Gorvins Solicitors prides itself on the top quality legal services we offer to our clients. We can only achieve that with the very best staff to guide you through your legal matter.
In our ‘Meet the team’ series, we pull back the curtain on some of the fantastic people who work at Gorvins. This month we meet Commercial Property Partner Amanda Porter.
What’s your role?
I joined Gorvins in December 2019 as part of the Commercial Property team. My background is in landlord and tenant work, and I have added lending matters, particularly bridging finance, to my specialisms.
I trained at a small firm in Peterborough, then moved to Eversheds in Manchester. In 2001 I went in house with MyTravel, later Thomas Cook and spent eighteen years as its sole property lawyer. At one point the portfolio included around eight hundred retail shops as well as office space, crew rooms and ticket desks across the United Kingdom.
When Thomas Cook entered liquidation I chose to return to private practice. The culture at Gorvins felt right from my first interview, and the variety of work keeps every day interesting.
My role and why it matters
Time in house taught me what clients want from their lawyers: clarity, speed and realistic advice. Good communication underpins everything. Some clients like a quick call; others prefer a concise email they can read when convenient. Knowing the difference helps build trust.
Our team acts for landlords and tenants across retail, hospitality, warehousing and distribution. Recent matters include leases for food distributor Dunsters, industrial units for FunBox and sites for craft bakers Greenhalgh’s. Every file is different and that keeps me motivated.
Why Gorvins?
Clients receive city centre quality without city centre fees. They also benefit from a full service offering; if a property client needs corporate or employment support, we can introduce the right colleagues straight away.
Inside the firm there is a genuine commitment to work life balance. People are expected to have lives outside work, which means they bring their best selves to the office and to their clients.
One piece of advice
Speak to us as early as possible. Heads of terms that look straightforward can carry hidden obligations. A short conversation at the start often prevents costly problems later.
What I enjoy outside of work
Life at home revolves around family – my husband, two teenagers, aged eighteen and fifteen, and our fox terrier. A long walk with our dog is my favourite way to switch off.