How long have you worked in Edwards & Co?
I joined the firm in 2007 as a Senior Solicitor in the Private Client Department. I had previously worked in firms in Belfast and Antrim and was a Partner for 8 years in a firm in Newtownabbey.
Do you specialise in any particular area?
After gaining experience in most areas of law in the early years of my career I began to specialise in property and probate in or around 1999.
Over the years I have dealt with a variety of property related matters ranging from domestic conveyancing (house sales & purchases, transfers of property within families and re-mortgages) to commercial transactions (leases of commercial property, purchase of commercial property often through a pension fund and sales of businesses)
My other main area of work involves drafting wills, in my view something which it is vital for everyone to do. This can also involve inheritance tax advice, and establishing up trusts. I encourage people to set up Enduring Power of Attorney documentation to allow someone else to handle their assets if in the future they are not able to do so themselves. A considerable amount of my time is also spent in administering Estates after someone has died.
What do you like about what you do?
I enjoy both aspects of my work for different reasons.
The decision to buy or sell property usually represents a fresh start for clients and as such it is an exciting time for them – I enjoy assisting in this process.
Forward planning by writing wills and setting up Enduring Power of Attorney documentation brings considerable benefits to both the individual and their families, not least peace of mind.
Some work, especially administering estates, involves dealing with clients who are going through bereavement or otherwise difficult situations. I find it very rewarding to guide clients through these times.
What’s the best case you’ve ever worked on?
One of the most interesting cases which I have handled was the sale of a hotel which involved many different issues – sale of the property, sale of the business, issues relating to employees, matters of finance.
What Cathy’s clients say about her:
“Just a note to thank you not only for your professional assistance but also for your consideration and kind manner following my husband’s death”
“Thank you for all your help in making the sale of my house and move so successful”
