A day in the life of a family lawyer in London
They say no two days in family law are ever the same – and they are absolutely right. But one thing that rarely changes for me is the 6:30am alarm, followed by a strong coffee and a Reformer Pilates class before heading into work. It’s my way of getting centred before diving into a day that is often fast-paced, unpredictable, and emotionally charged.
After class, I make my way into our Fleet Street office in the heart of the city, just a short walk from St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s one of my favourite parts of London, rich in legal history but buzzing with modern energy. It suits the work we do at Ellis Jones perfectly: serious, purposeful, and forward-thinking.
The work we do
My role as a Senior Associate in the Family department involves everything from private children matters and financial disputes to complex international relocation and child abduction cases. Some days I’m in court, either issuing applications for urgent protective orders or dealing with highly sensitive relocation/abduction issues. Other days, I’m in conference with clients who may be facing the toughest moments of their lives. It’s never lost on me how personal this work is. It’s not just about law – it’s about people, and I try to bring clarity and calm to every conversation.
"It’s not just about law—it’s about people"
Navigating international cases
Many of my cases involve international elements, which adds a strategic layer to the work. I often liaise with overseas lawyers, work closely with organisations like ICACU and Reunite, and stay connected with colleagues through professional associations like the Child Abduction Lawyers Association, where I serve on the committee.
Leadership and mentorship
At the same time, I lead our Family team in London, so I also spend time mentoring junior lawyers, reviewing ongoing matters, and making sure our clients feel supported at every stage of their journey. I genuinely enjoy that part of my role, creating an environment where clients and colleagues feel heard and motivated.
Building connections
Some evenings, I will attend networking events with fellow family lawyers. These are not just about exchanging business cards, they are spaces where we talk openly about legal trends, complex cases, and shared challenges. There is a real sense of community in family law, and those connections matter, both professionally and personally.
Other evenings, I will switch off with a netball game or catch up with friends over dinner or drinks. Whether it’s the adrenaline of a close match or just laughing over stories from the day, that time helps me decompress and keep perspective.
Family law is not a 9-to-5 job, and that is part of what I love about it. It’s demanding, meaningful, and deeply human. There are tough moments, of course, but there are also moments of real resolution, relief, and hope. Being able to guide people through that, and to do it as part of such a supportive and expert team, is why I do what I do.
"No two days are ever the same—but that’s exactly what makes this career so rewarding."
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