Lauren qualified as a solicitor in 2016, having completed her training contract at a firm in Chester and joined Rowlinsons in the same month. She specialises in family law, including private Children Act proceedings, divorce, financial settlements and separation. Lauren adopts a friendly and pragmatic approach during what is often a difficult time for clients and enjoys the variety that family work brings. Having also dealt with residential conveyancing for a number of years, Lauren is able to advise clients on matrimonial transfers. Lauren is a member of Resolution and in 2025 won the award for ‘Solicitor of the Year’ at the Manchester Resolution Awards.
What was your career path to your current role?
I remember when I was at school I thought having a career in a fast paced and interesting profession would suit me and after completing my A-Levels, I studied Law at University. Whilst at university I undertook a number of electives including criminal law and sports law, although I did find family law particularly interesting. Following the Legal Practice Course I was fortunate to secure a training contact at a multi-service firm in Chester and spent a lot of time doing residential property and family work.
After completion of my training contact I began working at my current firm doing a rather unusual dual role of both property and family matters. For the last two years I have been focusing solely on family matters as the head of department at Rowlinsons, albeit my previous experience in residential property does lend itself well to advising clients particularly when dealing with the family home and also when assisting unmarried and separating couples, often in dispute over the shared property.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
I have always enjoyed travelling and experiencing new places that the world has to offer. Before securing my training contract I did contemplate taking some time out to travel the world but didn’t want to miss out on my dream of becoming a solicitor and I couldn’t pass on the training contract opportunity. Instead I now aim to travel to new places when time allows and experience new cultures with my family (who equally enjoy travelling).
What keeps you motivated in your work?
Striving to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients is a key motivator for me in my role. Typically, clients approach a family law solicitor at a time in their lives which is emotionally challenging. Giving clients clear and pragmatic advice is needed with empathy to their situation. I recently received some feedback from a client after a difficult Children Act case, which set out that I had made such a difference and enabled him to have a clear pattern of time with his son, something which he thought would not happen – great motivation indeed.
What has been the best development in family law in the last 20 years?
Personally, I consider the introduction of the no-fault divorce in 2022 to have been a huge development. I can recall so many times whereby a client has been upset upon reading their spouse’s petition and indeed other clients saying to me that they didn’t want to attribute blame to the other party but simply wanted to divorce. The introduction of the no-fault divorce now removes this to an extent and encourages the parties to be amicable; a sentiment that I share as a member of Resolution.
And the worst?
A consistent issue both in Children Act proceedings and financial remedy cases is the time for hearings to be listed and also the delay in receiving directions orders and sealed orders from the court. It is often difficult for family practitioners to manage clients’ expectations when it takes so long for cases to be listed. The current pressure on the family court system is certainly a challenge and hasn’t been helped by cuts in legal aid, with more litigants in person and more parties seeking court intervention. When dealing with private Children Act matters, I hope to see the Pathfinder pilot scheme rolled out in more courts across the country as this may help by having statements and the child impact report at the outset to avoid multiple hearings.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
Many couples are now deciding to cohabit and not marry and whilst I have seen a slight increase in couples entering into a cohabitation agreement, reform is craved in this area. The Cohabitation Rights Bill has been mooted for some time, however there is no current timescale for when we can expect this to be introduced. All too many times I’ve met with a client at the initial appointment who has muttered the words “common law spouse”. It is frustrating that cohabitees who have been in a long term relationship, often with children and one party being the financial weaker party, do not have sufficient financial protection.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
I would seek amendments to LASPO, particularly the impact that the severe legal aid cuts have had on family cases. Whilst legal aid is available in very limited circumstances, it is important that individuals are able to access legal advice. All too many times prospective clients have said that they unfortunately do not have the means to pay due to limited income. Wherever possible we will offer our trainee solicitor at a lower rate and look at manageable fixed fee appointments.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
I recall one of my lecturers in university emphasising the importance of maintaining detailed file notes when attending upon clients and discussing matters over the telephone with the court, third parties and the opposing solicitor. This has stuck with me and is something that I instil in our department to ensure that accurate and detailed records are maintained.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d like to give to someone just starting out?
When I was starting out there was typically the path of a training contract, LPC and then to secure a newly qualified role. Now there are so many ways to get into the legal profession. I would advise anyone interested in this career to seek as many training opportunities as early on as possible such as work experience and any volunteer work. Exploring other ways to the traditional route is beneficial, such as the solicitor apprenticeship scheme. By way of an example, our current solicitor apprentice originally did work experience at our firm and she is now about to qualify as a solicitor.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
A number of years ago I took part in a World Challenge Expedition in Iceland. Our team leader did not pick up the message that we were heading straight into a storm and we effectively became stranded up a mountain with one member of the group getting hyperthermia. Thankfully we were rescued by mountain rescue and featured on Icelandic news!
If you’d like to appear in a future Today’s Family Lawyer profile, email press@todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk
