Meet Ryan Melvin and Will Allen

On a blustery Monday morning in March we welcomed two new team members to the fold.  Ryan Melvin, a qualified solicitor, joined the Gadbrook Park commercial team and Will Allen, joined as a paralegal.  In between branding inductions, IT training and housekeeping, we sat down with a cup of tea to learn a little more about the pair. (And for their colleagues reading this Ryan likes his tea strong with milk and two sugars, and Will likes his with milk and one sugar!)

 

Welcome to Butcher & Barlow.  I would ask if you are settling in well, but so far today, I don’t think your feet have touched the ground!

Ryan:     That is true!  We have learnt all sorts about the Firm today.  Hopefully, the IT training has gone in and we can hit the ground running tomorrow!

 

You have both worked through your studies and training to gain experience in the sector.  Thankfully it hasn’t put Will or you off, and Ryan you qualified almost 2 years ago, but what made you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?

Will:      I am interested in the legislation that governs us – the chance to apply the law in order to problem solve and help people.

Ryan:     I’m not sure where my decision came from it is just something I always wanted to do – thankfully so far I haven’t regretted it!

 

During your career so far, have you been involved in any interesting or unforgettable cases?

Will:      At my previous firm, I assisted on a case which involved the death of a child who was in the care of nursery staff. As well as it being a difficult case to deal with due to the facts of the case, there was also significant media interest and we had to field calls from the press as well as drafting press releases at the conclusion of the matter. 

 

A case like that could very easily have made you question your decision to be a lawyer.

Will:      Although it was upsetting, it ultimately helped the family gain closure and I found that aspect very rewarding.   

 

You will start your training contract this year.  What are your career aspirations?

Will:      To qualify as a solicitor and build a career in an area of law which I find challenging and rewarding.

 

Ryan, do you have any tips for Will?

Ryan:     I wish I did but I am still trying to do the same. I  am sure if he works hard, as am sure he will, everything will work out.

 

Speaking of tips, if you could tell your 15 year old self something, what would it be?

Ryan:     Keep working hard but take time to enjoy yourself.

Will:      I agree – enjoy the present and don’t spend too much time worrying about the future.

 

How do you like to relax?

Ryan:     I enjoy Thai boxing and swimming and I am trying to tick things off my bucket list

Will:      What was the most recent thing you ticked off?

Ryan:     I ran with the bulls in Pamplona last year and was hit by a bull in the arena but survived to tell the tale!

Will:      Walking with my dog, Brian, and playing football seems very tame in comparison!

 

Quick fire question time:

If you could be someone else for the day, who would it be?

Ryan:     A little Cliché but I would be the president to see how hard it would be doing that role for a day.

Will:      Alan Partridge – to experience a day in the life of one of North Norfolk’s leading broadcasters!  

 

Who do you admire in the business world?

Will:      Joe Wicks  – The Body Coach. I think he’s a great example of how you can take a simple idea and turn it into a successful business using social media as a platform. Plus, he seems like a nice guy!

Ryan:     I do not have any one person but rather any entrepreneurs who work hard to better themselves.

 

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

Ryan:     Light blue because it stands out a little and everybody likes light blue. Negative point is I would be worn out and gone very quickly.

Will:      Me too! It mixes well with others!

  

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?    

Will:      I would love to go to Kruger National Park in South Africa and go on safari.

Ryan:     I would travel to the continent of Asia, I know that’s broad but always wanted to go to China, Hong Kong, Thailand etc.

  

How would your friends describe you?

Will:      Kind (hopefully), funny (hopefully) and forgetful (definitely!).

Ryan:     Friendly, sociable and hard working (closest friends call me a robot because of how many hours I can work without stopping).

I had better let you get on with your training and inductions. Thanks for chatting and welcome again to Butcher & Barlow.  We hope you’ll be very happy with us.

 

If you would like to get in touch with Ryan regarding a commercial matter, he can be contacted at 01606 334 309 or emailed at rmelvin@butcher-barlow.co.uk

Will can be contacted on 01942 674 144 or emailed at wallen@butcher-barlow.co.uk