A Q&A with new Senior Associate, Debbie Reekie

1. What do you like about being a family lawyer?

The range of cases and people that I deal with daily. No two cases are the same and that keeps my work interesting and varied. I could be dealing with a complex financial case one minute and an international child abduction the next. I might be in court in the morning and then acting as mediator in the afternoon.

Not only are the kinds of cases I work on different but my clients are all very different too. Understanding what each individual client needs from me is important. That ensures that I can deal with their case in the best way possible for them having regard to their circumstances, needs and priorities.

2. What types of family law cases do you handle?

I deal with a very broad range of family law matters, from prenuptial and cohabitation agreements at the start of a relationship to advising on financial provision on the breakdown of a relationship. I also have a great deal of experience in cases involving children including not only residence and contact cases but also relocation and child abduction cases. So, a little bit of everything.

3. How do you approach reaching agreements in family law cases?

Family cases, especially where there are children, can really benefit from a solution focused process which parties can feel in control of. I will always try to resolve disputes as easily and as amicably as possible using the best process option for the client. I am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a family law mediator, and I am also trained as a collaborative lawyer. Mediation and collaboration are very different, but both can be excellent options to resolve disputes in family law cases. That all being said, I am also a solicitor advocate and have extensive experience in both the sheriff court and the Court of Session and I will litigate and fearlessly fight my client's corner, if appropriate.

4. How resources or support do you offer to help clients through the legal process? (e.g., your network of financial advisers/divorce coaches/therapists?)

Assisting a client through the legal process means more than just giving legal advice. Getting complete and bespoke advice tailored to each client's individual circumstances can include not only getting input from colleagues in other teams within Brodies (such as corporate or employment) but also externally such as financial advisors or counsellors and therapists. Getting complete advice can ensure that any resolution achieved is fully considered suitable for the client and their needs.