My working week..

Jun 6 2008

Glen Gilson, partner, HBJ Gateley Wareing

Starting off with his head in the clouds hasn't done Glen Gilson any harm.

After studying law at university in Dundee then Edinburgh his first job was with his father's aviation business.

But the calling of the bar proved too strong to resist.

After a stunning rise through the ranks the 30-year-old is a partner and head of private client and financial services at HBJ Gateley Wareing.

Based mainly in Edinburgh he is in charge of a team of 60.

His daily mix includes advising clients on a variety of issues from general wealth management, to advice on tax, trust and succession planning.

He also sits on the management board helping guide his department and the firm forward.

Despite the time pressures of his role he sees it as vitally important to maintain a close contact with clients.

He said: "My management role sees me working with other partners in driving the firm forward, which has seen us expand rapidly in Scotland.

"I am keen to keep in close personal contact with clients and keep my eye on the ball in terms of developments in the industry.

"Days are never the same, and we can be advising clients on complex trust arrangements or disputed succession rights one minute, and then handling tax returns for a high profile sportsperson the next."

The firm has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility which is an area Gilson is highly aware of.

He said: "I am on the board of Headway, the head injury charity.

"As a firm we do a lot for charity, recently hosting a highly successful Question of Sport-style fundraising challenge involving celebrities."

Away from work he enjoys golf, surfing and field sports. He also admits to following the fortunes of Heart of Midlothian football club.