Evaluating innovative family law practice: research findings on the ‘one-lawyer-two-clients’ format

Dr Rachael Blakey, University of Warwick

This article summarises findings from the first study on the "one-lawyer-two-clients format" in England and Wales, whereby a single lawyer supports both parties in their divorce or separation. This approach has been increasingly adopted by lawyers in recent years as a potentially more accessible and affordable form of legal support, particularly following the introduction of no-fault divorce. Funded by the University of Warwick, the study draws on qualitative interviews with 24 lawyers who practised the one-lawyer-two-clients format. The article sets out the key findings in relation to the study’s four research questions, including whether one-lawyer-two-clients is practised consistently by its lawyers and if they feel further regulation is necessary.