I was married with children by the time I decided to train as a Solicitor and therefore attended Staffordshire University on a part time basis. I subsequently obtained a training contract at a Stafford firm where I gained experience in various areas of the law, focusing mainly on family law.
I commenced my employment at Knights in November 2000, joining the Family Unit.
My work includes all issues around family disputes, including divorce, the breakdown of civil partnerships and associated finances. I also deal with co-habitation agreements and pre-nuptial agreements, the demand for which has increased dramatically in recent times.
I am particularly interested in issues relating to children involving contact between parents and their children and issues relating to where the children should reside.
I am a member of Resolution, an organisation of family lawyers who agree that the best way to deal with any family dispute is in a constructive and non-confrontational way and through that organisation in November 2006 trained as a collaborative lawyer. This is a new way of dealing with the breakdown of families and allows separating couples to meet together with their respective lawyers to try and work out a suitable agreement following their separation. This is very much a new process but I am very proud to be one of the founder members of the Staffordshire Collaborative Lawyers with a group of other collaboratively trained lawyers in the area.
Away from the office I enjoy going to the cinema, reading and going to see live music. I also spend a few hours each week out running although this is more a healthy lifestyle choice than for enjoyment.