Jenniffer Brunt is head of family law at Slater & Gordon. She has more than 21 years’ experience in family law, specialising in divorce and complex financial remedy cases, including those involving businesses, pensions and significant property portfolios. She is particularly passionate about helping clients navigate some of life’s most difficult and emotionally challenging moments through a practical, compassionate and client-focused approach. Jenniffer leads Slater & Gordon’s national family law team, combining strategic leadership with a practical, compassionate and client-focused approach.
What was your career path to your current role?
I began my career as a legal clerk in 1997 and qualified as a chartered legal executive in 2004, building my experience while working directly with clients and progressing increasingly complex family law cases.
My legal career spans more than 22 years, during which I developed a particular specialism in divorce and financial remedy work, including cases involving substantial assets, businesses and pensions.
My career progressed through a number of leadership roles before I became head of family law at Slater & Gordon. It has been a gradual journey built on experience, hard work and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
I didn’t begin with a rigid career plan or necessarily imagine that I would one day lead a national family law team. My ambition developed as my career progressed. I wanted to become the best family lawyer I could be, while also helping others develop and creating a team in which people feel supported and encouraged to succeed.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
The ability to make a genuine difference to people’s lives. Clients often come to us feeling overwhelmed, frightened about their future or unsure where to begin. Helping them understand their options, regain a sense of control and move forward with confidence is incredibly rewarding.
I am also motivated by my team. Seeing people develop, succeed and support one another gives me enormous pride.
What has been the best development in family law in the last 20 years?
The introduction of no-fault divorce has been one of the most positive developments.
Previously, many people had to make allegations about their spouse’s behaviour simply to begin the divorce process, which could create unnecessary hostility before discussions about children or finances had even started.
Removing blame from the legal process does not diminish the emotional significance of divorce, but it allows couples to focus more constructively on resolving the issues that matter and planning for their futures.
And the worst?
The removal of legal aid from most areas of private family law has had a profoundly negative effect on access to justice. Many people cannot afford representation but are faced with navigating complex proceedings alone, sometimes against a legally represented former partner.
This increases pressure on already stretched courts and can leave vulnerable people without the advice and protection they need.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
I would introduce clear and fair financial rights for cohabiting couples when their relationships end. There remains a widespread misconception that living together creates a common-law marriage, but there is no such status in England and Wales.
The existing law can leave a financially vulnerable partner without an appropriate remedy, even after a long relationship in which they have raised children or made significant contributions to the family. Carefully framed legislation could provide protection while still respecting couples’ autonomy and avoiding the automatic replication of marriage.
Reform in this area has been discussed for many years, and I would welcome legislation that better reflects the reality of modern family life and provides greater protection for financially vulnerable cohabiting couples.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
Rather than simply removing one provision, I would replace the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 with a modern, consolidated statutory framework for financial remedies on divorce.
The current law gives the court valuable flexibility, but much of the way it is applied has developed through decades of case law. This can make outcomes difficult for separating couples to understand or predict.
A clearer modern framework could retain judicial discretion while providing greater certainty, encouraging earlier settlement and reducing unnecessary conflict and costs. The Law Commission has also identified uncertainty and the lack of a cohesive framework as issues requiring reform.
What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
Never stop learning, and never become so focused on the legal issues that you forget the person behind the case. Technical knowledge is essential, but clients also need to feel heard, understood and supported.
That advice has shaped both the way I practise and the way I lead my team.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Learn the fundamentals, ask questions and do not be afraid to admit when you do not know something. Family law is about people as much as it is about legislation and procedure, so listen carefully and develop strong client-care skills.
I would also encourage people to find good mentors, accept constructive feedback and treat every task as an opportunity to learn. Your reputation is built through consistency, integrity and how you treat people.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
Outside work, I am a dancer and a coach to a dance team of girls aged 11-16 years of age. Dance is a huge part of my life and provides a very different kind of challenge from leading a family law department.
It has also taught me a great deal about teamwork, resilience, discipline and bringing out the best in people – qualities that are just as valuable in my professional life.
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