In celebration of International Women’s Day, we thought about this blog and in the usual way the conversation and ideas soon started to spill over. What message did we want to send to those who read it? The word that sprung to mind and was the centre of our discussions was ‘Empowerment’ and what this means to us, as specialist in a family law firm, and how has it influenced our personal and professional lives.
We are both ambitious, professional women navigating a world that sees women still, in many respects, needing to make choices and compromises in balancing having a successful career. For us, this includes the journey so far and continuing in the running of a boutique family law firm along with managing family life. Emma has 2 small boys aged 5 years and 18 months and Nicki, 2 adult daughters in their early 20’s. Like all families, each of ours have different needs and demands to be juggled.
As individuals, we have made different choices and have had different experiences both personally and in our careers to date, but those diversities have bought us together with one common goal.
Life before NE Family Law
Before launching NE Family Law in November 2021, we spent many years, latterly working together in reputable firms located in London and Berkshire, as well as Cambridge, Hampshire and Surrey. We each rose within the profession to run successful family law departments, but there was a common theme, and this was the cause of our disillusionment. Regardless of our experience, talent and a proven track record,we were aware of the need to not only justify our choices and ambitions, but to repeatedly bang the drum in the hope of being heard. So, we decided to change that and empower ourselves to shape our future, manage our successes and serve our clients on our terms.
When you tell people you are a family lawyer, a common response is ‘oh, you do divorces’. Well, yes, but actually this is a very small element of the work we do. In truth, it is procedural, and does not identify our true purpose and the value in what we do and what we can offer.
It is the bigger picture, the consequences of divorce or separation. It is the long term, the new start of the unknown which we need to shape for you. What happens with the children, where do I live and how do I live? These issues open that can of worms as soon as that decision is taken and there is no sticking plaster, no quick repair. We act for clients at different times of life, whether at the start, being a young professional or at the other end of the spectrum where retirement is boding or even arrived at and those in the middle. All need to have some expectation as to what the future holds and this requires specialist knowledge, clarity of thought, strategy and experience to approach each case on its own facts and circumstances. This enables us to empower you to make those informed decisions which earlier seemed beyond any real comprehension.
NE Family Law is our firm, we chose our name accordingly. It is us, as a team, serving you in all areas of family law. We are based in Richmond to serve clients primarily in South West London, Surrey and Berkshire and can assist clients in matters from pre-marital contracts to divorce, separation, children and financial matters, domestic abuse and wealth protection. We have specialist knowledge and experience in relocation cases, both domestic and international and mid to high-net-worth asset cases.
We support our clients through what can be the most emotionally and financially challenging times of their lives. No one size fits all and there is never a stupid question. The one thing which we do, however insist upon is ensuring you are empowered, and that you have the information and advice that allows you to make those informed decisions.
We are here to help.
Contact Nicki and Emma
020 3924 8462
@nefamilylawyers
You may also enjoy reading how different women’s organisations celebrate IWD
