A day in the life of a family law solicitor

Introducing Natalie

Natalie Nero is a family solicitor at Machins Solicitors LLP, her typical day is, like so many of us, considerably different than it was before the pandemic.

Natalie is now settled into the ‘new normal’, and has kindly shared what she gets up to on an average day.

An overview of a day as a family law solicitor

06.30am – I wake and make my way downstairs for some much needed caffeine and to catch up on some news before my day begins.
07.00am – It’s time to get ready for the day ahead! I have kept my routine while working from home, there is something about putting on my face and work clothes which makes me feel ready for the day’s challenges.
07.45am – Laptop on, I start my day by organising emails and finish my morning prep with a ‘to do list’.
08.00am – I get going on tasks which can be dictated, this helps tick off a number of tasks in the first hour and keep my secretary up to date with all clients.
09.00am –Time to make a cup of tea and settle down to drafting, my client’s witness statement is due next week so I finish and send her the first draft today.
10.00am – I’m onto Zoom for the first time today for our daily team meeting. I have a new matter from yesterday I would like to run past the team for input and no doubt someone will have a point of law for us to debate or new tip to share.
10.20am – Just enough time to check some more emails, adding to my ‘to do list’ and dictation.
10.30am – I call an existing client to discuss a financial settlement proposal we have received from his spouse’s solicitor. I had sent him the letter by email yesterday so he could digest the contents before we spoke today.
11.00am – I am back on Zoom for a meeting with a new client regarding Child Arrangements. I spend the first few minutes getting to know the client and putting them at ease before obtaining the details of their circumstances and providing my advice.
12.30pm – Time for some lunch and a break from the screen.
1.00pm – I have a Zoom meeting with a client ahead of her First Appointment in financial remedy proceedings at 2pm. I talk her through the purpose of today’s hearing and what we are hoping to achieve by way of directions before taking her instructions.
1.30pm – After my meeting with the client I call the barrister on the other side of the matter to discuss our proposed directions. We are able to agree the majority of these with two points outstanding which are not agreed.
1.55pm – I log onto the Microsoft Teams link for today’s hearing ready for the Judge to join at 2pm. Myself and the barrister on the other side update the Judge on the agreed directions and give submissions on the two outstanding points before the Judge makes her decision.
3.00pm – The hearing has concluded and I call the client to confirm her understand of the hearing and then set to work on drafting the order for approval.
3.40pm – I pick up on any missed calls, voicemails and emails while I was in (virtual) court.
4.30pm – I have a call with an existing client, they have been engaging in mediation with their spouse and want my advice on a proposal made by the other party during their last session.
5.30pm – I end my day with a final check through my emails, responding and dictating as necessary.
6.00pm – I log off and close the office door behind me, home time!