HAMPSHIRE commercial property solicitor Clare Huxtable ended a 14-year career in banking to achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer - but says the sacrifices were all worthwhile.

Clare, who is the newest member of the commercial property department at the Solent office of Shoosmiths, took a massive drop in salary and moved back in with her parents after taking the momentous decision to change career at the age of 30.

After studying law at Southampton University, she qualified at city firm Denton Sapte Wilde in 2002 - and now has just made the move back to her home county of Hampshire, as the latest addition to Shoosmiths' ever-growing team.

Clare said: "I was always interested in law, but when I left school I didn't want to go on to college, so went into banking as a clerk, and spent 14 years in the profession, rising to the position of loan underwriter in Jersey.

"Eventually I realised I needed a fresh challenge, and decided I'd like to get into the law. I had to return to live with my parents in Southampton, and get back into study mode - as well as learning to live with practically no money!

"It was a big adjustment, and it took a lot of confidence to make the change, but I'm really glad I did it; I've got no regrets at all."

Since qualifying, Clare has gained experience of corporate support work, acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant work, and site acquisition work for major retailers and commercial developers.

Previous clients have included Sainsburys, Argos, Homebase and Dixons.

The new role includes dealing with a variety of commercial property transactions including acquisitions and disposals and general property management work, with particular focus on the retail and leisure sectors.