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Published: 17th January 2024
A Solicitor at K J Smith’s Oxford office, Kate Evans shares her journey into law, her passion for supporting clients and what a typical day looks like as a family law solicitor.
I finished my undergraduate degree in 2019 and went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Law and then the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Guildford. I landed a contract with Oxford-based Coffin Mew before it was later known as Knights following its acquisition in 2022. I then fully qualified as a solicitor in September 2023 and it was then that I started my journey with K J Smith.
I always knew that I was more interested in assisting individual clients as I’m drawn in by the personal element of a case. In family law, we’re helping clients after the breakdown of their relationship or in circumstances related to their children, which can be very distressing.
I became a family solicitor to help assist and advise clients through these difficult situations. As a specialist family law firm, K J Smith has a wealth of knowledge and experience, so I knew it would be the perfect place to continue my career as a newly-qualified solicitor.
I enjoy that every case is different and complicated in its own way. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see that our work is making a difference to our clients, particularly in matters involving children.
A typical day as a newly qualified solicitor starts with reviewing my emails and consulting my supervisor about priorities for the day. I’ll assess my to-do list and diary and then get started on some of my larger tasks, which can include anything from drafting an offer to ensuring our clients have up-to-date cost estimates or even preparing documents for an upcoming hearing.
I may also conduct a free 45-minute initial consultation as part of my day. We offer these to potential clients so that we can advise them of their options before they sign up as clients. During this time, we usually discuss a range of topics, including divorce, finances and child arrangements. I like to be organised and will often wind down the day by ensuring my task list is up to date ahead of the following morning.
I’m particularly interested in helping clients navigate complex children matters. Unlike finances, for which there is typically an end goal, children matters are more fluid and complex. We often need to consider a range of different factors, which can make this sort of case more challenging. I’m also interested in modern family cases involving adoption or surrogacy. I have previously assisted on a surrogacy matter and I’ve found it to be a fascinating area of law.
And finally, what’s the best advice you’ve been given during your career so far?
The best advice I’ve received so far is to keep your files organised! There’s nothing worse than looking for a file and not being able to find the right document or email.
For more information about career opportunities at K J Smith, visit www.kjsmith.co.uk/join-us.
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"I joined K J Smith with an open mind and with the expectation of developing and adding diversity and challenge to my career, having spent 23 years in a comfortable position with a traditional high street practice.
I can honestly say that K J Smith have exceeded my expectations. Since joining, I have felt supported and encouraged by the firm’s continued commitment to growth and improvement. The company allow staff at all levels to have a voice and recognise the importance of investment in their employees at every level."
