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
BONFIRE SAFETY TIPS WITH CHILDREN: ENSURING A FUN AND SAFE EXPERIENCE
Bonfires are a beloved tradition, especially during the winter months. Whether you’re enjoying a bonfire in your back garden, at an organised event, or at a family or friend’s, it’s crucial to prioritise the safety of the kids. By following some essential guidelines, you can ensure that your children have a fun and safe experience around the bonfire. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of bonfire safety for children, including precautions for fireworks, sparklers, and bonfires themselves.
The Rise of Performative Behavior on Dating Apps: Authenticity Versus Validation
Online daters are tempted to stand out from the crowd by posting flashy photos or making controversial posts. This gets attention in the short term, and it’s all some people are after. Others find their chances of a serious relationship diminish. The payoff of fewer likes and more effort is usually worth it.
Air Purifiers – do we need them? Customer reviews
With increasing concerns about indoor air quality, choosing the right air purifier has become more critical than ever. One brand that has gained significant attention is PuroAir. Known for its innovative design and powerful air filtration technology, PuroAir air purifier claims to provide cleaner, healthier air for homes and offices. But are they truly effective, and do they live up to the hype? In this article, we dive deep into PuroAir air purifier reviews to help you make an informed decision.
HOLIDAYING AFTER A SEPARATION
School’s out again in October. For some families that means jetting off for some last minute sun, but if you’re separated from your child’s other parent, you might run into some challenges that you will need to address before you set off.
Meta Teen Accounts and keeping our kids safe online
Introducing Teen Accounts: What does this mean for us parents - plus child safety features for online As a parent, navigating the new features online and our social media can be overwhelming. So with the new 'teen accounts' announced by Meta (Instagram/Facebook) we've...
Interview with Shayne Ward & Sophie Austin
“…going away and not seeing my daughter or my newborn son, it was very tough!.”– Shayne Ward
Navigating Divorce: Essential Tips to Support Your Children
Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally turbulent time for all involved, especially for children who may struggle to understand and cope with the changes happening in their family dynamics. As a family lawyer at JMW, I’ve witness firsthand how parents sometimes struggle to navigate their children through these changes. However, I’ve also seen how parents can make a significant difference by providing the right support and guidance. Here are some tips to help parents navigate divorce while prioritizing their children’s wellbeing:
Alberts BookShelf Event
Our friends over at Alberts Shed, Danny Miller and Nigel Clucas are hosting their 1st Summer Event this weekend. Details attached…
No more years of hurt!
This issue of BROOD comes during one of the most exciting international football tournaments, the Euros. For so many of us it’s a time to look forward to, a time of hope – the eternal hope that so many of us have – and a time to go out and enjoy ourselves. But for those living in refuges for survivors of domestic abuse, just the sound of the Euros might mean switching the TV off.
Father’s Day GifT Guide
IF YOU’RE READING BROOD THEN YOU’RE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE A MILLION AND ONE THINGS ON YOUR TO-DO LIST, SO WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A FANTASTIC GIFT GUIDE TO GIVE YOU SOME INSPIRATION AND HOPEFULLY SAVE YOU SOME TIME WHEN DECIDING WHAT TO BUY FOR FATHER’S DAY; WHICH FALLS ON SUNDAY 16TH JUNE THIS YEAR – JUST IN CASE YOU NEED TO MAKE A NOTE OF IT IN YOUR DIARY!
WE’VE ROUNDED UP ALL OF THE BEST FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR THE SUPER DAD IN YOUR LIFE, WHETHER YOU’RE TREATING YOUR DAD, OR FATHER-IN-LAW, OR BUYING SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOUR OTHER HALF.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BROOD:
Related Articles
Balancing Fatherhood Ambition: Danny Miller and Nige Clucas
Dad of two, and Actor Danny Miller, and Dad of one, Capital FM’s Nige “Wingman” Cluclas joined forces to create Albert’s bookshelf earlier this year.
Albert’s bookshelf is a delightful collection of children’s audio books brought to life through the magic of audio narration. Bringing popular timeless tales, vibrant characters, and thrilling adventures to life – all at the touch of a button perfect for helping your little ones wind down at bedtime on those days you’re not able to read them a bedtime story!
BONFIRE SAFETY TIPS WITH CHILDREN: ENSURING A FUN AND SAFE EXPERIENCE
Bonfires are a beloved tradition, especially during the winter months. Whether you’re enjoying a bonfire in your back garden, at an organised event, or at a family or friend’s, it’s crucial to prioritise the safety of the kids. By following some essential guidelines, you can ensure that your children have a fun and safe experience around the bonfire. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of bonfire safety for children, including precautions for fireworks, sparklers, and bonfires themselves.
The Rise of Performative Behavior on Dating Apps: Authenticity Versus Validation
Online daters are tempted to stand out from the crowd by posting flashy photos or making controversial posts. This gets attention in the short term, and it’s all some people are after. Others find their chances of a serious relationship diminish. The payoff of fewer likes and more effort is usually worth it.
![](https://b2688582.smushcdn.com/2688582/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6-x-editions-of-BROOD-Magazine-1.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1" alt="" class="no-lazyload" width="2000" height="1935" /></a></div>)