst/most embarrassing professional moment to date?
Having to shrink the size of the firm during the recession.  We had to lose some good people.  There were many who helped out by agreeing to work shorter hours so that we were able to retain most of the excellent talent that we have, but it wasn't pleasant for a while.

Thank goodness that the worst seems to be over and we can get on with running a successful business again.  I am looking forward over the next year to significantly improving the service that we give to our clients.

Tell us about one surprising thing you’ve learned since becoming Practice Manager?
That my ambitions at school didn't include being appointed as a Money Laundering Reporting Officer and that influencing Partners is a bit like juggling with Jelly (oops, that's two!)

If you hadn't chosen Law, what do you think you'd be doing with your life?
I would like to train as a professional Mountain Guide. The call of the mountains is strong and it would be great to pass on a little of my enthusiasm and see others enjoying the mountains as much as I do.

If we looked in your desk’s top drawer, what would we find?
I've just looked and it's pretty boring - just office stationery. There is a dictionary and a Thesaurus though.

Martyn has been Practice Manager at Breeze and Wyles Solicitors LLP since the start of 2000 and has overseen the substantial growth of the firm since then. Martyn’s responsibilities range from planning for the future of the business to day-to-day administration. He is the Head of the Administration Department which deals with the Firm’s premises, people, IT systems and accounts; he is also the Firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

How would others describe you in three words?
I asked some others and quite a few 'three worders' came back.  Of the printable ones some made me feel quite humble.  The one I preferred - and would like to live up to - was 'Leads by example'

What has been your best professional moment to date?
When I worked as the listing officer at Birmingham Crown Court, I had listed a serious case when all of the witnesses were available but leading Counsel for the defence was due to appear in another matter at the same time and wasn't therefore available.  Counsel applied to the Judge to have the matter removed from the list on the basis that the defendant was entitled to Counsel of his choice.

I was in Court to hear what was said and my heart sank when I heard the Judge say "Yes Mr XXXX, I agree that your client is entitled to Counsel of his choice" but I could barely suppress a giggle when he added "but not necessarily of his first choice!" and refused the application - Don't you just love High Court Judges?

Probably the best of all is the way that Breeze & Wyles has developed during the time that I have been here. It's great to see how the firm has changed and developed over the years, and I would like to think that I have had something to do with that.

What has been your worst/most embarrassing professional moment to date?
Having to shrink the size of the firm during the recession.  We had to lose some good people.  There were many who helped out by agreeing to work shorter hours so that we were able to retain most of the excellent talent that we have, but it wasn't pleasant for a while.

Thank goodness that the worst seems to be over and we can get on with running a successful business again.  I am looking forward over the next year to significantly improving the service that we give to our clients.

Tell us about one surprising thing you’ve learned since becoming Practice Manager?
That my ambitions at school didn't include being appointed as a Money Laundering Reporting Officer and that influencing Partners is a bit like juggling with Jelly (oops, that's two!)

If you hadn't chosen Law, what do you think you'd be doing with your life?
I would like to train as a professional Mountain Guide. The call of the mountains is strong and it would be great to pass on a little of my enthusiasm and see others enjoying the mountains as much as I do.

If we looked in your desk’s top drawer, what would we find?
I've just looked and it's pretty boring - just office stationery. There is a dictionary and a Thesaurus though.