A family law professional has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Brighton recognising their ‘significant and sustained impact on the legal profession and a commitment to making the justice system more accessible for all.’
Co-founder of Family Law Partners Alan Larkin has spent much of his career helping shape a more progressive, collaborative approach to resolving family disputes. It led him to launching Family Law Partners in 2011, with the ambition of steering people away from the family court and towards much better outcomes.
The doctorate reflects the longstanding partnership between Family Law Partners and the University of Brighton.
“To be recognised in this way by the University of Brighton is both humbling and deeply meaningful. My work has always been about people – helping individuals and families navigate incredibly difficult situations with dignity, clarity and support. This honour reinforces the importance of doing law differently, and making sure support reaches those who need it most. The university has an outstanding team and their recognition means a great deal to me personally and professionally”.
said Larkin, reflecting on his recognition.
In 2016, Family Law Partners and the University secured funding from the Innovate UK in the form of a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership, utilising the University’s knowledge engineering and artificial intelligence expertise to develop a client triage technology. Family Law Partners went on to be winners of the Business Impact Award at the Innovate UK KTP Awards 2021 for the innovative nature of the partnership.
That technology is now being marketed to firms under the Nova Engage brand, described as a ‘client onboarding application that prepares prospective family law clients for their first, all-important consultation. It provides (the firm) with essential client information, ensuring an exceptional client experience from the very first meeting.’
In 2021, to mark the firm’s 10-year anniversary, co-founders Alan and Robert established a £36,000 scholarship fund in partnership with the University of Brighton. The fund supports six undergraduate law students from backgrounds presently under-represented in law throughout their studies. Alongside financial support, each student is offered mentoring from Family Law Partners, helping them build the confidence and insight needed for a successful legal career.
Discussing his impact on the profession, friend and co-founder of Family Law Partners Robert Williams said
“This is such a fabulous moment for all of us who work alongside Alan. Alan is someone who never settles for the way things have always been done: he’s always looking for how they can be done better. Whether it’s challenging outdated legal systems or investing in the next generation of lawyers, Alan leads with purpose, compassion and heart. He is also a positive disrupter, who works tirelessly to improve family law, never accepting the status quo. The fact he will feel undeserving of this recognition tells you all you need to know about him.”
Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:
“We are proud to award Alan Larkin an Honorary Doctorate. Alan’s exceptional work in family law, particularly his innovative approach to dispute resolution and unwavering commitment to access to justice, aligns perfectly with our university’s values and has made a real and lasting difference to people’s lives. This honour also celebrates the meaningful partnership we share, from the vital scholarships supporting future legal talent to pioneering collaborations in legal tech.”
