Family Law

What is your position and what do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I am the National Head of Family Law at Irwin Mitchell. I predominantly work between the Manchester and London offices, although I also visit our other seven office locations to visit the family law teams. I continue to undertake fee earning work in addition to working with my Private Wealth and Business colleagues, with a view to steering a cohesive approach to problem solving and hopefully, ensuring that each client’s matter is considered on a bespoke and holistic basis. I am also the Regional Managing Partner for the Manchester office, which is a full service office of approximately 260 colleagues. My role as the National Head of Family Law involves constantly reviewing how we might stay current as regards to legal developments, with fabulous support from our dedicated professional support lawyer, Hayley Trim. I try to ensure that our team members feel supported so that they will fulfil their professional potential, whether that is from a technical or leadership perspective. I liaise with our colleagues across the Group, in other divisions and with our Group Services teams, such as our Learning and Development team and our marketing and PR teams, who provide the entire team with on-going support. Approximately one half of my time is devoted to fee earning with the balance being spent in looking at strategy and leadership issues.

How long have you been in this role and what brought you here?

Any memorable stories from your career so far?

What is the best and worst part of the day for you?

What keeps you motivated?

Tea or coffee?

What would you say to anyone thinking of a career in your field?

What song do you listen to the most?

Who inspires you within the world of family law?

How do you enjoy your time outside of work?

What book would you recommend to others?

What would be your alternate career?

If you could change one thing about the family justice system what would it be and why?