Family Law Is About Real People, Not Television Drama
The Reality Behind Popular Legal Dramas
“I haven’t seen my daughter in three months—what can I do?”
While this isn’t how every day begins, it captures the reality of family law far better than any television drama.
Legal dramas, including “The Split” and “All is Fair”, have catapulted family lawyers into the spotlight. While the day-to-day reality of being a family lawyer is comparatively less glamorous than what you see on television, it is deeply human, often emotional, and incredibly rewarding.
Supporting Clients Through Life-Changing Events
Family lawyers often deal with individuals during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. A client may have separated from a spouse after a lengthy marriage during which they were the homemaker and feel uncertain about their financial future. Another may be navigating infertility and seeking advice in relation to assisted reproduction, feeling both anxious and hopeful about their family plans. Others may have been prevented from seeing their child and feel distraught about their lack of involvement in their child’s life.
In these moments, family lawyers become the client’s anchor- remaining calm and level-headed while they help the client navigate their emotions and resolve their family dilemma
Starting the Day
The Benefits of Hybrid Working
I am a Senior Solicitor working within the Family Department at Miller Samuel Hill Brown, having joined the firm in March of this year.
We are lucky enough to have the flexibility of a hybrid working pattern. That said, I do enjoy going into the office in central Glasgow – it gives me the chance to connect with my colleagues. I usually get the train into town and then walk over to the office.
Once I am settled at my desk, my first port of call is to check my email inbox and respond to any urgent queries that have cropped up.
At Court: A Child Welfare Hearing
Preparing for Court
Before long, I pick up my paper file and walk over to Glasgow Sheriff Court for a Child Welfare Hearing.
Today, I am representing a father who is seeking to increase the amount of contact that he has with his daughter. As always, I arrive early. The building is already busy, with solicitors and clients quietly preparing for their hearings.
After checking in with the civil office to confirm the courtroom, I head to the agent’s room, put on my gown, and review my paper file. Shortly after, I meet my client outside the courtroom so we can discuss matters and finalise our approach.
Presenting the Case in Court
When the Sheriff Clerk calls the case, we enter the courtroom. The solicitors ready themselves to make submissions.
I present the case, knowing how much the outcome matters to my client.
Achieving a Positive Outcome for Families
When the Sheriff agrees to increase my client’s contact with his daughter, the relief and happiness on his face say everything. My client is delighted with the result.
Moments like this are a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
A Change of Pace
Taking Time to Recharge
After Court, I meet my sister for lunch. She is currently studying towards her law degree and works part-time at a criminal defence firm in central Glasgow.
We swap stories about our day, and I am temporarily transported to a world of prison visits, vipers and jury trials. It is fascinating but very different to my own day-to-day work in family law.
Soon enough, lunch is over, and we head our separate ways, ready to tackle the afternoon ahead.
Afternoon: Clients and Complex Cases
Back at the office, the afternoon is spent dealing with new enquiries. I respond to emails, return phone calls, and book prospective clients in for initial consultations.
Recently, I have noticed an influx of new enquiries with a cross-border element, such as intercountry adoption and child relocation. It reflects how connected our world has become – and it certainly makes for very interesting and complex work.
Later in the afternoon, I meet with a new client to obtain her instructions for a Pre-Nuptial Agreement. She has significant pre-matrimonial wealth, including property and savings, and wants to ensure that those assets are protected in the unfortunate event that the marriage breaks down.
After our meeting, I spend the rest of the afternoon preparing the first draft of the agreement and send it on for her review.
Switching Off
The Importance of Wellbeing in Legal Practice
At the end of the day, I clear my desk and leave the office.
In the evening, I usually head to the gym. I love going to a spin class or an infrared sculpt class – it’s a great way to switch off after a busy day.
The rest of the evening is spent relaxing and recharging, ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Why I Chose a Career in Family Law
Helping People Move Forward
Family law may not always be as dramatic as it appears on television, but it is meaningful, varied, and deeply rewarding.
Behind every case is a real person, a real family, and a real story. Being able to support clients through some of the most difficult moments in their lives and help them move forward is what makes the role so worthwhile.
And no two days are ever quite the same.
