SPOTLIGHT ON..... Sarah Townsend - Family Associate Solicitor
Sarah Townsend, Associate Solicitor
stownsend@lawson-west.co.uk
Tel: 0116 212 1014
I qualified as a solicitor on 1st January 2006.
When did you begin to specalise in Family Law?
During my time at university, while completing my Degree and Legal Practice Course I spent time working in a solicitors during the summer and Christmas breaks. Amongst other departments I assisted the family department and my interest in the area grew from there. When I completed my LPC I started working at the same solicitors and later started my training contract which included training in the family department.
Upon qualification I specialised in family law. Initially my focus was in Public and Private Law Children matters and Domestic Abuse cases, whilst also advising in Divorce and Financial matters. In May 2014, I joined Lawson-West Solicitors and specialised in Private Law Children matters, Divorce and Financial Remedy cases.
What do you enjoy about Family Law?
Since being at university I always wanted to practice in family law. The ability to help families through an extremely difficult time has always been my main focus. I enjoy working for a variety of clients, Husband’s Wife’s, Mothers, Fathers, Step Parents and Grandparents, and other extended family members. I have also had the opportunity to represent an older sister of a young child whose mother had passed away and applied for an order for her younger sister to live with her. The opportunity to represent and help clients in so many different circumstances is a real privilege.
What is your greatest success?
Success comes with each happy client and I therefore think that my greatest success is being available for client’s throughout their case, being a direct point of contact when advice is needed and supporting my clients in every step.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change about Family Law?
If I could change anything at the moment it would be the delays that client’s face through the judicial system. A relationship breakdown can often lead to the need for court applications whether in respect of child or financial arrangements. The court delays at present often lead to more animosity and ongoing confrontation between separating parties. The quicker the parties can resolve matters and move forward, the less damage may be done to the parties relationship, this is extremely important where an ongoing relationship is necessary for the children of the family.
