SPOTLIGHT ON: Rebecca Payne

Background

Associate Solicitor in the Family Team at Chadwick Lawrence

I previously practiced in the North East heading up a family team before joining Chadwick Lawrence in 2013.

 

Why be a Family Lawyer?

Family Law is an interesting and varied area of law.  I am very much a ‘people person’ and personable individual and this is reflected in how I conduct the work that I do.  Consequently,  as such I like to help solve client’s issues and make a difference to their lives at what is often a very emotional time.

 

Areas of Expertise?

I have experience in all areas of Family Law but in particular I deal with a lot of financial settlements which arise out of divorce or separation, including those with high value assets, pensions and businesses.  I enjoy the challenge of complex, technical cases just as I do more straightforward matters and there is nothing more fulfilling than resolving a matter for a client who, despite the sadness of the situation, is delighted with the outcome.  Ultimately, the importance for me is to always achieve the right results for my client, as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.

As well as being a confident court advocate, quite often finding myself in opposition to Partners and Counsel, I am also in favour of clients resolving issues in a non-confrontational and amicable manner and as such I am a trained Collaborative lawyer.  The Collaborative process involves couples and their lawyers working together to reach agreements about how to deal with matters arising out of a separation or divorce and in my experience, this approach more often than not achieves the best results.  Although, on occasions, litigation is required to resolve a situation and therefore, I recognise the need to be robust and firm when the situation arises.

Top Tips for Clients?

Good communication! This is often the key to resolving matters swiftly and amicably and with the minimum amount of stress.