L AW a d v ertisi n g feat u re
Meet the Family Lawyer When it comes to the emotive, sensitive and long-term issues surrounding family law, children and divorce, you need to know the right experts who can assist you through these difficult times
VICTORIA BARNETT
Matthew Drew
What do you specialise in? I provide advice on all areas of family law, including divorce, separation and arrangements for children. I strive to add value to my clients’ cases by ensuring all aspects are considered, from personal implications and tax consequences to commercial considerations, eg. where family businesses are involved.
Thrings 01225 340140 www.thrings.com
How has family law changed in the last few years? It is now compulsory to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution methods such as mediation before issuing proceedings. Even if an agreement is not reached through mediation, the process can narrow the issues between the parties and encourage productive communication. As someone who has always been passionate about finding practical solutions to disputes, it’s been really pleasing to see a strong shift in this direction within the legal profession. What’s the best part of your job? Helping clients get through difficult stages in their lives in the best way possible for them is very rewarding. A big part of it is problem-solving and finding creative solutions to achieving an early resolution.
Goughs Lawyers 01249 712193 www.goughs.co.uk
Victoria Strode
Mogers Drewett Solicitors 01225 750014 www.md-solicitors.co.uk
Sharon MacDonald
What do you specialise in? My general practice covers divorce, separation, financial settlements and issues relating to children, but I specialise in assisting clients where there is an international element, acting for clients living abroad.
What do you specialise in? I am a family solicitor, advising on all aspects of divorce/ separation whether that be resolving finances or agreeing arrangements for children. I also deal with wealth protection eg. pre-nuptial agreements. In addition, I am a trained family mediator which enables me to meet and work with a couple together.
What is the biggest misconception surrounding what you do? People are always concerned that solicitors will simply complicate matters around divorce and separation, and that they will charge excessive fees. I am here to help people find a solution which works for them and their family in the most cost-effective, proactive, and sensible way that I can. Although there are cases where sadly court proceedings may be necessary, I always make sure that my clients understand all their options, including collaboration or mediation, to reach the best possible outcome.
How has your area of family law changed in the last few years? The traditional approach of solicitors battling it out and scoring points should be a thing of the past. I encourage clients to use Collaborative Law, which allows everyone to work together in a constructive approach designed to find solutions both are happy with. Issuing court proceedings should be the last resort. What is your favourite part of the job? I love meeting people and helping to solve their problems. The best bit is finishing a case and seeing the client in a much happier place than when they first walked into the office, ready for their next chapter. What professional accomplishment has made you most proud? Building the team into one of the largest in the South West, comprising ten superb lawyers.
138 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
What advice would you give to anybody considering law as a career? Get lots of work experience so you know what you’re in for as it’s not like Ally McBeal! What was your very first job? I worked at Bristol Airport at check-in/despatch. I take my hat off to anyone who does shift work on a permanent basis as it was a truly gruelling summer. What is your favourite part of the job? Working in a collaborative style – whether that’s with a couple in mediation or with the ‘other side’, with the aim of achieving an outcome that enables parties to move on with respect for each other and the ability to communicate without lawyers. This is particularly important where there are children involved.
Royds Withy King 01225 730100 www.roydswithyking.com
What is your favourite part of your job? Each client is different with different challenges. I thoroughly enjoy the personal approach – meeting each individual client’s needs and supporting them through a stressful time. I work hard to ensure they have clarity on the law, to properly manage expectations and achieve a fair and reasonable outcome. Tell us something about yourself? As I turned 50 this year, my firm gave me a sabbatical and I travelled from the top of Alaska down to Hawaii.