Title: Solicitor and Head of Family Department
Area of Law: Family Law
Specialisms: I specialise in care proceedings with a keen interest in cases that have an international element.
Why did you decide on a career in law?
I decided on a career in law mainly because it was a challenge and it excited me. I’d done some work experience at a local firm of Solicitors whilst at Sixth Form College and from there on in I was focused on a career in law.
Why did you choose your area of law?
I initially specialised in both Family and Crime but started concentrating on care proceedings work in around 2011. It can be very emotive work but ultimately very rewarding when you get the right result for your client – that’s what really motivates me.
What does your role involve?
No two days are ever the same but my role includes a lot of Court work (Advocacy) and I spend around half my time at Courts across the North East fighting for the needs and rights of my clients.
I am also responsible for the smooth running of Richard Reed’s Family Law Department as a whole.
What would you reform or change about your area of law?
The reform I would introduce is “No Fault Divorce”.
The divorce system in this country has long been out of date and has resulted in many couples, whose marriages have broken down through no fault of either party, having to stay in an unhappy marriage for longer than is necessary or having to “find” a reason to blame the other person.
Being able to apply for a no fault divorce will spare couples (and no doubt their children if they have them) the emotional stress and strain when they can’t or don’t want to wait for two years to divorce.
I’m glad that this legislation is soon to be introduced to finally address this issue.
What is your most rewarding case?
I’ve had many rewarding cases and so I wouldn’t like to rank them but there is immense satisfaction in helping people achieve the right result. This can often mean having children returned to the care of their parent(s).
Tell us a fun fact about yourself..
I love going to the races (horse racing). I hope to make it to all 60 courses in Britain at some point – I’m almost halfway there!
To speak with Ben or another member of our Family Law team, call us today on 0191 567 0465 or email us at: [email protected]
