What is your role at Brodies and how do you support clients in family law matters?
I head up the family law team in Edinburgh. I arrived at Brodies nearly 4 years ago with my EA Donna Hall and a handful of files, since then the team has expanded rapidly and there are now 6 of us in Edinburgh alone. We act for a diverse range of clients. No day is ever the same and it is certainly never dull. Our current caseload includes divorce, child residence and contact disputes, resolving financial matters on separation, pre and post-nuptial agreements, adoptions and surrogacy. My particular passion is mediation - I spend an increasing amount of my time mediating complex family law disputes. I have been a family lawyer for over 30 years and I am convinced that litigation is rarely the best way to solve family disputes. Mediation is probably the most challenging part of my job, but I find it the most rewarding.
What is a common myth about mediation that you regularly come across in family law?
I receive most of my mediation referrals from other lawyers and therefore the clients usually have a good understanding of the process by the time they speak to me. Mediation clients sometimes have a perception that I am the decision maker, but I am always careful to explain that my role is to find out where their interests overlap and to help them to come an agreement between themselves. Mediation clients are also sometimes nervous that what is said in mediation may be used in court in the future if matters are not resolved, but this is not the case so I stress to clients that the mediation process is entirely confidential and that I could never be called as a witness in any future court proceedings.
Why should clients consider Brodies for family law mediation services?
The Brodies family law team is the biggest in Scotland and we have more accredited mediators than any other firm. We have several highly experienced mediators in the team and we are regularly referred work by other firms and previous mediation clients. We have experience in mediating in a wide range of cases ranging from multi-million-pound divorces to contact arrangements for children. Mediation clients generally find the process to be kinder and more child focused than litigation. Mediation is not an easy option as it involves sitting down in a room together and at Brodies we are lucky to have such a fantastic, calming space for mediation. It is surprising how much difference the right environment makes.
What key advice do you have for individuals considering mediation for family disputes or separation?
I think probably the most important advice is to come with an open mind. Parties often come to mediation with a fixed agenda and a view of what they want to achieve. During the mediation process we are often able to come to a more creative solution. The courts are limited in the orders that they can make but at mediation we can explore difference options and ways of approaching matters that might not have been considered previously.
How do you spend your time outside the office?
It goes without saying that spending time with my lovely family and friends is of the utmost importance. Along with other members of the Edinburgh family law team I have a spin class addiction. I also enjoy yoga, cold water swimming and the occasional Munro. I am a passionate gardener – seeing the green tips of the spring bulbs in my garden helps me get through the dark January days.
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