An update from our family clerk

  • Kate Smith

In the 6 months of being at Central Chambers as the family clerk, there have been some extensive and exciting changes.  In January, I joined as part of a greater development plan for the family team. This in turn resulted in moving into larger offices in a more prestigious building to reflect our ambition to grow and develop further as a team and as a Chambers.

Chambers has been involved with a wide range of marketing events and charity evenings which we have been proud to sponsor and for which we have also provided donations.  One of my personal favourites was the Bolton Law Society quiz night where, although we weren’t champions, it was my first real opportunity to put faces to the names of the many existing clients with whom I have started to build strong relationships.

Off the back of this, our Head of Family team, Joseph Lynch, was invited to provide an update in private family law on behalf of Bolton Law Society at a seminar at the beginning of June.  This created an opportunity for us to host another Family Law update seminar on behalf of Oldham Law Association which is due to be held in the middle of July – keep an eye out for further information regarding date and venue etc.

We recently held a successful client evening with the crime team at Impossible Bar which allowed me to build on existing and new relationships. This has led to a growth in work from new and existing firms and has further enhanced our desire to strive as a Chambers to continue to provide first class representation. 

Our growing recognition has naturally led to a heavier workload which has been welcomed by the growing numbers in the family team.  Central Chambers prides itself on offering pupillages and mini-pupillages and we are proud to see many of our pupils being instructed by our ever growing client-base.

Emily Landale, Kirstin Beswick’s pupil who is currently on her second-six, is thriving within the family team and is receiving many repeat bookings. Emily has acted on behalf of parents and children in public and private law proceedings. She has particular experience of cases involving mental health issues and creative contact arrangements.

From the 2nd July Nick McCall, Joseph Lynch’s pupil, will also be commencing his second-six and will be accepting instructions within all aspects of family law. He has a particular interest in Educational Law and holds a wealth of experience in this area after spending 15 years within a Social Care department within the Local Authority, frequently advising Headteachers, Chairs of Governors, and Directors of Education.

I am proud to be the Family Clerk at Central Chambers and to have been able to contribute to the positive momentum the Family team is gaining. I am always happy to assist and will do my utmost to ensure you receive the best possible service. Should you have any queries regarding the Family team or Chambers, please do not hesitate to contact me on kate.smith@centralchambers.co.uk or via telephone.

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