A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF: ELSPETH KINDER, HEAD OF FAMILY LAW AT JMW SOLICITORS
“I love that back-to-school feeling that comes in September! Monday is my first day back after the most incredible two weeks on a fly drive around California with my boys. We enjoyed e-biking in San Francisco, hiking in Yosemite, sunset at Pismo, and kayaking in Morro Bay. But now it’s back to reality, with 34 eager trainee solicitors to spend 2 days with on their induction to JMW. As Training Principal for the firm, I oversee the training and development of all our trainees who now total 79 in number. It’s a privilege to support them all through their journey and seeing them start on their first day in new suits and with first day nerves always makes me smile. It’s a long first day with a drinks event at Sunset, where the chat ranges from environment and social governance policy, to what to wear and whether people “cop off” at the Christmas party! I finally get home around 8.30 pm, feeling relieved that Ollie chose Food Tech for one of his GCSEs and has held the fort on dinner given the contents of my fridge are still only milk, mayo, white wine, gherkins and a half-eaten block of cheese that I should have chucked out before the holiday!
Tuesday is a blur of trainees and clients. There seem to have been a lot of disputes I’ve had to advise on about children splitting their time between homes of separated parents over the summer, with tensions perhaps frayed because of the pressure that juggling work and kids during the school holidays can bring.
On Wednesday I spend the day at St Ann’s Hospice with my Vistage group. Vistage is a global executive coaching organisation for small and medium sized businesses and is a brilliant opportunity to step back from the day job and think about ways to develop and improve. I love spending time with my group, they’re like a professional family and they completely understand the reality of trying to balance life and work. They’re supportive and laugh as I explain why I’ve arrived an hour late, due to William phoning me in a panic having forgotten his PE kit. “Don’t worry at all chicken, it’s absolutely no problem for me to [get stuck behind nightmare traffic, eat my breakfast in the car, dial into a conference call on the journey] bring your PE kit”!!
The highlight of Thursday is catching up with Lolo at The Ivy. We’ve been planning to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine together for longer than I can remember but finally our diaries are in sync. It’s lovely to catch up and share stories of our summer, whilst brainstorming for Brood. I love working with Lolo and the guys, they make partnership together so easy, enjoyable and fun! From there, I dash to meet with a client, and we have a really productive meeting strategizing how to secure the best financial outcome from his divorce.
The week ends with a day at Haydock Races, hosting contacts in a box with other colleagues from my team. We are blessed with glorious sunshine! I’m never interested in the horses, but I love the easy, relaxed vibe of a day at the races. Not a bad first week back!
Elspeth Kinder, JMW Law
Related Articles
Ford Focus Tyres & Vehicle Maintenance: A Guide For Parents Owning a Ford Car
Parents often juggle practicality, safety and cost when driving a Ford Focus. For daily activities such as the school run, shopping errands, and family outings, a car in good condition is an essential for being able to rely on your vehicle. One of the essential parts that connect safety, comfort, and efficiency together is your car tyres. This guide will help Ford car owners understand everything about Ford Focus tyres and also the general vehicle maintenance for safe and easy family travel.
Inside Parliament: Fabio D’Andrea and Peter Andre warn of the hidden dangers of kids’ smartphones and social media – Another Way
Inside Parliament: Fabio D’Andrea and Peter Andre warn of the hidden dangers of kids’ smartphones and social media
How Your Flooring Could Be Secretly Affecting Your Family’s Mood (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
How Your Flooring Could Be Secretly Affecting Your Family's Mood (And Why It Matters More Than You Think) Picture this: you've just spent a fortune redecorating the living room, chosen the perfect paint colour, and arranged the furniture just so. But somehow, the...
How to Overcome mum-Guilt as a Working Mother with a Baby
Being a working mum can often feel like walking a tightrope. It means constantly juggling your career aspirations while also wanting to be fully present for your little one. According to Positive Psychology News, many working mothers find themselves grappling with a heavy sense of guilt.
From Ragdoll to Bengal: World’s Most Luxurious Cat Breeds
From Ragdoll to Bengal: World's Most Luxurious Cat Breeds Imagine walking into a room where elegance moves on silent paws, where every graceful step and gentle purr speaks of centuries of careful breeding and refined genetics. These aren't ordinary house cats—they're...
The Family-Friendly Guide to Choosing the Right Strimmer
The Family-Friendly Guide to Choosing the Right Strimmer Maintaining a neat and tidy garden is a joy for many families, but it can quickly become a chore if you don’t have the right tools. Among the key tools for maintaining neat lawns and tidy borders are grass...
Honoring Loss and New Beginnings: National Rainbow Baby Day
For National Rainbow Baby Day, we spoke with Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein—mum of one and founder of the Carea App—about her personal journey through loss, hope, and new beginnings. Anastasia opens up about the emotional complexities of pregnancy after loss, the importance of breaking the silence around miscarriage, and how her experiences inspired her to create a support-focused app for women navigating similar paths.
Supporting your child through exam results anxiety: a parent’s guide
Supporting your child through exam results anxiety: a parent's guide By Albert Clemente, CEO at FindTutors, a leading private tuition service by GoStudent The wait for exam results can be as challenging for parents as it is for students. For many young people, any...
The Labubu Doll Craze—and What It Teaches Us About Trends through History
The Labubu doll craze took off almost overnight, with social media feeds flooded by fans eager to get their hands on the quirky collectible. But the real story isn’t just about the doll—it’s about our timeless desire to belong and connect. From Beanie Babies to Pokémon cards, trends like Labubu remind us that collecting is more than a hobby; it’s a way to share stories, build community, and rediscover the joy of simple things—both for us and our kids.
Top Tips for Keeping Kids Cool at Night in the UK’s Heat Wave
Top Tips for Keeping Kids Cool at Night in the UK’s Heat Wave When the UK heat wave hits, bedtime can become a battleground. Hot, sticky nights leave little ones tossing, turning, and parents longing for a good night’s sleep. At BROOD, we know how important restful...
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BROOD:
Related Articles
Ford Focus Tyres & Vehicle Maintenance: A Guide For Parents Owning a Ford Car
Parents often juggle practicality, safety and cost when driving a Ford Focus. For daily activities such as the school run, shopping errands, and family outings, a car in good condition is an essential for being able to rely on your vehicle. One of the essential parts that connect safety, comfort, and efficiency together is your car tyres. This guide will help Ford car owners understand everything about Ford Focus tyres and also the general vehicle maintenance for safe and easy family travel.
Inside Parliament: Fabio D’Andrea and Peter Andre warn of the hidden dangers of kids’ smartphones and social media – Another Way
Inside Parliament: Fabio D’Andrea and Peter Andre warn of the hidden dangers of kids’ smartphones and social media
How Your Flooring Could Be Secretly Affecting Your Family’s Mood (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
How Your Flooring Could Be Secretly Affecting Your Family's Mood (And Why It Matters More Than You Think) Picture this: you've just spent a fortune redecorating the living room, chosen the perfect paint colour, and arranged the furniture just so. But somehow, the...
