A Day in the Life of Will Kirk

What is your position at Family Law Group and what do you do on a day-to-day basis?

As a Solicitor at specialist family law firm Family Law Group (www.familylawgroup.co.uk), I provide legal advice on all aspects of family law. This extends to matrimonial finance cases, children matters and divorce. A typical day for me will include providing legal advice and assistance to my clients, whether that is over the phone or in person. A large part of my day is taken up with the preparation of Court documents for the client cases being heard there. Occasionally I am required to attend Court to represent clients in family law matters.

Any memorable stories from your career so far?

This memorable moment has to be when I undertook my first client appointment in financial matters and also represented a client at a first hearing dispute resolution appointment. This was the first time that I had represented clients at Court and on both occasions, the opponent was in person and I had to put forward a strong case on behalf of my client.

Both of these experiences taught me the importance of detailed preparation beforehand and it gave me confidence to represent clients at future hearings. It also gave me experience in dealing with the other party when they are not represented by a solicitor. I am pleased to report that both hearings went well!

What is the best and worst part of the day for you?

The best part of being a family law solicitor is knowing that at the end of the week, you have helped your clients in the best way possible, and in most cases moved things forward for them in a positive way. Finishing on a Friday and being able to reflect on that sets me up for a great weekend ahead.

The worst part of any day is managing multiple urgent tasks all at once!

What keeps you motivated?

Being able to develop a way forward with a client and putting it into practice to achieve a good outcome for them. This provides clients with the satisfaction that their matter is progressing forward.

Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Most certainly coffee. You can find me most mornings in Costa ordering a large cappuccino to start my day!

What would you say to anyone thinking of a career in your field?

If law is something that you would like to pursue, then go for it! It is a rewarding experience and there are many different areas of law in which you can specialise. I will caveat that being a Solicitor is exceptionally hard work and requires persistence and strength of character. But ultimately it is worth the hard work to get there and even when you have qualified, you continue to learn something new every day.

Who inspires you within the world of family law?

I am inspired by my father who is a solicitor and also practices family law. He has provided me the opportunity to pursue a career as a family law solicitor and I would like to follow in his footsteps and be as successful at my career as he is.

How do you enjoy your time outside of work?

I regularly go the gym and I am a keen surfer. I surf in a range of locations across the UK and also abroad, when this is possible. I also like to socialise with friends and find this a great way to relax and unwind after a busy working week.

What film would you recommend to others?

I would recommend To Kill a Mocking Bird, a law related film about issues of prejudice and racial stereotypes.

If you could change one thing about the family justice system what would it be and why?

Within our region of the UK, there are currently huge delays in cases and divorce papers being reviewed by family law courts. I would like to see these delays shortened significantly as I do not think it is right that clients should have to wait months on end for their matters to be resolved. This just seems to further delay the process where clients cannot move on with their lives in a positive way following divorce.