Nick Todd - Partner

Expert profile

Nick joined Muckle LLP in 2007, having previously worked for Eversheds in Newcastle for 4 years. Nick has considerable experience of working for a range of clients, with particular experience of those from the public sector. At Muckle LLP Nick is responsible for developing the public sector area of our property services group.

Nick's specialisms:

• Public sector property transactions
• Property development work
• PFI/PPP property advice

In the hot seat...

How do you see the property team developing over the next few years?
I think the move to Time Central in 2008 and the recruits the firm has attracted in recent months will enable the property group to consolidate the impressive position it has secured over recent years and to develop that with sustainable growth. I am sure we will see the group adapt to and address various changes in the commercial property market as they arise and continue to expand its expertise in the various sectors including public sector transactional work.

How would you describe your team?
The property group is an enthusiastic and committed team of people who are forward-looking and keen to meet the challenges of a competitive environment. It has a can-do attitude and understands the need to advise its clients in a clear and concise manner and to respond to them within their timescales.

Why did you become a lawyer?
Because it provides the right balance of being able to develop personal expertise in an interesting and ever-changing professional services sector and allows you to play a significant role in achieving the goals of a variety of individuals, corporate organisations and not-for-profit bodies.

Why did you choose to work at Muckle LLP?
Muckle LLP has a reputation for service excellence and sound commercial advice. It is ambitious in its vision for the practice and its people in the coming years and has a clear commitment to the North East marketplace.

What's the best piece of advice you've had?...and what's the worst?
Best - exceed client expectations in relation to the service provided and the relationship will prosper. (I have always thought that clients appreciate above all else their professional advisors going the extra mile in order to bring a transaction to a satisfactory conclusion).

Worst - some people are good at some things whereas others are good at other things and it's a question of getting the blend right in an organisation. (I think it's always possible to improve on weaknesses).

What has been the most challenging legal deal you've been involved with?
Probably the first private finance initiative project I assisted with when relatively junior. It related to a major new hospital and was a steep learning-curve for me. It prepared me for other challenges later on in my career though and taught me how to cope with responsibility.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing under-utilised and neglected areas regenerated and brought into use by the communities around them.

Who or what makes you laugh?
Manchester United losing. (Sadly I don't laugh often enough).

What was the last CD you bought?
Hunky Dory by David Bowie. I'm slowly replacing my vinyl collection with CD's for the car.

Is there anything you'd change about yourself?
I'd like to be about 20 years younger and playing football in the Premiership (preferably earning silly money!).

What's your greatest fear?
I'm not keen on sharks, bears or snakes.

Are you a morning or an evening person?
My kids have converted me to being a morning person. I still like the odd night out though!

What do you most enjoy about living in the North East?
Having the Northumberland coast on my door step.

What's your most irritating habit?
Speaking before I engage my brain.

What would be your dream day?
Watching Manchester City win the European Champions League final by satellite from a beach in Fiji would come close.

What's your biggest extravagance?
Holidays abroad (during the school holidays), and buying expensive sandwiches for lunch.

Which 4 people dead or alive would you like to have dinner with?
Brian Clough, Morrissey, Tony Blair and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Direct line: 0191 211 7994
Email Nick