·      Why did you become a mediator?

When I completed my law degree in 1994, I went straight into being a trainee lawyer which sems very long time ago now! I knew early on that I preferred working with people and focussed my career quite quickly on family law and became a specialist family lawyer.

In 2008 I qualified as a mediator and loved the work. It was a shift in the usual dynamics to be able to work with a couple together rather than just litigate for one of them. Creating positive outcomes for couples and families, to help them stay out of court and keep costs down, is very rewarding.

In 2021 an opportunity arose to set up our mediation business and I feel very lucky that I was able to do that with Claire Colbert who I have known for many years. We are a great team and growing the business it is a real learning curve for both of us but a great journey to be on.

·      What do you enjoy about your job?

Helping couples and families resolve issues amicably that they never thought at the beginning of the mediation process was going to be possible.

It is always very rewarding to help people stay out of court and avoid that stress and expense.

·      What is your top tip for someone getting divorced?

Don’t rush into anything. There is rarely anything so urgent that it requires immediate action. Gather information about all the options available to you about how to progress your divorce, there are lots of them now and the days of just going to court to sort out arrangements for children and finances are long gone. You will only get one opportunity about how you start the process, if possible, it would be wise for it to be a constructive one.

·      How do you relax?

I love a good book but preferably in the sunshine sipping a cocktail. My husband and I play golf and it can get a bit competitive but I love the walk! We are keen travellers and definite foodies. I am also always up for a great evening of music and fun with friends.

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