5 minutes with … Liz Ramsden at Knights

Why did you choose construction as a career?

As a property lawyer I have developed experience around the sector but I took the next step more specifically in construction when the Building Safety Act (BSA) came into effect in 2022. It was a complex piece of legislation and the biggest change to hit property law in recent times. I saw a gap in the market which could provide a healthy pipeline of client support, so I decided to pursue this as a specialism and have not looked back.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

I am most proud of helping others to understand the BSA. Being early to the changes has allowed me to grow into a position where I can educate those affected by the regulations and solicitor colleagues. Continuing to see the reward of helping clients to navigate their projects in accordance with the act is a fulfilling experience.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

Likewise, the complexities and scale of working with the BSA have been some of the biggest challenges. It is a poorly drafted piece of legislation – something  which many legal experts who understand the construction sector also agree on – and working with it across the entire agency has been tough.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I would change the way the BSA has been drafted. The idea behind it is fantastic, but its impact is much wider and bigger than initially thought, affecting managing agents, landlords, and commercial real estate.

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

Do not do anything without first communicating with clients at their level. It is imperative that I can understand the challenges at a level of complexity before making judgment on the legal expertise I should provide.

Name your favourite building in the world

York Minster is just beautiful, especially the stunning rose window. I remember when it was recovering from the big fire in 1984. Since its restoration it is once again an iconic Gothic landmark that I really enjoy visiting.

Which famous building do you most dislike?

I dislike much of the brutalist architecture of the 1960s, which stands in stark contrast to the elegance of York Minster. 

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

From a conveyancing perspective, I would love to see the title deeds to Windsor Castle, particularly how it is handled at HM Land Registry and what rights are recorded there. It would be fascinating to look at.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

Always take phone calls. Clients appreciate communication and having direct conversations without any barriers goes a long way towards building trust.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

I admire the work of Beth Rudolf, director of delivery at the Conveyancing Association. She presented to what was then the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities about the issues of the BSA and has been a champion for bringing to light the need for change.

What is it like being you and doing your job?

I have a very busy job, often travelling up and down the country. As we are always looking to enhance the support we deliver to construction clients, a portion of my time is spent developing how we offer services to clients who are developing, buying and selling.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Work hard, play hard.

What do you think your best quality is?

My work rate – I am committed to projects. I am a bit of a perfectionist, especially with documents and drafting, but there are always areas for improvement.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself and in other people?

I am incredibly impatient in all aspects, with my husband and with clients. It’s a trait I couldn’t change even if I tried, but it can be a powerful skill to getting tasks completed.

Name three things that you like

Food, spending time riding horses with my daughter in the countryside, and keeping five chickens at home, each a different breed. 

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

I have a fantastic relationship with my chickens, so I would say I am bit of a chicken whisperer. 

What is your most prized possession?

My mum’s engagement ring. I just love it and it reminds me of her. I never take it off.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl, across all my work and activities, and additional responsibilities including taxiing the children. It is a rare occurrence if I can finish my day before 9pm.

What is your favourite food?

Vietnamese pho (noodle soup). During my travels, I loved having a bowl of pho for breakfast by the beach in Vietnam watching the sunrise. The food there is amazing and it has influenced what I cook at home. I use a recipe that I sourced from a little cart in Ho Chi Minh City.

What would your superpower be?

To read people’s minds. It would be incredibly useful to get an insight into how clients are feeling.