EMILY CANNELL Family Law, Mincoffs
Did you always envisage a career in the industry?
From a very early age I was determined to be a lawyer. I did some early work experience whilst at school in local firms, embarked on a Law Degree and have never really looked back since. As challenging as the profession can be at times, I really can’t imagine myself doing anything different.
What has been your career path so far?
I studied law at Northumbria on a four year exempting degree. Very early into the degree, and understanding the stiff competition for training contracts, I applied for a training contract at Gosschalks, a prominent commercial law firm in Hull, my home town.
Two years later, upon completion of my Degree, I commenced my training contract at Gosschalks. I had a varied training post and benefited from a fantastic insight into high quality work with a brilliant firm of lawyers. It was at Gosschalks that I decided I really wanted to have a career in Family Law.
As much as I loved the firm…by the time my training contract was coming to an end I had fallen in love with the North East. I had met my now husband and had a hectic social life in Newcastle.
I relocated upon qualification, initially to a small niche family practice. After one year I had the opportunity to join Mincoffs alongside Lyn Rutherford and have been happily established in Mincoffs family law department ever since! I am delighted to have recently been promoted to Partner.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
Given the fast paced, highly emotional and complex types of cases that are commonly dealt with in family law, there can be daily/weekly challenges where clients and cases are concerned.
On a personal level, a big challenge has been getting the balance right between work and career ambitions and being a mum…. and wanting to do both as well as possible…and at the same time! What would you say are your key strengths? I think I am pragmatic and organised which helps me think through a problem rationally. I would say I am also a people person and a good communicator which is so important in my role.
What are your remaining career aspirations?
I am really excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the Partnership at Mincoffs and play a part in helping the firm continue to grow and thrive.
How do you see your industry evolving?
I think we have seen a huge shift in the law industry as a result of the pandemic and requirement for remote working. There have been significant benefits for both practitioners and clients in terms of efficiency, accessibility and streamlining of some processes. I am hopeful that this will have changed the way we work going forwards for the better.
In relation to family law specifically, I will be interested to see the practical implications of the long awaited ‘no fault divorce’ as to whether that impacts on how couples and practitioners approach ancillary issues to a divorce, relating to children and finances. Also, whilst in some cases an application to the Court and a judicial determination after a contested hearing will be the only way forward, I am hopeful that for others, client’s and practitioners will continue to consider alternative dispute resolution which will hopefully provide a more constructive and pragmatic approach for families to deal with their matter.
How do you like to unwind?
That’s something I am definitely not good at…unless on a sun lounger somewhere sunny and warm!!
