Family Law, a day in the life, Emma Nash, solicitor, divorce and financial claims, private family law
What is the best and worst part of the day for you?
The best part of the day is when the post arrives. You never know what might come in! It could be that court order you’ve been waiting for or an invitation to an exciting networking event. The worst part is leaving my two cats every morning. They sit behind the door and stare at me as if I’m abandoning them forever!
What adjectives best describe you?
I would say I am creative, determined and committed. One of my colleagues says I always fight my corner unrelentingly which I think is a nice way of saying I can be stubborn.
What keeps you motivated?
The desire to do an excellent job. I also want to give people something to think about. The moment we stop thinking and just accept things as they are presented to us is when we stop moving forward.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee AM. Tea PM.
What would you say to anyone thinking of a career in your field?
Try it out. The law is diverse and first-hand experience is the best way to find out if something is for you. Get involved. With the internet and so many social media platforms there is no excuse for not keeping up to date and participating in discussions. It will improve your knowledge and demonstrate your interest in, and commitment to, your chosen field. Be honest with yourself. They key is to find something you love doing even if it is not what you thought it would be.
What song do you listen to the most?
I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ by the Scissor Sisters. It makes me feel like dancing.
How do you enjoy your time outside of work?
I am Chair of my local scuba diving club which keeps me pretty busy. I also like running, fencing and eating out. Working in Covent Garden fuels my restaurant addiction!
If you could change one thing about the family justice system what would it be and why?
I would introduce ‘no fault divorce’. It is embarrassing having to explain to clients that they have to write disparaging and potentially inflammatory particulars if they want to proceed but that those particulars are unlikely to have any bearing on the subsequent proceedings. It unnecessarily increases costs and hostility which is counter-productive to encouraging people to settle any disputes amicably. Giving people the option to issue a divorce petition without having to assign blame, or wait two years, seems like an obvious way to improve the divorce process.
Emma Nash has been nominated for the Family Law Commentator of the Year Award. You can find out why she was nominated and place your vote here.Emma runs her own
blog exploring developments in both UK and international family law. You can follow her on Twitter at
@EmmaFamilyLaw.
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As part of this feature we are asking a wide range of people who have links to the court system and family law to respond to the above questions and give us some information about what their role entails. We hope to get a wide cross section of people - to this end, if you would like to contribute please email editor@familylaw.co.uk.
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