Judith Middleton

Aug 28 2007 by Helen Logan, Evening Gazette

Partner, Latimer Hinks solicitors, Darlington.

What did you want to be when you were young?

Either an actress or a lawyer.

How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

It was in the days when trainee solicitors’ salaries were a pittance, amounted to £25.01 (less than I would have received for a week on income support) and it went on the bare essentials.

What's your dream job, other than your current one?

The Queen's, so long as I could retire before drawing my pension.

What's the best piece of business advice you have received?

Believe in yourself.

And the worst?

Believe in other people.

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?

Work hard and play hard too.

What are your hobbies?

Genealogy and skiing in the winter; gardening and sailing in the summer; blogging at all times - http://judithsdivorceblog. blogspot.com/

What's your top business or financial tip?

Treat your clients as you yourself would like to be treated.

What would you choose as your epitaph?

She had a good laugh.

For an archive of Q&A columns log onto www.nebusiness.co.uk/ business-news/business-questions/