Cambridge Family Law Practice

How would you describe your role at Cambridge Family Law Practice?

I’m a partner! More specifically, I am a solicitor, collaborative lawyer and a mediator. I’ve also been trained as a direct child consultant so, during the course of mediation, I have been trained to speak to children to establish their wishes and feelings.

Outside of Cambridge Family Law Practice, I used to be chair of Cambridge and West Suffolk Resolution; and am now their press officer. I also sit on the domestic violence forum for Cambridge and am a White Ribbon ambassador for Cambridge – where I challenge men to play an active role in addressing domestic abuse. I have also been appointed as a Director of the Cambridge and Ely Children’s Contact Centres.

Looking back across your career, do any cases stand out as especially memorable or meaningful?

Many lawyers would cite the high net worth, trust, or complex cases. However, the cases that really stick in my mind are those where the result has impacted the most on the individual client and are often where the resources are actually quite tight, and a positive outcome makes a significant difference to the client’s situation – or those of their children.

Mediation or collaborative cases are especially pleasing, as you can visibly see the positive impact on both participants, and they can be memorable as a result.

It’s also especially memorable when you are referred a client by someone you previously acted against!

Could you give a summary of your career in law?

I didn’t follow the typical route into law. I originally did a politics degree in Liverpool and – this was at the start of the 90s – was then told I was basically unemployable. So, having travelled the world for a couple of years (and having done a whole manner of jobs), I found myself back in England with no clear path. As luck would have it, I volunteered at a law centre in London whilst “signing on” and was then encouraged to pursue a career in law.

I took the conversion and Legal Practice course at what was then London Guildhall University, before securing a training contract in a city firm. I quickly realised that I wasn’t interested in the corporate world, and unusually split my training contract by moving to a high street practice. It was here that I realised I had a particular affinity for family law – an area that I have now specialised in since 1998. I moved to Cambridge in 2001 and joined Cambridge Family Law Practice in 2009…. and I haven’t looked back since then!

Finally, what are you interests outside work?

My proudest achievement is, without doubt, my daughters who still take up an inordinate amount of my time. Outside of running around for/after them; I love long walks with my dog; good company, food and drink; and following Watford FC.