My burst of independence came later than for most kids: I opted out of law aged 24 and set up my own business making stainless steel jewellery. It was a far cry from the law, but what a baptism of fire.  I employed up to 40 people and worked 60 hours a week. I have been working on creating the 30 hour day for many years, but still have not quite cracked it.

I sold the jewellery business, then moved to residential property renovation. I cleared the work very fast, then waited weeks and weeks while agents sold and solicitors conveyed.  Decided to be a solicitor at same time.  Bought books, took exams and was qualified six months later.  That was another leap into the unknown.  I found myself with 200 live litigation files neglected by previous incumbent and little time for outside activities.

However, it was not long before I gravitated to “company and commercial”, all of which was really fascinating. I handled a wide range of work from commercial disputes to company flotations and board disputes.   I acted for a number of local public companies.

My interest in commercial property grew. Eventually, the lure to move away from law was just too strong.  I moved to the other side of the legal desk as a client, renovating large buildings and dividing up others.  For a few years everything we touched turned to gold.  Then came the recession in 1991 and we found ourselves paying 17% interests out of 12% rents. Barclays was not too happy about that and pulled the proverbial plug.

With four children to support, I was very happy to return to my professional roots and get back into law.  I set up as a sole practitioner, optimistically hoping I could make a name as a boutique provider of corporate and property services. Sadly, I had not realised that most company boards have some conservative guy who insists that they deal only with “the big boys”. I changed tack and spent a few years dealing with clinical negligence claims.

While I worked in this, I never moved completely away from commercial property.  Finally, in 2001, I had would up my law practice and resigned from the grand-sounding Roll of Solicitors”, leaving me free to set up Net Lawman and advertise in ways not allowed to solicitors.

Net Lawman has expanded every year, and yes, I still have a few small commercial property interests.  But I really want to stay more closely connected to the property world and that is why I returned to advising on commercial property.  Many solicitors are wary of non-solicitors camping at the gates of the monopoly - even if they have a few grey hairs, so I have decided not to “act” for you in dealing with solicitors.  I read up current law and go to training just like the young guys!  Above all, I contribute real, hard, practical experience, delivered with the highest ethical standards, to give you an edge in almost anything related to commercial property.

I look forward to working for you.
Andrew R Taylor