Interview questions – John Probert

What is your role at RMS?
I am a Partner in the practice.

What area of law particularly interests you and why?
I have a particular interest in family litigation law. With regards to family law, it is
important that we deal with our clients in a sensitive and understanding manner. This
is very often one of the most traumatic periods of their life when they have concerns
over their children, their home, and may be uncertain where their life is heading and
feeling generally vulnerable. By offering support and advice, we can help our clients
to address a difficult period in their life.

As far as litigation is concerned, there is a common misconception that people who
wish to litigate are ambulance chasers, but that is simply incorrect. Very often clients
have suffered major misjustice and have been victims of negligent acts which can
change their lives. Most of the clients I represent simply want justice, or their health
back, so gaining compensation is a just and appropriate remedy.

What was your dream job when you were a child?
I wanted to be astronaut so that I could walk on the moon, live in a space station,
use a jet pack and wear a space suit on my way to Mars.

What’s your favourite food?
Pizza. There is nothing more exciting that when the cardboard box is opened to
reveal pepperoni pizza with 8 delicious slices waiting to be devoured, whether you
fold slices in half, eat the slices with two hands, or merely cut it into small mouth size
pieces.

Where would you most like to travel to and why?
The Amalfi Coast. I understand that there are few places in the world that can rival
the natural beauty found along the Amalfi Coast in Italy where there are numerous
quaint towns and lots of delectable Italian food. Also if you are passing through
Cetara you can stop at an ancient tower which according to legend was founded by
Hercules himself.

What has been your career highlight to date?
As a very junior lawyer I took a case to the Court of Appeal involving the rights of
foster carers prior to the introduction of the Children Act. At the time we were
attempting to break new law to which a large extent was later adopted under the
Children Act.

What is the best thing about working at RMS?
I believe that Robinson Murphy is unique in that everybody that works here, including
the partners and all of the support staff, have a vested interest in delivering a first
class service to all our clients and to deal with everybody in a caring and
understanding manner.