John Walker is senior partner of Guest Walker & Co Solicitors, which is based in Shambles in York's city centre.

After University at Cambridge and training at a large commercial practice in Lincoln, John joined the firm in 1983 and became a partner in 1984. He leads the firm’s commercial team and has a wide range of experience across a number of areas, including commercial conveyancing, landlord and tenant, licensing and the sale and purchase of businesses.

John is a long standing member of Guest Walker & Co having joined the business shortly after it was established in 1981, when John Guest set up in what is now part of the offices that the firm still occupies.

John said: "John Guest's friendly and supportive attitude that he brought with him remains as important today as it was then and the firm prides itself on the long term relationships it develops with its clients, often helping them with both personal and business matters and becoming their trusted advisers."

Guest Walker & Co has developed over the years and in 2011 celebrated its 30th anniversary.

As its range of services has grown, so has its team, so much so that 2014 started with Guest Walker & Co expanding its offices in the city centre.

The business has also appointed a new commercial property solicitor, launched a new website and welcomed confirmation from The Law Society that they have once again achieved accreditation under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

It’s very hard to think of a nicer place to work than Shambles in York, with great colleagues, interesting work and clients who are mostly now friends as well, but managing Nottingham Forest might run it close!

Greatest achievement?

Running a successful and respected high street law practice over 30 very turbulent years without having to compromise on what I feel is important in terms of the nature of the business and how people are treated, whether it’s colleagues, clients or others who we deal with on a day to day basis.

What makes you most angry?

The lack of common sense and discretion that the standardisation of so many aspects of modern life has brought about. So-called ‘increased efficiency‘ and cost- cutting, particularly by large companies and institutions, has been at the expense of what proper client and customer care is really all about.

Biggest mistake?

Trying too hard to help clients.

What do you need to make life complete?

This is hard to answer when you’ve got the perfect wife and family, but Hull FC winning the Superleague Grand Final would certainly be the icing on the cake!

Why do you make a difference?

By being more than a purely transactional lawyer. I advise my clients in the broadest sense of the word and don’t just ‘do the deal‘. I’ve known many of them, and their families, for years and like to think that we are friends and not just business associates.

Epitaph?

He worked bloody hard for his clients……in fact, may be too hard!