What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

I had a Saturday job in a hairdressers. I lasted two weeks as I was useless - I soaked people when I was washing their hair.

Describe how you r career developed to the present day.

I have essentially had two careers. After leaving school, I pursued a career in sales and marketing eventually becoming a self-employed consultant. I got married, and while my boys were pre-school, took an MBA aged 29. Next I took a postgraduate law degree and I went on to qualify as a barrister at the College of Law in London. I then cross-qualified and worked as a solicitor before setting up Chaselaw Solicitors in 2005.

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

Ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the firm, developing long-term strategies and making sure we live up to our high expectations of delivering the best service to our clients. I try to combine my sales and marketing experience with that of legal services. I want clients to think "great firm - they recognised my needs".

Describe a typical day My working day starts at home at 9am looking through e-mails and telephoning the office en route. After sorting through the post at the office, I then either meet clients, prepare for court or attend meetings. I always have my day mapped out, but there will usually be an element of troubleshooting. At about 6.30pm the phones stop and I catch up on everything I planned to do. I rarely have lunch.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

My parents, husband and children. My parents for instilling in me, by example, that to succeed you have to work hard. My husband for his belief in me and giving me the confidence to always aim higher. My children for keeping me young and proving I did not have to choose between children and a career - I can have both.

What has been your best decision?

Setting up Chaselaw Solicitors. I am amazed how successful the firm has become in just two years.

And your worst?

I don't look back with regrets. I learn from my experiences, good or bad.

What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in your business?

If you want to become a lawyer you have to want it badly enough. My lecturer gave me the best advice: "There are hundreds of people like you so you have to let people know you are there and keep knocking on doors."

What is the secret of good management?

Mutual respect and teamwork which includes everybody, not just those at the top.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

During the week I work and at weekends I relax.

What hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

At weekends I devote my time to my family. I spend as much time as possible with my husband and my two boys. This usually involves watching them play rugby, attending school plays and a Sunday roast!

How do you see your firm developing over the next five years?

To continue to grow as we have done over the last two years, while maintaining a high standard of client service. We receive excellent feedback but we must work to maintain this. Law firms face many challenges over the next few years and to compete it will be vital to keep up with technology. We introduced a system whereby a client can access their personal file through a password system via our website - www.chaselaw.co.uk. Innovations which facilitate a more efficient service are critical.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

Winning £1.25m for a client who, through no fault of her own, had suffered brain injury in a road accident. She will never be able to work again and the money ends a long wait for compensation.

Do you believe there is enough help and support from government and agencies for growing businesses?

More help from the Law Society in fighting our corner against the Government would be appreciated.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

We are based in the city centre so most clients can walk, cycle or use public transport. About 50 per cent of our staff use the park and ride system and the other half use public transport or cycle. Law firms can be paper intensive so we promote the use of e-mails and we have a legal software package which enables us to keep a client's file on the computer without always needing a paper back-up. We do online searches too.

What is the secret of a happy workforce?

We are a family firm and we look after our staff. We believe in ongoing training and promotion from within, where possible. We are flexible and recognise there are times when people have unavoidable family commitments.

Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

Because I came into law late I know it is exactly what I want to do.

What would you like to do when you retire?

I would like to do some charity work, travel and hopefully spend time with my grandchildren (assuming I have some!) Name: Yvonne Shanti Age: 47 Job: Principal, Chaselaw Solicitors, 25 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2NP Time in job: Two years Web: www.chaselaw.co.uk Contact: 01865 314800