Refreshing Chats With... Family Lawyers

In the last episode of this series of ‘Refreshing Chats with Family Lawyers’, Paula and Duane spoke to Louise Halford, the Director and Co-founder of Evolve Family Law. In their chat, they spoke about Evolve’s unique approach to flexibility, how and why Louise and co-founder Robin Charrot set up the firm and Louise’s new found love of walking. About Louise Halford Louise is the Director and Co-Founder of Evolve Family Law. She has worked as a specialist family lawyer for over 22 years...

In Episode 9, Paula and Duane had a natter with Chris Longbottom, National Head of Family at Clarke Wilmott. Chris spoke about what attracted him to the idea of setting up a family team in Manchester, his transition to National Head and his love of American comics. About Chris Longbottom Chris is a Partner and Head of the Family Law team at Clarke Wilmott in Manchester. He advises private clients on a range of family and matrimonial issues, with a focus on complex matters and the high net...

This week, we caught up with Carole Nettleton, a Consultant Solicitor at Price Slater Gawne. In our chat, Carole explained to us how a tricky start to her legal career led to her specialising in family, shared her experience of sexual harassment in the workplace and grappled with the difficult question of whether female lawyers can ‘have it all’. About Carole Nettleton Carole is a Consultant Family Solicitor at Price Slater Gawne in Altrincham. She has worked exclusively in family law...

In Episode 7, we speak to our first family lawyer from over the Pennines, Laura Clapton, co-founder of Consilia Legal in Leeds. Paula, Duane and Laura discuss the need for better protection for cohabitating couples, how her mum inspired her journey into family law and addressing the stigma attached to paternity leave. About Laura Clapton Laura is the co-founder of Consilia Legal, a specialist family and employment boutique in Leeds and Harrogate. She is a highly experienced family...

This week, Paula and Duane speak to Caroline Bilous, Head of Family Law at Davis Blank Furniss. In their conversation, they spoke about the importance of wellbeing, the benefits of being collaboratively trained and how Caroline juggled managing a team with looking after her young family during lockdown. About Caroline Bilous Caroline is a Partner and Head of Family Law at Davis Blank Furniss. At DBF, she advises clients in respect of a broad range of family matters including divorce,...

This week's guest on 'Refreshing Chats with Family Lawyers' is James Maguire, Managing Director of Maguire Family Law. In their chat, Duane and Paula speak to James about his flair for photography, Michael Jordan and The Last Dance and how the portrayal of family lawyers on TV can lead to misconceptions. About James Maguire James is the Managing Director of Maguire Family Law. After working for two leading city centre firms for 15 years, James established his own boutique practice in...

In this week's episode of Refreshing Chats with Family Lawyers, our guest is Katie McCann, a partner in the family team at Knights plc. In Paula and Duane’s conversation with Katie, they talk about her cross-qualification as a barrister, how she uses IMA communication at work and in her personal life and Katie’s passion for performing. About Katie McCann Katie is a partner in the Family team at Knights plc and is based in their Manchester and Wilmslow offices. She previously worked as a...

In episode 3, our guest is David Lister, National Head of Family Law at Simpson Millar. Duane and Paula spoke to David all about the recent shift towards remote working, his involvement in Young Resolution (YRes) and how he juggles his successful legal career with owning an Italian restaurant. About David Lister David is the Head of Family Law and Divorce at Simpson Millar. He has practised exclusively in family law for more than a decade and before joining Simpson Millar worked in a...

In episode 2 of Refreshing Chats with Family Lawyers, Duane and Paula speak to Joanne Radcliff, Family Partner at Brabners in Manchester. Topics of conversations include the growing acceptance of prenups, how important it is for family lawyers to strike the right balance between empathy and resilience and Joanne’s rescue dog, Dimitri. About Joanne Radcliff Joanne is an experienced family lawyer and a trained collaborative law practitioner. As a Partner at Brabners, she handles issues such...

In our very first episode of Refreshing Chats with Family Lawyers, our guest is Michael Chapman, Head of Family Law at Manchester headquartered JMW. Duane and Paula caught up with Michael a few months back in the midst of lockdown to talk all about social media trolls, the gender balance within family law and the classic films he’s never seen! About Michael Chapman Michael leads one of the largest family teams in the UK and specialises in advising high profile business owners, property...