Katy Moody has spent a decade working in family law, after qualifying in 2016. She has worked in both national family teams and local firms, although her most recent role prior to joining Setfords in January this year was head of department at a regional firm.
What was your career path to your current role?
I qualified as a solicitor in 2016 in family law. Prior to qualification, I worked as a legal assistant in a local firm in family law before I was given the opportunity to complete a training contract with them. Upon qualification I was lucky enough to work at a national firm in their family team and I learnt a lot from reputable lawyers who I was able to work with. For personal reasons, I then moved back to working in more local firms where I was able to progress my career to a head of department. I recently moved into my current role as a consultant which has enabled me greater flexibility and the ability to progress my career in a way to fit around my own family responsibilities.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
My goals have changed since I started my own family. I used to think that the traditional progression through a law firm was what I wanted as a career ambition, but my priorities have changed. As a mother to a daughter, I want to ensure that I am a good role model for her and show her the power of being in control of your career progression. This is the reason I moved into consultancy, to be in control of building my own legal brand and career in the way that works for me.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
As cliché as it sounds, being able to support clients through very difficult times in their lives. A person’s family and home life are one of the most important things and being able to help them through that journey, and the rebuilding which follows, keeps me engaged in helping others.
What has been the best development in family law in the last 20 years?
Over recent years, there has been much more awareness of domestic abuse in relationships and the impact of this on victims and children. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 paved the way for professionals and the court to recognise abusive behaviour other than physical abuse for example, coercive controlling behaviour and economic abuse.
And the worst?
The Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act 2008 changed the way in which child maintenance payments between two parents are calculated. The parent paying child maintenance receives a reduction in the payment the more times the child spends overnight with them. I have seen it used many times as a stick to beat the other parent with and it can make parents lose sight of the children being the priority.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
New legislation is needed to set out how finances should be divided between two parties who separate but are unmarried. Cohabiting couples have much less protection in the event of a separation than married couples. It leaves those with children and less financial assets more exposed in the event of a separation.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
The Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act 2008. Not removed from the statute books completely but a further review should be undertaken as to how child maintenance should be calculated and paid between parents without the arrangements for a child being used to weaponise this.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
You can make your legal career what you want it to be so long as you work hard.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d like to give to someone just starting out?
Be yourself. When you first start a career in law, you put so much pressure on yourself to do well and to make a good impression. However, you don’t need to compromise yourself and your principles to succeed. You will find the law firm that matches you.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
I’m not sure whether this is surprising, but I am a normal person. I come from a working class background so I understand normal issues which clients may have when dealing with a family issue.
If you’d like to appear in a future profile, email press@todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk with ‘Profile’ in the subject line.
