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"Go for it. Telling your story matters in family law"
Simon Bruce has spent more than 40 years practising family law. He’s seen the field evolve, led high-stakes cases and helped shape the careers of countless younger lawyers. Now, as a judge for the LexisNexis Family Law Awards, he sees the event not as a spotlight but as a mirror.
“The awards aren’t about status,” he says. “They’re a moment to stop, think and ask yourself what kind of work you’ve really done. And why it matters.”
It’s this deep sense of purpose that defines Simon’s approach to both law and recognition. What matters to him isn’t prestige. It’s meaning.
The most powerful work isn’t always paid
The most fulfilling chapter of his career, Simon says, began when he started offering pro bono advice through a West London clinic.
“We give legal advice to people who’ve never imagined they’d be able to afford a lawyer,” he says. “And it’s beyond their wildest dreams to be heard. They cry in meetings, not because they’re distressed, but because someone is helping them with no expectation of anything in return.”
To Simon, this kind of work doesn’t just serve others. It shapes the lawyer too. “It changes you. It makes you better. Not just professionally, but as a person.”
Entering is an act of reflection
This belief in service and humility sits at the heart of Simon’s advice to anyone thinking of entering the Family Law Awards.
“Go for it,” he says. “But not because you think you’re the best. Go for it because taking the time to reflect on what you’ve done and why is how you grow. It’ll remind you what really matters.”
Simon believes that most family lawyers carry powerful stories. They’re just not always told.
“If you care about your work, then you’ve already got a story that’s worth sharing. The awards give you a chance to tell it.”
The right kind of recognition
Recognition, for Simon, isn’t about winning. It’s about being part of a profession that values the right things: compassion, integrity and contribution.
“The best lawyers are generous with their time, honest about their impact and thoughtful about the legacy they’re leaving,” he says. “They don’t elevate themselves. They support others.”
This is what the Family Law Awards are really about. Not a competition, but a conversation. A collective acknowledgement of the people who do the work quietly, consistently and with care.
You don’t need to be loud to make a difference. Enter the LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2025. Take a moment to reflect on your story, your values and the people you’ve helped along the way.
