Trainee Blog

I have now nearly completed my first seat in the Family Department. I spent the first 3 months gaining experience in private family matters, dealing with divorce and ancillary relief, and children matters such as residence and contact issues. I have had the advantage of working alongside a partner for most of my tasks. I also undertook some work for other fee earners in the department, so I have been able to been able to learn about how different fee earners use their legal skills.

As family is a contentious seat I am regularly out of the office. I am required to travel not only to the local Courts but also for hearings in London, Kent and Sussex. I have sat behind Counsel at the County and Family Proceedings Court on various cases, from children matters to financial dispute resolution hearings and appeals. This has been an excellent opportunity to learn about the skill of advocacy and also learning how to support clients during what can be a stressful process. I have also built on case management skills and client care, as I undertake follow up work for the fee earner after the hearing.

I have spent the last 2 months working with a fee earner in children public law, dealing with applications made by the Local Authority for care proceedings. This is a great opportunity to work in niche area of law, where the clients can be vulnerable and the cases complex. I am required regularly to attend meetings with the client at Social Services where I am able to offer support to the client and raise issues on the client’s behalf. It is also an opportunity to liaise with other related professionals such as social workers and medical experts.

Overall, my seat in the Family Department has given me a valuable insight into contentious matters where I have been able to build on a variety of skills pertinent to good legal practice.