Kimberley Davies, family law partner at Trethowans in Dorset, is the host of The Candid Divorce Lawyer, which won the Innovative Marketing Award at the Legal Growth Awards 2026 and has now surpassed 10,100 streams and downloads. Here, she explains the power of the podcast, not only for profile-raising, but also for educating and breaking down barriers – enhancing client support at every stage of the journey.
For experienced family lawyers, the law itself is rarely the most challenging part of our day. The real complexity is getting a client from the beginning of the process to the end while navigating raw emotions, mental health, practical worries, and shifting family dynamics.
Shining a light on the multifaceted nature of the job was a big part of why we launched The Candid Divorce Lawyer – we wanted to help people see beyond the ‘scary lawyer’ trope, while educating and demystifying the separation process.
Three seasons in, through open conversations with incredible guests, ranging from family therapists to financial experts, authors to influencers, we have tackled everything from asset division to divorcing a narcissist.
The impact has extended well beyond what we imagined; not only does it help clients find us, but it also enhances how we can support them – bringing a host of other personal and professional benefits along the way.
A resource to support clients
As every family lawyer can tell you, time with clients isn’t always focussed on legal questions. While we support and lend a sympathetic ear, that isn’t our primary role. Developing a bank of podcasts covering the practical and emotional themes that come up in conversations with clients gives them that wider context they need. I can refer someone to a specific, relevant source of help between appointments, and they feel supported – even if all it takes is sending a quick link.
The podcast also covers key legal concepts and vocabulary, building clients’ understanding off the clock. When I start explaining about pensions, for example, I’ve had a client stop me and say: “Oh, I listened to the podcast on that.” We still have to do the bespoke piece for them, but it needs far less explaining.
The other thing it does is introduce me to prospective clients. They can hear my voice and get a feel for my approach – see that I’m not overly formal or judgy. Essentially, they can pre-vet me, so by the time they instruct us, they know what they are getting. We don’t get false starts and clients arrive already aligned with our way of working.
The podcast can even reach people long before that point – helping them at the delicate early stage of separation, when a lack of information can heighten conflict and increase anxiety at an already difficult time. .
A broader perspective
During a divorce, clients understandably develop tunnel vision. But while they often struggle to see anything from their ex’s point of view at that time, the podcast can offer a vital outside perspective – reframing things for them, even subconsciously.
It also normalises the emotional reality of separation. A client might be struggling and beating themselves up, but rather than just reassure them, I can direct them to the episode with comedian Helen Thorn, who spoke so openly about the messy grief of separation – drinking too much wine, living in her pyjamas – with the message “that’s all OK – you will get through it.”
Hearing from others with lived experience gives clients hope about the other side of a separation, helping them focus on getting there.
Profile building and reach
While it’s hard to track how many clients it brings to us directly, I’m noticing more and more people mentioning the podcast, at enquiry or onboarding, or while I’m working with them –or just when I’m out in the community at events. It has even led to me securing a weekly column in the local newspaper.
Historically, the legal profession has been hesitant to give information away ‘for free’ but, in the era of AI, it doesn’t make sense to gatekeep knowledge in the same way any longer. Offering advice, insights and information, and engaging with people through the podcast, has built our reputation as a trusted source. Ultimately, it is an extension of what we do, helping clients become better informed and more focused, so we can work with them more effectively.
Personal bonuses
The final thing to say about the Candid Divorce Lawyer podcast is how enjoyable it is to create. I love being able to have interesting conversations with fantastic experts and incredible individuals – it’s expanded my network of professionals who can help our clients, and I’ve learned so much personally too.
This can be an intense and taxing job, but the podcast brings creativity and breathing space into my day. I tell everyone else to be kind to themselves – doing this has helped me practise what I preach, ultimately making me a healthier, more compassionate lawyer.
The Candid Divorce Lawyer podcast is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
About the author
Kimberley Davies has over 15 years’ experience guiding clients through complex, high-stakes family matters. She’s a qualified mediator and resolution together lawyer, meaning she can work with both partners jointly in a “One Couple One Lawyer” approach.Her expertise spans everything from multi-million-pound financial settlements to high-conflict children cases and international surrogacy. Recognised as a leading lawyer by Wiselaw and one of the top 3 family law solicitors in Poole, she’s trusted for her calm, clear and compassionate advice. Outside of work, Kimberley lives in Dorset with her husband and two daughters and loves beach walks and good conversation with friends.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of Today’s Family Lawyer.
