Sintons' family law team is headed up by two vastly experienced lawyers, each with more than three decades of expertise. We talk to Derek Pack and Jo Scott about the approach the award-winning team takes to all aspects of family law.
Derek Pack is known and respected throughout the North East for his legal knowledge. With more than 38 years of experience, he has established himself as a go-to name in family law.
“I’ve worked in several other law firms but I wanted to join Sintons because of the quality of the work that is done here. That quality is achieved because we have a team made up entirely of specialists who have chosen to focus their careers on family law and who are dedicated to getting the best possible results for our clients,” said Derek.
“We’re a team which takes a modern and progressive approach to family law; it’s no longer just about litigation, it’s about helping people choose the best way to resolve the particular issues they are facing as the result of a relationship breakdown.
“There are many paths which can be taken, from mediation to collaborative law, and we have the experience and the knowledge to assess each person’s circumstances, recommend the best option for them, and support them throughout the process.
“Jo and I are both qualified as collaborative lawyers and are non-practicing resolution trained mediators, and everyone in the team takes a holistic approach to resolving disputes. This is how we make sure every client gets advice which is tailored to their situation.
“Everyone we work with – our clients and our colleagues – has the benefit of our years of experience and our ongoing development. As well as leading the department and meeting with clients, Jo and I actively pass our knowledge on to other members of the team and we regularly speak on various family law topics at free events and on Sintons’ podcasts.”
Jo Scott has more than 30 years’ experience in family law and, like Derek, is qualified as a collaborative lawyer and a Resolution Together specialist, supporting people to resolve issues out of court.
“Whether a case involves finance, children or is about pre or post-nuptial agreements, we support the whole person and, as part of a full-service law firm, our clients also benefit from direct access to experts in other areas of law – like wills, trusts and estates, court of protection and neurotrauma matters, for example,” explained Jo.
“So, no matter how complex or challenging a case is, we are in a position to deliver advice and support which will get the best result for our clients.
“We’re a team with incredible depth of experience but also the understanding to help people through a difficult time in their lives.
“Everyone within the team holds themselves to the highest standards. And when we recruit, we look for people who are at the top of their field, who will bring proven knowledge and experience, alongside empathy, diligence and absolute dedication to advocating for our clients.
“Our family law team is one of the most experienced in the north of England and is frequently named in rankings such as Chambers and Partners, which identifies the best law firms and lawyers in the UK.
“The feedback we get from clients tells the same story, with people saying they feel listened to and supported. Our clients frequently tell us they’re so glad they chose to come to us for their legal advice, and that is the best confirmation that our approach makes a difference.”
Sintons’ team of family law experts is based in the firm’s newly-redeveloped head office in Newcastle city centre.
www.sintons.co.uk