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Meet the Family Lawyer Bristol has hundreds of law firms, all offering conflicting statements and slightly different services. Our guide helps you to find the right firm for your family’s legal needs
Kerry Graham
QualitySolicitors Burroughs Day Tel 0117 930 7553 www.qsbdlaw.com Why do you love being a family lawyer? I like seeing clients walk away from a case happy, knowing that I did the best job possible for them and their family. I often see clients who are upset and going through a difficult time; if I can play any part in making the process that bit easier, it means a lot. What advice would you give someone coming to see a family lawyer? Bring as much information as you can, and try not to be nervous – I don’t bite! I am here to help and guide you through your options. We offer free advice sessions at our Bristol office (Queen Square) – the next one is 25 January 12-2pm and 5pm7pm – and we offer free first telephone advice for new clients. Tell us about yourself and why people should contact you Clients tell me I get them a great result with the minimum legal costs. I think this is a pretty good start!
Ashley Palminteri
Kirsten Hale
JOHN PRATLEY
Director, The Family Law Practice Tel 0117 925 9539 www.thefamilylawpractice.co.uk
Senior Associate solicitor Barcan+Kirby, Queen Square Tel 0117 325 2929 www.barcankirby.co.uk
How did you come to specialise in family law? It was a combination of loving the work from day one and the challenge of helping someone at a very difficult time in their lives. There is nothing more rewarding than reflecting at the end of the case that you have made a positive contribution.
What misconceptions do people have about family law? That everyone thinks a divorce is going to incur massive legal bills. It’s not cheap but with the right legal representation it need not break the bank. We always try to tailor our fees to our client’s needs and try to give clear cost estimates or, where possible, fixed fees.
What misconceptions do people have about family law? That the answer is simple. It is not, everyone’s situation is different and needs proper understanding and expert advice.
What is your proudest most recent accomplishment? Probably our recent win at the Bristol Law Society Annual Awards when we won Law Firm of the Year.
What law would you most like to see introduced? With approximately 3.2 million cohabiting couples in the UK in 2015, it’s apparent that more and more couples aren’t going to get married, Instead they‘re choosing to cohabit and they need legal protection if they break up.
What advice would you give someone coming to see a family lawyer? Coming to see a solicitor is a big event, not to be understated. Choose someone who has been recommended, and try to visit a couple of solicitors before you proceed – so as to be sure that you have the right solicitor for you. What are your biggest frustrations? Dealing with poor legal advisors on the other side, who don’t see the bigger picture and fail to recognise what the parties really need.
What part of the work do you particularly enjoy? Being trusted by clients to help them at what is a very difficult time in their lives. What is your proudest most recent accomplishment? I looked after a friend’s kitten for a week and he’s still alive! Tell us something about yourself and why people should contact you? I’m a friendly, experienced and approachable solicitor. And I’m very good with kittens.
Simpson Millar incorporating Foster and Partners Tel 0345 357 9600 www.simpsonmillar.co.uk
What changes have you seen in family law? Family lawyers have become much more specialised, right from the first days of their legal career, and people’s problems are not simple so to help them properly you also need to bring a good understanding of other areas of law like property law, tax and business. What law would you most like to see introduced? A law which allows pensions and property to be transferred between cohabiting couples at the end of a relationship, when it is fair to do so. People choose to live together in committed unmarried relationships and we respect their choice, but if they separate the law for them is very complicated and is not really about treating them fairly. What part of the work do you particularly enjoy? I enjoy meeting people, understanding their problems and helping them to solve them.
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