I founded TFNation Ltd in 2015 to produce science-fiction/pop culture conventions, initially focusing on the Transformers brand which I've held a strong affinity with since childhood. Today, I act as Managing Director and In-house Solicitor.This role allows me to combine my professional legal skills and my long history of event-running experience. I've utilised these skills to lead the company from formation, through numerous live events, including virtual events during the coronavirus pandemic.TFNation Ltd has now grown to the point where I work alongside a team of Directors to operate several different events per year. My role within TFNation Ltd can be split into two key areas;Legal:- Conducting contract negotiations with VIP guests, including Hollywood talent/agents.- Venue scouting, site visits, contract negotiations and liaising with venues.- Advising on all regulatory and legal queries including contracts, licensing, insurance and immigration queries.Events:- Managing day-to-day operations, work delegation and overall company strategy.- Working with sub-contractors and production companies on event presentation and aesthetics.- Provision of event consultancy services. - Social Media Management.- Attracting and partnering with Sponsors and Exhibitors.Hospitality Partners I presently work with include:- Hilton- Marriott Bonvoy- IHG- WhitbreadOfficial Licence Holders I've worked with include;- Hasbro- Royal Mail- Robosen Robotics- Blokees: Transformers- Renegade (Transformers board games)- Space Ape (Transformers: Earth Wars game)- Rovio (Transformers: Angry Birds game)- Jagex (Transformers: Universe game)- Boulder Media (Transformers: Cyberverse animation)- Hachette Partworks Ltd (Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection)- IDW Publishing (Transformers comic books)- Flame Toys (Transformers model kits)- Canowater (Transformers beverage partner)

After passing probation early I was promoted to Associate Solicitor. In this more senior position, I performed additional roles;- Working closely with the firm's Directors on life-changing injury claims and other Multi-Track cases.- Providing support and assistance to a team of Trainee Solicitors, Litigation Executives and support staff.- Delegating new incoming files to different members of staff, based on value, workloads and capacity.I took the decision to leave the firm in 2022 to focus my full attention on my event business, TFNation Ltd, which was now in a position to resume and expand operations following the coronavirus pandemic.

I joined Robert James Law Ltd as an Assistant Solicitor in March 2021, tasked to work in the following areas;- Personal Injury, including Road Traffic Accidents, Public Liability and Accidents at Work.- Work included both Fast and Multi-Track cases, as well as MOJ and OIC Portal Claims.- Worker's rights claims for independent contractors of high-profile transportation companies.

In this extension of my existing role, I implemented and oversaw the firm's mentor/ Trainee Solicitor training programme for five years. This involved;- Overseeing a Fast Track personal injury department consisting of myself, two Litigation Executives, one Trainee Solicitor and two support staff.- Setting up a new, firm-wide programme for mentoring new starters.- Creating a Training Portfolio review programme.- Holding meetings and reviews with Ligitation Executives and Trainee Solicitors.- Overseeing continued professional development.- Accompanying Trainee Solicitors/Litigation Executives to court and providing advocacy training.- Forging relationships between Trainee Solicitors and Counsel, Expert Witnesses and Work Sources.I left McKays after over 12 years of progression, as part of the firm's acquisition and office closure during the coronavirus pandemic.

After qualifying as a Solicitor of the Senior Court of England and Wales, my portfolio of work was expanded to also include;- Preparing training materials for Fee Earners.- More serious Multi-Track personal injury claims, including working for Claimants who had been left with significant scarring and life-changing injuries.- Court of Protection cases.- Representing terminally ill Claimants.- Representing numerous celebrity clients, including several world-renowned sports personalities.- Preparing Defences to Counterclaims, Cross-Applications and Costs Proceedings.- Acted as a primary contact for Work Sources.

In 2011 I became the firm's first Trainee Solicitor. The firm had not yet applied to be registered as a Trainer so I was tasked with liaising with the SRA to set the relevant requirements in place. During my role as a Trainee Solicitor I continued much of my existing role in running cases from inception to trial, whilst adding additional branches;- Conducting advocacy at County Court level.- Preparing Applications for Pre-Action Disclosure and Breach of Contract.- Injury litigation including: Road Traffic Accidents, Employer's Liability, Public Liability, now both Fast Track and Multi-Track.- Other litigation including: Credit Hire, Fraud, Contract Disputes, Housing Disrepair.- Non-litigation work including: Compromise Agreements, and advising on the firm's retainers.

In my first role at the firm I ran a full caseload of Civil Litigation files, predominantly Fast Track personal injury, from inception to trial. This included;- Taking initial client instructions.- Setting up new files.- Properly retaining clients.- Arranging expert witness evidence.- Taking witness statements.- Issuing Part 7 and Part 8 court proceedings.- Instructing Counsel and attending conferences.- Preparing Trial Bundles.- Assisting Counsel at Trial.In this role I also provided on-site I.T. support, including;- Advising on and implementing a firm-wide data backup system.- Troubleshooting networking issues.- Eclipse Proclaim template form and letter maintenance and coding.- General I.T. support for fee earners.