The ‘Writing to Children’ Toolkit in practice
In this episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer podcast, host David Opie is joined by Jude Eyre, Associate Director at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (NFJO). Together, they explore the newly released Toolkit for Judges on Writing to Children, a guidance document designed to support judges in communicating directly with children in family law proceedings. Jude offers insight into the collaborative process […]
Understanding gaslighting and narcissistic behaviour
In this powerful episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast, host David Opie welcomes Shoba Aziz, an experienced barrister at Great James St Chambers, for an important conversation exploring the psychological dimensions of domestic abuse—specifically narcissistic behaviour and gaslighting. Drawing on over 20 years in legal practice, Shoba shares her deep expertise in private child and family law, especially […]
Enhancing domestic abuse screening in family mediation
In this episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast host David Opie is joined by Mike Mack, CEO of the Family Mediation Trust, and Lorraine Bramwell, a seasoned family mediator and trainer, to discuss the creation of a new Domestic Abuse Screening Tool. The initiative is a collaboration between the Family Mediation Trust and the […]
Providing family legal services for the changing nature of modern relationships
In this latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast host David Opie welcomes Laura Tanguay and Lucy Birch from Birketts LLP to discuss the launch of their Modern Families service. Lucy Birch is a senior associate in the family team, and Laura Tanguay is a legal director in the property disputes team; with the podcast exploring how […]
The amicable story
Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast host David Opie welcomes Kate Daly, co-founder of amicable to discuss the evolution of the business since it launched in 2015; to a point where it now is one of the largest providers of family law services in the UK by virtue of the number of consent orders it submits annually. […]
Splitting hairs: Cut off levels and consistency in hair strand testing
In the latest episode of the podcast, host David Opie sits down with James Nutt, Laboratory Operations Manager at Cansford Laboratories, to explore a fresh perspective on the use of hair strand testing in the family courts. This episode delves into the complexities behind what many might see as a straightforward scientific process. James offers […]
Special educational needs and family law – how we can support families
Podcast host David Opie is joined by Rukhsana Koser and Sarah Palmer, Solicitor’s at Enable Law, to discuss Special Educational Needs (SEN) and family law and shed light on the increasing challenges families face and how legal expertise can make a significant impact. With personal experience growing up alongside siblings with learning difficulties, Rukhsana brings […]
Life in the law – have your say before 21st March 2025
Podcast host David Opie is joined by CEO of the charity LawCare, Elizabeth Rimmer, to discuss their latest “Life in the Law” surveys which are now open for completion until Friday 21st March. LawCare supports and promotes mental health and wellbeing across the legal services sector. They have 2 main focuses. Their first is in […]
“Delegate Now to Supercharge Your Profits”
The Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast welcomes back Dan Warburton, a law firm consultant and trainer who specialises in helping individuals delegate work more effectively; in the process junior staff are elevated, the individual has a happier work/life balance, and ultimately the firm can be more profitable. It’s a soapbox Dan has jumped on before having […]
The important role of intermediaries in court proceedings
In the latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast host David Opie discusses the role of intermediaries in the justice system with Lucy Osmond, Lead Practitioner at Communicourt. With over a decade of experience in facilitated communication, Osmond sheds light on the essential work Communicourt does in supporting HMCTS and ensuring that all court users can effectively […]
Building a profile using social media
Launching the latest series of the Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast, host David Opie is joined by Head of the Family Department at Chester-based Oliver & Co Solicitors Alex Reagan to discuss the firm’s proactive approach to marketing to help build the firm’s profile. Having launched a social media series called Family Fact Friday the firm […]
Out of court settlements and private FDRs
Vanda James and Tom Quinn, both partners at Birketts LLP, join the latest Today’s Family Lawyer to discuss the current sentiment around alternative and out of court dispute resolution. Amongst the points up for discussion are Does out of court dispute resolution force people down a route that may ultimately end up in a more […]
QualitySolicitors – The next chapter
As one of the disruptors in the wake of the Legal Services Act 2007 QualitySolicitors (QS) was launched in 2009 with the ambition to help the high street fight back against the anticipated onslaught of major brands entering the legal market – so-called ‘Tesco Law.’ QS grew rapidly, with firms up and down the country […]
Issues with bank of mum and dad loans
The challenges of rising cost of living, wage growth, and getting on the property ladder has seen a significant increase in financial support offered by parents and grandparents to children. 1 in 3 first time buyers are cohabitees, and according to the Office for National Statistics figures there has been a 20% increase in the […]
The importance of being an expert in your field
The latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast explores the increasing importance of specialising in certain areas of the law and being regarded as an expert in your field. Kim Lehal, Partner and Head of International Children at RWK Goodman, is one of just 49 accredited firms on the Ministry of Justice’s Child Abduction: Accredited Solicitors Referral […]
We’re all human, we all make mistakes
Joining the latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast is Dan Temple, an expert in acknowledging and understanding the human impact of working, and managing employees and businesses. The discussion centres on creating effective and high performing teams, and what steps law firms can, and should, be taking to enable this in their business. Dan leads Cobalt […]
Pre-nups, post-nups and separation agreements
Pre-nups, post-nups, separation agreements and cohabitation agreements are all part of the discussion on the latest Today’s Family Lawyer podcast with Kathryn Cassells of Vaitilingam Kay Solicitors as we deep dive into this increasingly popular world. As Kathryn quite rightly points out of course, nuptial agreements are not binding contracts in England and Wales and […]
From launch to succession; the culture and business of law
Victoria Cannon joins the latest Today’s Family Lawyer podcast to discuss her experiences of launching, running and ultimately exiting her family law practice. With a relatively unique journey into the profession, Victoria brings a range of life and personal experiences to her role now, as Head of the Family Team at Hugh James. She talks […]
AML and sanctions data collection – What you need to know
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently requested law firms complete an anti-money laundering and sanctions data collection exercise. The SRA is required by Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) to take a risk-based approach to supervision and is requesting firms complete the requested information as full as possible. It will, they say […]
What is a private domestic abuse advisor?
Caroline Glass is private domestic abuse advisor having worked extensively throughout her career with those impacted by domestci abuse. She had been part of the charity Refuge and was also an Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDVA) in Lambeth. She has since decided to become a private advisor and joins the latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast […]
