Today we are chatting to Kirsty Nelson, our Partner and Family Law Solicitor at our Middlesbrough branch, to find out more about her role at Ison Harrison and her approach to family law matters.
Q: What made you want to become a family law expert?
I actually fell into family law by accident when I worked in a high street firm in Kendal many years ago. I loved the contact with people and the feeling of really helping someone get their life back on track when things have gone wrong. I then moved into child protection and found it very rewarding to know you have helped a child remain safe.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with different people and coming across new scenarios every day.
Q: What does a typical working day look like for you?
It would be a court hearing in the morning and back to the office in the afternoon to deal with the paperwork side (although that is now all on computer!)
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of helping clients?
Feeling you have made a difference and helped them along the way.
Q: What do you think makes a good family law solicitor?
Empathy – and good legal knowledge.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew before speaking to a family solicitor?
The extent of our powers!
Q: How would you describe your approach when working with clients?
Empathetic but also no nonsense, straight talking advice.
Q: What do you find most interesting about family law?
The range of people we deal with on a day to day basis.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception people have about family lawyers?
People believe we will be more adversarial when actually a lot of issues are resolved through negotiation. It’s knowing when to fight that matters.
Q: What advice has stayed with you throughout your career?
Write a to do list at the end of every day (otherwise you don’t sleep!)
Q: What are you most proud of professionally?
Fighting for children to be returned to their parents; where safe obviously. And seeing the progress parents can make with the right advice and support.
Q: If you weren’t a solicitor, what do you think you would be doing?
I’d be on stage singing in musicals I think!
Q: What was your first-ever job?
Whilst at school, I was a newspaper girl. After University I became a legal secretary. During University I also worked on a bungee jumping site – that was fun!
Q: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I play rock songs on piano!
Q: What does IH being 100% employee-owned mean to you?
It means a lot as there is a sense of belonging to a team that I’ve not felt anywhere else. We are all in it together.
If you would like to speak with Kirsty regarding a family law matter, please email kirsty.nelson@isonharrison.co.uk or call 01642 070 860.
