ADVERTISING FEATURE FAMILY LAW
GETTING THE LOWDOWN ON THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY’S NEWEST RECRUIT, LAURA SELLICK-TAGUE HOW HAS YOUR CAREER IN FAMILY LAW DEVELOPED? I studied Law and Sociology at UWE and after my conversion course I began practising family law straight away. I qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2018. I am delighted to have recently joined The Family Law Company.
WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? Mainly cases involving divorce and finance, child arrangements and pre-nuptial agreements. Cases span a variety of clients, including high net worth clients such as doctors and army personnel, for whom pensions are often the biggest asset in the marriage.
IS THERE ANY PARTICULARLY INTERESTING AREA YOU WORK IN? Complications can arise where a family-owned farm is involved. A farm is not just a home, it’s also an income resource. If it is broken up this could affect the jobs of the husband and wife and also any children. Usually the court prefers a farm to be retained within a family if at all possible.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO FAMILY LAW? I don’t encourage conflict but prefer helping clients to reach an amicable agreement, especially when they have children. However, it’s also my job to ensure that my client has what they need to move on with their life, so I take a stronger approach whenever necessary. Going through a divorce can be overwhelming so I make sure clients remain fully informed of the process and all deadlines.
ARE ALL CLIENTS THE SAME? Not at all. Some clients prefer a relaxed relationship with their lawyer whilst others want a more formal approach. Similarly, some clients want their lawyer involved in every part of the process and others are happy to take more control – in which case I can just give legal advice as needed. And while some clients understand legal speak, others require layman’s terms. For me it’s key to quickly ascertain what each client needs and tailor my service for them.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Laura Sellick-Tague is a Chartered Legal Executive at specialist law firm THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY by HARTNELL CHANOT in Exeter. Call to make an appointment on 01392 421 777. Balliol House, Southernhay Gardens Exeter EX1 1NP.
WWW.THEFAMILYLAWCO.CO.UK
It’s rewarding to be able to help clients to move on with their lives. When I first see clients, they are often feeling broken, disorientated and scared of what the future holds for them without a partner and with less money. When they realise that this is actually an opportunity to start a new chapter in their life, that’s when I know I’ve had a positive impact.
DO YOU UNDERTAKE ANY VOLUNTEERING ROLES? I volunteer as Chair of the Devon branch of YRes, Resolution’s network of family law professionals at the start of their careers. Resolution believes in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters which is very much the ethos of The Family Law Company.