about us

Rene joined the Townsend Family Law team in November 2022. She advises across all aspects of privately funded family law matters including divorce, separation, civil partnerships, contested matrimonial finance matters, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, private law children cases and injunctions and brings a wealth of experience with her. Before joining Townsend’s, Rene was an associate solicitor for a well-known national family law firm. 

Approach 

Rene understands that it can be a very difficult, emotional and uncertain time for anyone who experiences a relationship breakdown which is why Rene strives to put clients at ease from the first meeting.  Clients have commended Rene for her friendly and pragmatic approach, always striving to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients in the most cost-effective way. 

Route to becoming a Solicitor

Rene studied Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire securing a 2:1 with honours before completing her Graduate Diploma in Law at BBP Law School. She then went on to study the Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School, and in 2016 obtained a Commendation.  

Rene qualified as a Solicitor in November 2018 having trained exclusively across all aspects of privately funded Family Law matters. 

Spare time 

In her spare time Rene enjoys travelling to different countries, learning different cultures and trying different foods. Rene unwinds by practising Yoga and getting stuck in a good book!

Professional

Abbie joined the team at Townsend’s in May 2022 after completing her training contract at an established law firm in Hertfordshire. After graduating with a law degree in 2019 from the University of Hertfordshire, Abbie chose to study for her legal professional qualifications part time whilst undertaking her training and working full time. After spending much of her training in private client, Abbie joined Townsend’s to pursue her ambition to specialise in family law, an area that she feels best suits her skills and personality. Abbie was admitted as a solicitor in December 2022.  

In addition to supporting the senior members of the team in more complex financial remedy proceedings, disputes involving children and cohabitation cases, Abbie is also developing her own matrimonial and family practice. She is routinely praised by clients for her warm, friendly and confident approach which places client’s immediately at ease. 

Abbie’s private client experience gained over two years before joining Townsend’s means that Abbie also acts for clients in the preparation of wills and lasting powers of attorney.

Abbie is committed to providing a supportive and professional service to her clients delivered with honesty and realism which clients have come to respect. Her aim is to help resolve issues as cost effectively as possible and with minimal stress.

Personal

In her spare time Abbie enjoys getting stuck into a true crime series, trying new food, and spending time with her friends and family. Abbie’s adopted dog, Buddie has become part of the Townsend family. 

Poppy graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2021 with a First Class in LLB Law and completed the Masters in Legal Practice in 2022 with a Distinction. Having previously worked as both a commercial property and conveyancing paralegal, Poppy has experience in working in a fast-paced environment and managing client’s expectations. During Poppy’s studies she quickly realised that Family Law was a passion of hers and one area that she thoroughly enjoyed. Poppy is excited to begin her legal career as a trainee solicitor at Townsend Family Law and is keen to develop her knowledge and understanding of all that family law brings. 

In Poppy’s free time she enjoys going to the gym and watching the television show Friends. Poppy is a big West Ham fan and enjoys going to home and away matches at the weekend. 

Professional

Laura's background comes from the recruitment industry , with 13 years’ experience as an accounts/ payroll assistant. Laura joined Townsend in September and deals with our companies accounts and office administration. 

Personal

In her spare time Laura enjoys spending time with her young family and socialising with friends.

Professional

Louise joined Townsend as a receptionist in December 2020 after previously working in a Corporate Law firm in the City and in 2022 she moved to the role of legal secretary.

Personal

In her spare time Louise enjoys writing her own music, spending time with friends & family and going to music concerts.

Karolina joined our team in June 2022 and her receptionist/administrative work background varies between industries; the more recent ones being in property, advertising and transport.

She is personable and enjoys being the first port of call for clients.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym and socialising with friends.

Buddy joined the Townsend team in January 2023.

Before settling in the UK, Buddy started life as a stray puppy in Romania. He found his forever home when Abbie adopted him.

Buddy has become a cherished office member. He never passes up an op-paw-tunity for a cuddle and when the going gets ruff Buddy is always there to lend his sup-paw-t.   

Lunch is Buddy’s favourite time of the day. He is partial to a jacket potato and string cheese and can sniff out a slice of toast or a crumpet before it pops the toaster.

When Buddy is not busy cheering up the team, he loves a snooze followed by a walk in the Waltham Abbey gardens. He has become very paw-pular with his canine friends.