Meet Emily Murray, a recently qualified Solicitor in our Family Law team. Continue reading to hear about Emily’s journey into law, how she manages when working with very emotional clients, and the common myth that she wished more people understood about divorce!
Tell us a bit about you and your role at Barker Booth & Eastwood?
I am a Family Law Solicitor specialising in divorce, finances and private law children matters. I first joined Barker Booth & Eastwood in January 2019 whilst also studying for the post graduate Legal Practice Course and juggling being a first-time mum. I started as a float secretary in our family department gaining experience from a wide range of tasks and quickly progressed. I worked under our Head of Department, Solicitor and Director, Donna Amos, for some time as her Assistant before being offered a Training Contract and taking on my own client base. I now have my own case load and look forward to continuing to progress at Barker Booth & Eastwood.
Did you always want to be a Solicitor? What was your route into law?
Growing up, I was never really sure what career I wanted to do. When I was much younger, I would often tell people that the only thing I wanted to do was swim with dolphins. As I got older, my career aspirations changed time and time again. It wasn’t until I embarked on my university studies that I finally felt like I had found the right path for me and wanted to pursue a career in law.
My route into law was the traditional route. I first started studying law at the age of 16 in college. I soon found a passion for law and continued my studies at university. I graduated in 2015 and went on to obtain my postgraduate degree with masters in 2019. I am proud to say that after over a decade of studying and working in law, I am now a fully qualified Solicitor.
What attracted you to Family Law in particular?
When I first started my career in law, I wasn’t sure which area would suit me the most. I enjoyed studying family law at university, but it wasn’t until I joined Barker Booth & Eastwood that I gained first-hand experience practicing all avenues of family law. I am now a busy mum of two and this area really resonates with me. My clients are often going through one of the hardest times in their lives and I have satisfaction when my clients are thankful to me for helping them navigate such difficult times.
If you weren’t a Family Solicitor, is there another career path you would have considered?
I have always been a bit of a geek when it comes to maths. Maths was always my favourite subject in school and the subject I enjoyed most. Throughout High School I thought I would go on to either become a Maths Teacher or go into Accountancy. It wasn’t until I went to college and started studying law that my plan changed and I found I had a real passion for law.
How do you manage when you are working with very emotional clients or upsetting situations?
I find being a Solicitor working in family law is about wearing different hats. Sometimes you need to be the strong negotiator, other times you need to be the compassionate and sympathetic counsellor. Every single person’s circumstances are different and its about recognising what that client needs at that particular time.
Do you have any standout family law cases that were particularly interesting or challenging?
I find that most cases have something about them that is interesting and different to all of the others; no case is the same. I have some very interesting cases going on at the moment, but it is too early to share the details.
Are there any myths or misunderstandings in Family Law that you wish clients would understand?
Most certainly! There are a few myths and misunderstandings that I would love to debunk, but a main one is that once the divorce or dissolution of your marriage/civil partnership is complete, your former spouse no longer has a claim to your assets. This is a false belief. The divorce or dissolution only refers to the legal status of the marriage or civil partnership, it does not sever the financial ties between the couple. Financial claims can remain open until such time as a financial order has been made, even if this is much later than when the divorce was finalised.
As a recently qualified Solicitor, do you have any words of wisdom to share with someone studying law or embarking on a training contract?
I guess my one piece of advice would be to make sure you find an area that suits your personality and which you find most interesting. It is important that you find an area that you enjoy. I would also advise any trainee or recently qualified Solicitor to be disciplined with their work-life balance. Self-care is important and you can’t give your best if you don’t feel your best.
What is it like to work at Barker Booth & Eastwood?
I love it! My colleagues at Barker Booth & Eastwood are my favourite people and I love having a great team around me. The support I have been provided with by Barker Booth & Eastwood is second to none and I look forward to having a very long career at Barker Booth & Eastwood.
How do you find a happy work life balance as a busy mum?
I have to admit, finding a balance between work and being a busy mum to two young children is hard and perhaps one of my bigger struggles. I strive to give my children the happy childhood they deserve and whilst it is good for them to see me motivated, ambitious and hardworking, I also want to be present and enjoying life with them. I therefore try to remain disciplined and focus on making the most out of the time with my family when away from work.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my family will always be my favourite thing to do. No matter what we are doing, as long as I am with my family, I am having a great time!
