DAVID Hyams, the head of the commercial property department at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, went to the Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Kent and attended universities in Leicester and Leeds before qualifying as a solicitor in 1997.

He joined the firm now known as Ware & Kay in 1998 and became a director in 2003. In that year he also obtained a post-graduate diploma in advanced legal practice.

Mr Hyams specialises in the sale and acquisition of commercial freehold property as well as all aspects of the leasing of commercial property, including the grant and transfer of leases, and business asset sales. He has handled all types of commercial property including licensed premises, restaurants, shops, warehouses and factories.

Within the firm he is responsible for marketing and business development.

Mr Hyams was the Parliamentary liaison officer and council member for the Yorkshire Law Society for ten years until he recently stood down. He is a member of the York Property Forum and York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Married with two children, his interests include hockey, where he plays for City of York over-40s as their goalkeeper, squash and football, as well as travel and current affairs.

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

If I had not gone into law I would like to have been an international journalist as I enjoy current affairs and travelling.

Greatest achievement?

On a professional level, playing my part, together with my co-directors and staff past and present, in the growth of a law firm which only 16 years ago when I joined consisted of approximately 20 of us in a small office in York, to a successful law firm that now has nearly 100 members of staff, with offices in Wetherby and Malton as well as York.

What makes you angry?

People who jump to conclusions and are not prepared to listen to the other side of the argument before making their decision.

Biggest mistake?

I think that in business, as in life, there are always things you can do better. The trick is not to dwell on mistakes but to learn from them so that you are better prepared next time you are faced with a similar problem.

What do you need to make life complete?

I would like to get involved in some community or charity project, but work and family commitments make it difficult - something perhaps for retirement in the distant future.

Why do you make a difference?

I am always very thorough and pay attention to detail, which I believe is essential in my job and has certainly helped a number of clients avoid a few scrapes along the way.

Epitaph:

“He was one of life’s good guys”