HELLO BLOG READERS!!!
As the newest recruit to Townsend Family Law, I thought I would use my first blog to tell you a bit about myself. I have been a specialist family solicitor for over twenty years and for 12 years I was a solicitor and partner at a long established practice in Barnet North London. I joined Townsend in May 2018.
I started out as a trainee at a local firm in Edmonton, North London. My training was a baptism of fire. I was thrown in at the deep end and within six months of starting my training contract I was in court every day practising advocacy. I still remember practising for hours in front of my husband before my first court appearance. It was five minutes long – a hearing today that I would not think twice about. Getting into court early on in my career was great training. Advocacy is a skill that I still use today representing clients in financial settlements, children’s disputes and injunction cases.
From early on in my studies I knew that I wanted to specialise in an area of law and that gave me lots of client contact. I am by nature someone who wants to help, wants to find solutions. During my training years I was lucky to gain lots of exposure to family law work. I was expected to earn my keep even when I was in training and shortly after I qualified I was sent off to another office to set up a litigation and family department which consisted of just me and my electric typewriter!! I took on anything that came through the door to build up my practice which often meant taking on cases that involved new and as yet unchartered legal territory. I came to rely on some trusted barristers for help. By working on my own without colleagues to bounce thoughts off, I quickly learnt to work independently and to rely on my own judgement.
In my professional journey my work has moved from legally aided cases that gave me early exposure to disputes involving children, domestic violence and smaller value divorces to more complex divorces involving businesses, trusts, pensions as well as investment and property portfolios. I still relish getting stuck into a complex financial dispute. I am always proactive and enjoy the preparation of arguments for negotiation. I am always looking for an angle that will give me an edge over an opponent.
I feel very fortunate to have worked for people from all walks of life. Regardless of the value of a case, my dedication to my client never falters. As soon as a new client walks through the door, I am completely committed. I want the best outcome. Sometimes, my job involves tough talking if I know that expectations are unrealistic or unlikely to be achieved. It’s really important to me that I am honest with my client from the outset about what they can expect from the process and the outcome. Sometimes my advice can be unpalatable but by being honest from the start, my clients are prepared for what will come. I won’t sugar coat my advice to obtain work. In my experience, this can lead to disappointment later on and can affect a working relationship with a client. When I wave my client good bye, I want them to leave the process feeling not only that I have supported and professionally cared for them but also that I have been a good judge of the outcome of the case.
If you are thinking about separation or divorce and you are looking for a friendly sympathetic ear to talk through the process, book an appointment to come in and see me. For a first one hour consultation my usual hourly rate is halved.
Marion
Townsend Family Law are able to provide services tailored to your budget. Should you require assistance please telephone us on 01992892214.
