L aw a d v ertisi n g fe at u re
Sarah Hoskinson
Gareth Schofield
How did you come to specialise in family law? I tried family law for four months as a Trainee Solicitor at Burges Salmon. I was drawn to the human element, helping people through an incredibly difficult time. No two cases are the same and that’s the challenge, finding a solution that works for each client or family.
How did you come to specialise in family law? By accident, training at what I discovered to be the top divorce firm in London.
Partner, Burges Salmon LLP Tel 0117 902 7743 www.burges-salmon.com
What misconceptions do people have about family law? That it has to be horrendous! Most family lawyers are truly committed to resolving things cooperatively and amicably. Even when courts are used, it can be done in a dignified way. People also think there is bound to be an answer, whereas the truth is rather greyer as the courts have very wide discretion, which enables different solutions for different families. What law would you most like to see introduced? No-fault divorce; couples should be given the autonomy to decide that their marriage has not worked and be able to move forward without blame. What advice would you give someone coming to see a family lawyer? Be honest, open-minded and find a lawyer who you feel you can communicate with well. Best bit of your job? The people I work with, both clients and colleagues. We have a fantastic team and some great new additions.
Clarke Willmott Tel 0345 209 1125 www.clarkewillmott.com
What misconceptions do people have about family law? It has to be a brutal experience. What changes have you seen in family law? Clients are much better informed. What law would you most like to see introduced? Some form of cohabitation law (like Scotland). What part of the work do you particularly enjoy? Meeting and helping interesting clients in difficult situations. What advice would you give someone coming to see a family lawyer? Prepare. Email your questions and a background briefing note. With a lawyer time is money – your money. What is your proudest most recent accomplishment? I made 50! (just…) Best bit of your job? No day is ever the same. Tell us something about yourself and why people should contact you? I’ve been guiding clients through relationship breakdowns for 25 years. I can help you.
104 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Katy Zikking
Founder/Director - Harbour Family Law. Tel 01179 055141. www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk. What misconceptions do people have about family law? That clients come to a family solicitor with the attitude “Take him/or her for everything”. The reality is that divorcing clients are experiencing deep sadness about the end of a relationship and anxiety about their new life. What changes have you seen in family law? The introduction of collaborative practice to resolve family disputes. This is a hugely positive step forward and encompasses other disciplines such as family therapy and counselling to support divorcing couples. What law would you most like to see introduced? Without doubt a ‘no-fault’ divorce. The current system, which forces you into alleging unreasonable behaviour or adultery, is entirely unnecessary, upsets people needlessly and causes conflict. What part of the work do you particularly enjoy? Meeting clients, helping them through from the beginning of a separation to their new life & seeing them come through to the other side. Tell us something about yourself and why people should contact you? I believe in love! I want to help clients deal with the breakdown of a relationship constructively, in a dignified way, so that they can preserve relationships with their ex-spouse and move on to new and fulfilling experiences.
Samantha Hickman
Partner, Veale Wasbrough Vizards Tel 0117 314 5435 www.vwv.co.uk What part of the work do you particularly enjoy? Meeting my clients is what makes the job such a privilege. I need to tailor my approach and advice to each client in order to achieve the best possible outcome for them. If you weren’t working in law, what would you do? An A&E trauma consultant. I’m not one for monotony and like the fact that my role involves a fair degree of stress. What advice would you give someone coming to see a family lawyer? Come prepared and armed with facts. If you are seeking advice on financial matters, bring some basic details in relation to income, assets and debts. What is your proudest most recent accomplishment? Becoming a Partner at Veale Wasbrough Vizards. The firm’s core values of teamwork and collaboration, putting clients at the centre of the firm and taking a commercial approach ‘mirror’ my own work ethos. Tell us something about yourself and why people should contact you I have been described as a ‘tough negotiator and fearsome advocate’, but most of all I adopt a commercial approach to cases. A lawyer should add value, not take it away.