Meet the Team… Q & A with Jo Malcolm
Jo Malcolm, Director and Licensed Conveyancer, has been with Mason Thomas Law since September 2019. Jo has a wealth of knowledge surrounding property law and deals with high-end residential transactions and secured lending.
Get to know Jo a little better with this Q & A.
What is the best thing about working for Mason Thomas Law?
Without a doubt – my colleagues! There is so much knowledge between everyone, and each colleague has a ‘specialist’ area, so it’s great to be able to maximise on that too.
What motivates you at work?
Getting a job over the line. No two transactions are ever the same, and you sometimes get thrown a curveball on the simplest of matters, but once completion has been achieved, and our clients can take a sigh of relief. It’s really worth it.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your role?
Being able to offer a different approach, point of view or a solution to a problem if a transaction has come to a halt.
What do you like most about your role?
The varied range of jobs we get. Just this year I’ve acted for someone purchasing a public house from a family member, the purchase of a hotel which now helps house homeless in Wales, the sale of a £2m house, the purchase of an industrial estate and the purchase of a house with kennels and land, in which we split the title into three. The varied list goes on!
What’s your favourite memory working at Mason Thomas Law?
Receiving the results of my final exam earlier this year, in order to qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer. I burst into tears from relief when I read that I had passed, and my colleagues were so supportive and pleased for me. I qualified in under 3.5 years, when the average is 4.5 – 5 years, whilst working full time too, so I was incredibly proud of myself for that.
Why do you think Mason Thomas Law stands out in the property law field?
The knowledge and experience of our staff. It’s very unlikely that there is not an area of property law that one of us hasn’t come across before. All of our fee earning staff are qualified too – we have two solicitors, a Legal Executive and a Licensed Conveyancer.
If you hadn’t chosen this career path, what do you think you would be doing instead?
I always wanted to be a Firewoman but at the time of applying, they didn’t allow contact lens or glasses wearers to join! I always fancied being a PE teacher too.
How do you start your day?
Coffee – and lots of it! At work, I like to make a plan of what I want to achieve that day.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I really enjoy walking and exploring new places. My two children keep my weekends occupied with their football matches, and I really enjoy watching them play and seeing their development over the years.
Who inspires you and why?
Not one person in particular, but mainly people who are ambitious and willing to take a risk in business.
What would we be surprised to discover about you?
I have no surprises!
Do you have a hidden talent?
I can juggle – me and my brother went through a phase when we were younger trying to learn to juggle various objects.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Play the piano – I know the very basics, but would love to progress from there.
What is your idea of the perfect weekend?
Camping somewhere picturesque and exploring with my children. Hopefully there will be a camping trip abroad next year somewhere.
What would be your dream travel destination?
Australia – I have always wanted to go…. Maybe I will get the chance when I retire!
Do you have any children or pets?
I have two children, Lucas who is 12 and Lilah who is 9, plus two ginger guinea pigs named Ruby and Gingy. We adopted the guinea pigs a couple of years ago, and Lucas and Lilah absolutely adore them.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
I’m not a big reader – it makes me sleepy!
Tea or coffee?
Coffee definitely in the morning, but I do enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon. Sarah Whitley makes a cracking cuppa!
If you’d like to discuss the purchase or sale of a residential property – you can get in touch with Jo on 0114 2945 360 or email Jo here.