Meet the Team: Jo Counter

Briefly describe what your role involves?

Broadly speaking my role involves acting for clients when they’re dealing with the sale and purchase of commercial property – this includes the sale of new build properties and lots of development work.

Did you always want to be a lawyer and what inspired you to pursue a legal career in the first place?

No, I left school at the age of sixteen and because I didn’t want to go to college, I enrolled with a training company to qualify in business administration. I first worked in another local solicitors office where I grew my experience and expertise and after ten years secured my ILEX qualifications and initially dealt with matrimonial and family matters. I then joined Coodes’ commercial property team and soon after I realised that dealing with commercial property matters was definitely my preferred area of law.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The thing I enjoy most about my job is getting matters over the line and completing transactions for my clients with a successful outcome. I also really enjoy being back at Coodes and working with my wonderful colleagues.

Covid-19 has transformed the way in which many of us work. How have you adapted and what do you now do differently?

Having left Coodes initially in 2012, by the time I returned in 2022 after the pandemic, we had become paperless, and all our files were electronic. This was my biggest hurdle coming back into the legal sector adapting and getting used to working without having paper files and working with colleagues and clients using Microsoft Teams. I have to say though, both are a very positive change.

What, in your opinion, does Coodes do particularly well? Is there anything it does differently from other law firms?

Coodes is the longest established legal firm in the South West and a very professional firm with high quality technology in place. I believe that Coodes has a genuine family feel and a great team playing working environment.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in Cornwall?

Having been born and raised in Cornwall, I cannot imagine living or working anywhere else. Being lucky enough to enjoy stunning scenery from a very short distance away from any of our offices especially in the summer is something I really appreciate.

What’s your super power?

Living life in the moment. Life is too short for anything else.

What’s the most important project you’re currently working on?

My client base is varied from working for individuals to companies and developers. Each and every matter is equally important for that individual client.

How would your colleagues describe you?

Having asked the question, I was surprised that bossy was not top of the list. However, pro-active, positive, enthusiastic, diligent, always happy to help and a good team player were all mentioned.

What object would you not want to be without as you go about your daily work and why?

My colleagues who are always there with a helping hand when required and a strong hot cup of tea!