Team Story – Matthew Watson
There's an open-door policy, so if you get stuck, you can always ask for help and talk things through. It’s a supportive environment that really helps you grow as a Solicitor.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do at Butcher & Barlow?
A: My name’s Matthew Watson, and I’m a Residential Property Solicitor at Butcher & Barlow, working out of our Bramhall office.
Q: Can you describe a typical day for you?
A: There’s certainly no expectation to work so early but like to get into the office around half past seven. I like that quiet hour before the phones start ringing and everyone else comes in. It’s a great time to check emails and prepare for the day. If we have any completions scheduled, those files are my priority -making sure all payments and authorisations are in order. Then, it’s a matter of tackling the most pressing files, being ready for any urgent issues that might pop up. If I have client appointments, I ensure all documents are printed and ready, and that our interview rooms are all set up.
Q: What do you most enjoy about your job and role?
A: I really enjoy starting new instructions whether it is for existing clients or new ones. It’s exciting to meet fresh clients, especially first-time buyers who are often excited and nervous. Every file is different though – one day, I might be working on a small flat, and the next, it could be a million-pound property. The variety keeps things interesting, and I love the process of gathering all the information from clients, estate agents, and other solicitors.
Q: Is there a lot of collaboration between teams at Butcher & Barlow?
A: Absolutely. For instance, I might get a referral from the Family Team if a couple is splitting up and need to transfer property ownership. We also get probate sales referrals from our Probate Solicitor, Helen. It’s great to see clients coming back, too – maybe I helped them buy their first home, and now they’re back, they’ve had a child and ready to sell and move to a bigger place. I like seeing that progression. We also cross-refer within the Firm, so I’ll suggest clients set up Wills and powers of attorney after buying a property and can refer them straight away and knowing that they will be looked after and confident that they’ll get the same level of service.
Q: Can you tell us about your career journey with Butcher & Barlow?
A: I did my law degree at Lancaster University. Initially, I wanted to be a Police Officer, but decided on law during my A-levels. I did some work experience with Butcher & Barlow between my first and second years at university, which led to a Training Contract. After two rounds of interviews and meeting the Firm’s degree requirements, I went straight from university to my Training Contract with Butcher & Barlow – no gap year or paralegal stint for me! I was offered a permanent role when I qualified and was promoted to Associate in 2022.
Q: How did you decide on your specialism in Residential Conveyancing?
A: It’s quite different from what you study at uni. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, so I tried different areas during my training. Residential Property was my first seat, and I enjoyed it the most. I realised I preferred the office-based work rather than court appearances, so that helped narrow it down for me.
Q: What kind of training did you receive at Butcher & Barlow? Were you given responsibility early on?
A: Definitely. You don’t get spoon-fed here, which is a good thing. Instead of just copying another Solicitor’s style, you’re encouraged to develop your own way of handling files and interacting with clients. I had some great mentors who guided me, but they also trusted me to manage cases and talk to clients right from the start. There’s an open-door policy, so if you get stuck, you can always ask for help and talk things through. It’s a supportive environment that really helps you grow as a Solicitor.
Q: How do you find the work-life balance and culture at Butcher & Barlow?
A: It’s busy, but in a good way. I have a strong team around me, and there’s a lot of support. If I’m on holiday, there’s locum support to keep things running smoothly. It’s not going to build up too much whilst you’re away which is really reassuring – not all firms have that. Although I travel about 50 minutes to work, I can work from home some days, which is great.
Q: What are your career ambitions?
A: I’m currently an Associate Solicitor and would like to become a Partner at Butcher & Barlow. I’ve been with the Firm since my Trainee days, and I feel they recognise and reward dedication. Many Partners here started as Trainees, which I think says a lot about the Firm, so I’m hopeful about my future with the Firm.
Q: What advice would you give to young people considering a career in law?
A: Definitely get as much work experience as possible and try different types of firms – high street, city centre, and smaller one-office firms. Each operates differently, so it’s good to see what fits you best. Also, explore various specialisms within law. Keep an open mind, stay positive, and be willing to try different things.
My three words to describe Butcher & Barlow are: professional, knowledgeable, friendly.