THE LAST WORD Matrimonial and family law solicitor, Hannah Magee who lives in Cowbridge and works for Howells Solicitors, tells us what she loves about living in the Vale. Who are you and what do you do? I am a 28 year old solicitor and I work for Howells Solicitors and specialise in Family Law. What do you most like about the Vale of Glamorgan? Living in the countryside yet only being a short drive from the capital city. Where would you recommend for an unforgettable dining experience in the Vale of Glamorgan? I would recommend La Marina in Penarth for an excellent atmosphere and great food. If desserts are your thing then the Treharne Arms is a must and for the best Indian takeaway money can buy, the Mughal Emperor in Cowbridge. What is favourite meal? Grilled Sea Bass or Butterfly King Prawn Special from the aforementioned Mughal Emperor. Favourite wine/drink? A good Rioja or a Black Russian. Who would your ideal companion be (excluding your partner)? A cross between Daniel Craig for his good looks, Jack Dee for his dry sense of humour and Jamie Oliver. A man that looks good, makes me laugh and cooks fantastic dinners every night. (Much like my husband really!). What do you do to relax? Enjoy a nice bottle of wine whilst watching a good film with my husband. Favourite town in the Vale of Glamorgan and why? It has to be Cowbridge with its fantastic boutiques and shops and Bar 44 for lunch - you can’t go wrong. If there is one thing missing from the Vale, what would it be? A permanent farmers’ market in Cowbridge. What annual event in the Vale is a must? The Vale show is a must but a very close second would be the Point-to-Point Races at Redlands Farm Bonvilston.
Favourite music and why? I enjoy all types of music from classical to rock depending on my mood and the time of day! For example I would happily listen to my Timbaland album on my way home from work but certainly couldn’t cope with that sort of music first thing the morning.
A common misconception of you is... That as a divorce solicitor I must be insensitive and cold hearted. I am not. I am a very sympathetic person. If I became emotionally involved in my clients cases I wouldn’t be able to represent them to the best of my ability.
What gadget could you not be without and why? Sadly, my mobile phone. I don’t know how I lived without one! A close second would be my wine cooler.
If you were a politician, what would you try to change? I would impose strict competition laws to limit the power of the major food retailers (naming no names). I would also ensure that farmers get a fair price for their produce.
If you weren’t a solicitor, what job would you be doing? A photographer for National Geographic Magazine. I love animals and travelling. Any lifelong ambition? Realistically my ambition would be to become a partner and be recognised and respected as one of the best solicitors in my field. If I won the lottery I would retire and set up my own stable yard. If someone asked you to sum yourself up in three words, what would those words be? Adventurous, fun and a perfectionist. If we weren’t talking to you right now, what would you be doing? Representing my clients in court, negotiating settlements and attending case conferences with clients and counsel. The most surprising thing that happened to you was… My husband’s marriage proposal on Paradise Island in the Red Sea. I wish more people would take more notice of… Disabled Parking Zones! I get really annoyed when I see perfectly able people parking in disabled parking bays because they are too lazy to walk an extra few feet to the shops. A phrase you use far too often… ‘No problem’ I find myself agreeing to all sorts of things. ❧ 130 ❧
I’m very good at… I can talk the hind legs off a donkey! I’m very bad at… Mornings. My ideal night out would be… A meal at La Marina in Penarth, followed by cocktails in Cardiff Bay. In moments of weakness I… Eat lots of chocolate. The best age to be is… 28. I can happily say I am having the best time of my life. In a nutshell my philosophy is… You only live once and don’t sweat about the small stuff. What car do you drive? I am a very proud (and lucky) owner of a Porsche Boxter S. Howells Solicitors (Head Office) Hallinans House, 22 Newport Road Cardiff CF24 0TD 029 2040 4020 www.howellslegal.co.uk Other offices in Talbot Green, Swansea, Newport and Caerphilly. If you’d like to be featured or promote your business in Last Word, please call Jennifer on 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk