NLJ Career Profile: Amarjit Ryatt, Taylor Rose

What was your route into the profession?

I took the traditional route: three A-levels, a law degree and the Law Society Final Examinations—known then as the LSF. Those examinations, held intensively over the course of a week, are an experience no one who has endured them ever forgets. I vividly remember waiting up with friends for the national papers to arrive, anxiously hoping that our names appeared as one of those lucky enough to have passed first time round. Thankfully, I did.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

Being appointed as Head of Family & Divorce at Taylor Rose. It was a defining moment in my career that represented not just a challenge but also a tremendous opportunity to help steer the team into its next chapter.

The firm made the strategic decision to step away from legal aid and focus solely on private client work, which required substantial restructuring within the family team. The board placed their confidence in my ability to manage that transition and, thereafter, to lead, expand and elevate the team’s presence in the market. It is a huge challenge but one that I embrace and am extremely excited about.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you the most?

That would have to be my uncle. I grew up with him, and he was more like an older brother to me. He originally studied chemical engineering before switching to law, possibly influenced by his fondness for Petrocelli (see later). He went on to become a senior litigation and regulatory law solicitor, handling everything from prosecutions to civil litigation and court advocacy. He was the reason I chose a career in law, and his influence continues to guide me.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternative career?

A professional sportsman. My grandfather used to say I was a 'jack of all trades and master of none' when it came to sport. Put a racket, club or bat in my hand and put a ball in front of me and I am ready to play. I have always been competitive. My children can attest to that whenever we play Connect4 or Othello.

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

Harvey Dent’s courtroom style is memorable, though perhaps not one suited to the family court. If pressed, I would choose Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He embodies the qualities all lawyers should aspire to: integrity, courage, a commitment to justice and an appreciation of the complexities of human behaviour. He doesn’t try to judge people, and understands that people do things for many different reasons, even if he doesn’t necessarily agree with them.

As family lawyers we need to understand the stresses and pressures that our clients are under at what is usually a difficult period in their lives and ensuring that we do the best we can to help achieve the best possible outcome. Now, as a parent myself, I also appreciate Atticus’ efforts to instil those values of being just and empathetic in his children. If only mine were as receptive.

What change would you make to the profession?

While it is difficult to identify one single change, I do believe we should also be exploring whether it is possible, and appropriate, to encourage greater use of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR), as opposed to court, for certain child matters. Family practitioners should now, in my opinion, be routinely advising their clients of the benefits of arranging arbitration, early neutral evaluation or private FDR hearings in financial cases. The use of NCDR does not appear to be being utilised anyway near the same extent in children matters, with many parents involved in lengthy proceedings, often waiting over a year for decisions regarding arrangements for their children.

The existing family court system appears increasingly congested. As family lawyers, we have a responsibility to encourage parties in both financial and children disputes to consider NCDR where appropriate. Doing so can lead to more constructive, efficient, and less adversarial outcomes, helping to reduce the stress and conflict that traditional court proceedings so often generate for families.

More broadly, the profession must continue to adapt to new technology. Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for those willing to use it to help with automating routine administrative tasks, summarising documents and supporting legal research. Used responsibly, it can free lawyers up to focus on delivering the advice and strategy their clients need to achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.

How do you relax?

‘Relax’ may not be the right word, but I am a life-long Leeds United supporter and attend matches whenever I can. It’s a passion that has stayed with me since childhood and continues to provide a sense of community, escapism and, occasionally, despair.

I also have a great love of live music and movies. There is something about the atmosphere of a concert that I find both uplifting and restorative. When I’m not at a gig, you’ll likely find me watching a film, whether in the comfort of my home or via a trip the cinema.

And, of course, spending time with my family remains central to my life. It may not always be the most relaxing part of my week—any parent will understand why—but is certainly the most grounding. Those moments are the ones that matter most.