A few months into her new role, the managing partner of Osbornes Law talks about being a leader, specialising in family law, and why she chose a legal career over teaching
What was your route into the profession?
I’d love to say that becoming a lawyer was a childhood ambition, but it was something I discovered almost by accident. I was studying geography at the University of Reading where I attended a careers fair and by chance listened to a speaker from what is now Guildford’s University of Law. She was inspiring, and it sounded so interesting that I knew instantly it was what I wanted to do, and it led to me enrolling for the GDL law conversion course and the LPC.
I experienced lots of different practice areas during my training contract, but it was family law that really appealed. I loved the contact with clients and being able to help people at their lowest ebb to find a way forward.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
I would have to say becoming managing partner. I have moved from being an individual contributor to a leader of 170-plus people. That’s a massive change and a challenge, and I am learning all the time. I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by some fantastic and supportive colleagues, including former managing partner Stuart Kightley, who has left such strong foundations on which to build.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
It has to be Lady Hale, the first woman to serve as president of the Supreme Court. She is a trailblazer for all women, but particularly women in law. It was a real ‘pinch me’ moment when she presided over Mills v Mills, one of the cases I was involved in. I have also had the pleasure of attending a couple of conferences where she has been the keynote speaker, and she is just so humble when talking about her career and everything she has achieved.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternative career?
I can’t imagine doing anything else, but if I did it would be travel-related. I have always been fascinated by different countries and cultures, and I took a year out to travel the world before the GDL LPC. I initially studied geography at university because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I think everyone thought I’d end up being a teacher, but that would have been terrifying. I have the utmost respect for anyone who does that job, but give me a courtroom over a class full of children any day!
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I grew up watching the American legal comedy drama Boston Legal and loved James Spader’s character, Alan Shore. He fought fiercely for his clients, although he was completely bonkers, and his methods were often questionable!
What change would you make to the profession?
One of the biggest challenges currently is court delays, which isn’t a problem that can be solved overnight, but it does now feel at least that things are starting to improve. I am a strong advocate of alternative dispute resolution and the new rules introduced in the Family Court earlier this year, which give judges power to postpone court proceedings for non-court dispute resolution, are a step in the right direction. This eases pressure on the courts and reduces legal fees, but it is also generally a much more amicable and less stressful way to resolve matters, particularly in cases involving children.
How do you relax?
I have two young children, which doesn’t leave much time for relaxation, but when I can I go horse riding. I have a horse called Dave who is handily stabled a stone’s throw from my home in Hertfordshire. For me there’s no better feeling and no better way to clear my head than getting out in the countryside.
Jo Wescott is managing partner of Osbornes Law (Osborneslaw.com).
