My first few months in Gilson Gray Family Law

It wouldn’t be a mistake for me to say that one of the highlights of the week in the family law team at Gilson Gray is our weekly trip to Nando’s.

I’m sure my detractors would say that the prospect of free food would have won me over regardless of my experience, but truth be told, our weekly lunches together speak volumes about the welcoming and successful department that Philippa runs.

From the very first day, I have been valued as a team-member and have been given many opportunities to genuinely contribute to cases.  In terms of work, I spend my days taking client instructions, attending Sheriff and Court of Session cases, drafting agreements and researching points of law.  This ‘front-line’ exposure, coupled with instantaneous feedback from expert solicitors and Partners, has been highly-instructive for me as a trainee.

Many of the issues we face in family law are contentious with tight deadlines.   From what I have seen, all the solicitors are dedicated to their clients and willing to communicate at all times of the day.  On occasion, the number of cases happening simultaneously requires some serious coordination.  At these points, it is clear to see that Philippa, Sally and Shona have worked in tandem for a number of years and operate successfully as a unit to cover all of our clients’ needs.

When it comes to working out settlements and agreements, the team are reasonable and principled in pursuing clients’ aims.  This style clearly achieves results and the team have, rightly, won awards and accolades for their work over the years.  From a trainee’s point of view, I have learnt that negotiations between sides can happen at all times of the day and that every matter, big or small, can be negotiated.  I have been taught by the team to develop a comprehensive knowledge of each case in case of any ‘crisis’ situation!  Occasionally, matters do still end up in court, and I have been impressed with the stamina shown by the team to see matters to their conclusion.

On a personal level, it has been a really positive experience to be welcomed as a team-member and invited to many of the team’s events (especially Nando’s).  All the team have been patient with my questions and always ready to help, and I can only thank them for their time and effort with me.

To conclude, for any potential family law clients reading this blog, the three most important public pieces of advice I would give, based on my experience so far, are – 1) take legal advice early; 2) don’t sign anything before checking with a lawyer; and 3) get to know lawyers before you need them!

I’m sure my detractors would say that the prospect of free food would have won me over regardless of my experience, but truth be told, our weekly lunches together speak volumes about the welcoming and successful department that Philippa runs.

To get more of an insight into the Family Law team check out Natalie’s blog by clicking here -> https://gilsongray.co.uk/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-family-law-secretary-at-gilson-gray/

The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any of the information contained in this blog, please seek specific advice from Gilson Gray.