What do you do for Consilia Legal?

I am the co-founder of Consilia Legal. We are a boutique law firm and mediation practice specialising in family and employment legal disputes. I, along with my business partner Marie Walsh, manage the firm with the support of our practice manager. We set up the business 8 years ago and continually strike to make it a better working environment for our growing team whilst also delivering the highest level of client care. A lot of my time is dedicated to business growth and strategic planning however I think the team also appreciate my sense of humour and my ability to make a cracking cup of Yorkshire tea!

From a client facing perspective, I am a specialist matrimonial solicitor and accredited family mediator. My expertise is mainly sought in high net worth and complex matrimonial finance cases and on advising clients in relation to nuptial agreements. I have particular experience in dealing with cases concerning businesses, pensions and investment/property portfolios. My clients may also have overseas assets and/or be beneficiaries of trust arrangements.

What do you love most about your role?

I love working with a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Culture is really important for us at Consilia Legal as is being a team player. I love to see members of the team develop within their roles and to take pride and fulfilment in their work.

With my mediator hat on, I love keeping separated families out of Court and helping them to sort out their finances and arrangements for their children fairly and with dignity. I find it particularly rewarding to facilitate a financial resolution within mediation where the issues are of a complex nature. In these cases, I will often work closely with the lawyers and other experts to offer a holistic approach to achieving a successful outcome.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Launching Consilia Legal in 2014 at the age of 27 and building a company and a team to be proud of. We were one of the first law firms to offer our team a four day working week which we have been implementing with success since 2020. This model of working has been transformative for us and our team and in turn our clients benefit from the impact that this has on our team’s dedication to their work.

In 2021,we won a National Award for wellbeing in the workplace, which was a huge recognition for us and the work we do to support our people.

What type of intermediaries do you tend to work with?

When dealing with matrimonial finance cases, there are often issues concerning properties, businesses, pensions and trust funds. I often bring in experts to advise my clients on these matters including financial advisers, forensic accountants, tax specialists, trust lawyers and actuarial advisers. I am also instructed on cases with an international element and work alongside lawyers and other private client professionals based overseas.

Why did you join PCD?

We opened our third office in London in 2021 and were keen to make new connections in the private client space. Both Marie and I love meeting new people and being able to work with other like-minded professionals and business owners. We wanted to build our London network in an organic way and within an informal environment without pressure. PCD ticked those boxes nicely.

On a weekend, I am most likely found...

The weekend for me is mainly about family time whether that’s baking at home with the kids or spending the day outdoors at a local park or farm. When I’m not entertaining the little people in my life, I’m either heading out for a run or enjoying a meal out with a nice glass of red wine (or two)!