Industry Interview:
Denis Stevenson, Managing Director,
Rowlinsons Solicitors
In this, our inaugural profile column, First Comment catches up with Denis
Stevenson, Managing Director of leading Cheshire law firm, Rowlinsons
Solicitors. He talks about conveyancing, ABS and good books.
What led you to the law/Rowlinsons
Solicitors?
I have always enjoyed meeting people.
The law has given me the opportunity
to continue to have that contact. I also
enjoy helping people to solve their
legal problems with a view to
hopefully giving them peace-of-mind.
I find it very rewarding.
What’s your view of ABS - do you
think these are positive for
conveyancing?
ABSs will mean more competition
which will probably result in firms
trying to compete on price and not
service. The consequence of this is that
standards may fall.
What will be the greatest challenge
facing conveyancers in the future?
To make the most of technology to
improve standards of work and client
satisfaction.
What are the most common legal
issues that you encounter in the
conveyancing of residential or
commercial properties? Which issues
are most difficult to resolve?
Flats where there are no proper
arrangements for repair etc – e.g.
where each flat owner in a block of
(say) four is responsible for repairing
their own part of the building, but
there is no machinery in place for flat
owner A to force the other flat owners
to repair their bit. Often there is no
solution unless all four agree to enter
into mutual deeds of covenant.
What is the level of awareness in
the property market of the risk
posed to conveyancing transactions
of the new enforcement powers
against breaches of planning
control?
Very Low.
If you could do anything (other than
practice the law), what would you
choose?
My ideal job would be to have some
senior administration job within sport,
for example a company secretary at a
football club.
How do you keep busy when you’re
not at work?
I am a season ticket holder at
Manchester United and therefore,
spend quite a bit of time watching
their home games and some away
games. I also enjoy playing golf.
Please recommended a book,
programme or website & why?
I would recommend anybody to read
Nick Hornby’s book “Fever Pitch” and
also watch the film. It is the tale of an
Arsenal supporter who suffers
numerous emotions during a football
season – it is very funny.
Denis Stevenson is Managing Director
at Rowlinsons Solicitors.
E: [email protected]
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