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
Beat the Heatwave: Budget-Friendly School Holiday Activities for All Ages
Surviving the summer break shouldn’t have to drain your bank account—even in a heatwave! From air-conditioned national museum hacks and hidden shaded forest trails across the country to creative DIY projects that will actually keep your teenagers engaged, we’ve rounded up the ultimate budget-friendly guide to keeping cool and entertained both out and at home
8 Best Apps Similar to Snapchat That Are Worth Trying in 2026
Explore 8 apps similar to Snapchat in 2026, comparing features like disappearing messages, AR filters, video chat, and privacy to help you find the right alternative.
Best GPS Apps to Track Your Loved Ones in Real-Time
Choosing the right GPS app is about more than just a pin on a map; it involves navigating real-world challenges like location accuracy, connectivity drops, and battery efficiency. This guide explores the top 5 GPS tracking solutions—including iSharing for family safety, Scannero for phone number lookups, and AirDroid for enterprise fleet management. Whether you need geofencing alerts, parental monitoring, or offline map coverage, learn how to select a reliable tool that prioritizes data privacy and real-time precision.
Home Security Mistakes Most Renters Make
Most renters make avoidable home security mistakes. From old locks to spare keys left outside, here’s what you need to fix before you become an easy target
BBC casting call: Will You Be My Friend? – children aged 5–8 who are struggling to make friends
The BBC is casting children aged 5–8 who are finding it hard to make friends for new BBC One/iPlayer series Will You Be My Friend? Apply at bemyfriend.tv.
Top UK Sources of Rare and Hard to Find Car Parts
All car owners have reached the point of frustration when the section is no longer available in the typical suppliers. Be it an old car part, a sensor that fits an older diesel, a body part that has not been manufactured in years, or even an old trim piece, it becomes quite a nightmare to find the correct part.
Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Driving the Rise of Pre‑Nups
Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the conversation around marriage by embracing pre‑nups as a practical tool rather than a taboo. Armed with better financial literacy, greater access to information, and a realistic understanding of modern relationships, younger couples are approaching marriage with both romance and long‑term planning in mind. For many, a pre‑nup isn’t about mistrust — it’s about mutual respect, transparency, and protecting the lives they’ve built before saying “I do.”
What to Consider When Caring for Elderly Family Members
Learn how to support aging parents while balancing work and family. This guide offers practical tips on home safety, health care, and financial planning.
Children’s Online Privacy: 75% of Parents Fear Kids Aren’t Making Safe Choices Online
New research from the ICO shows 75% of parents worry their children aren’t making safe choices online, yet many rarely talk about online privacy at home. A new campaign is now encouraging families to treat digital privacy as an essential life skill, just like road safety or stranger danger.
How the Clocks Going Forward Affects Baby and Toddler Sleep
The clocks have gone forward, the evenings are lighter, and for many parents that means one thing — sleep routines suddenly feel harder. In this expert column, Amanda shares why the seasonal light change can affect babies and toddlers, plus practical tips to help your child settle well, sleep longer, and wake less.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BROOD:
Related Articles
Beat the Heatwave: Budget-Friendly School Holiday Activities for All Ages
Surviving the summer break shouldn’t have to drain your bank account—even in a heatwave! From air-conditioned national museum hacks and hidden shaded forest trails across the country to creative DIY projects that will actually keep your teenagers engaged, we’ve rounded up the ultimate budget-friendly guide to keeping cool and entertained both out and at home
Why keeping employees hydrated improves productivity
The human brain is roughly 70-75% water. When dehydration kicks in, it isn’t just a physical drain—it causes a direct hit to focus, memory, and spatial coordination. In fact, research suggests that even a small one percent rise in dehydration can result in a worker’s productivity dipping by approximately 12%.
Returning to Work in Construction? Here’s a Refresher Guide
Returning to construction after a career break? Learn about current site safety, digital tools, and why an SMSTS course is the best way to refresh your skills.



























