March 2020 is a rememberable month for most as this is when the country went into a national lockdown. For me, I had just started at southgate solicitors and I had to adapt to new ways of working very quickly.

I had never worked from home prior to lockdown and the option to do this was something that caught my eye when I was applying to work at southgate solicitors although I did not expect to be doing so within a matter of days! At first I was quite nervous as to how I would cope and deal with remote working. I can honestly say that Hasan and the team made it such an easy experience and the firm already had systems in place to allow working from home to happen seamlessly. Hasan ensured that everybody’s mental wellbeing was being looked after whilst we were all working remotely.

I had previously worked at various other law firms prior to joining southgate solicitors, however, the firm implements practices and systems which I have never come across before. The modern case management and software means that tasks are a lot easier to carry out and they allow me to focus on my clients.

I advise clients on an array of private family law matters including divorce, separation, financial disputes, children matters, domestic abuse and nuptial/cohabitation agreements. I also advise clients on Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys. Court proceedings are usually the last resort for clients and I have now expanded my practice to undertake my own advocacy at court on behalf of clients.

Working from home means it is easy to fall into the habit of working endless hours. Hasan ensures that I switch off at a reasonable time to enable me to have a positive work-life balance and to spend time relaxing. For me, this is spent walking my sausage dog, Star.

Everyone at southgate solicitors is extremely friendly and a pleasure to work with. I was made to feel so welcome as soon as I joined and I have made close friends over the past year. There is so much support between us all which makes it such a happy place to work.

The last 12 months have been a whirlwind to say the least, with restrictions constantly changing, but my experience at southgate solicitors has been amazing. I have absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed my time at the firm. I am super excited to continue my solicitor journey with the team and cannot wait until we are all reunited back in the office together again.

If you would like more information or advice about the issues raised in this article, or any aspect of family law please contact our expert legal team on 02080040065, by email at [email protected] or using the form below.

The contents of this article are general information only. The information in this article is not legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should obtain independent expert advice from qualified solicitors such as those within our firm.