Meet the Family Law Awards Judges: Juliet Harvey

Laura Halls: Thank you for joining us, Juliet. What makes the Family Law Awards such a stand-out event in the legal calendar? 

Juliet Harvey: I think these awards are recognised as the equivalent of the Oscars in the family law community. It’s a wonderful event where everybody gets together to celebrate excellence. You see the full breadth of work happening across the field and meet up-and-coming professionals as they grow in their careers. There are other family law awards out there, but the LexisNexis Family Law Awards are absolutely seen as the premier ones. 

LH: You’ve been a judge for six years now. What’s changed over time? 

JH: The awards have grown hugely. When I first started judging in 2020, there were fewer categories and fewer entries. Now there are so many more people entering, and the judging process has evolved. We start with a first round of assessments, then come together to discuss and agree. We’re not working in isolation. There’s a real sense of collaboration and fairness. 

LH: What would you say to someone who thinks their work isn’t award worthy? 

JH: I’d say go for it. So many people make a difference in family law, not just those working on high-profile cases. If you’re doing important work in difficult circumstances, if you’re helping people at the margins, that absolutely deserves recognition. It’s not about judging yourself. It’s about letting others in the profession see and value your work. 

LH: What makes a strong entry stand out to you? 

JH: I look for someone who’s doing more than the day job. People who do pro bono work, who give back to the community, who help others navigate family breakdown with empathy and care. It’s about having an impact. 

LH: How do you ensure fairness and impartiality as a judge? 

JH: I read all the entries for a category in one sitting, make notes, rank them, and declare any conflicts. A couple of years ago I had to step out of judging because my firm was nominated. We all take that seriously. Now the organisers assign categories in a way that avoids any conflicts. It’s a very thoughtful process, and every entry is assessed on merit.