Seat in the spotlight: family law

The family team operates as a single group across Russell-Cooke’s three offices. While I’m based in the Holborn office on Bedford Row, I’ve also worked closely with fee earners in the Putney office and Kingston office, which has given me exposure to different working styles and a broad range of cases. Despite being spread across offices, the team feels close-knit and supportive. 

The work covers the full spectrum of private family law, including divorce, financial remedy proceedings, child arrangements and pre and post nuptial agreements. There is a strong emphasis on constructive, non-court dispute resolution such as mediation, which makes for a refreshing contrast to the way family lawyers are often portrayed on TV. The team’s approach is sensible and child-focused, with an emphasis on resolving issues proportionately rather than through unnecessary litigation. 

On a day-to-day basis, I’ve analysed financial disclosure, drafted court applications and carried out legal research. There’s no shortage of intrigue, from tracing missing funds (I’m now very familiar with the names of luxury hotels in Dubai) to dealing with urgent applications where pension assets have mysteriously disappeared. 

I’ve also attended numerous client meetings, which are often the most valuable learning opportunities. Seeing colleagues explain complicated legal processes and strategy has helped me better understand how the law operates in practice. While I enjoyed studying family law on the LPC, it wasn’t until I joined the team that it began to all fall into place. Throughout my seat, my supervisor has been consistently supportive, regularly checking in on my workload and whether I need any additional help. 

Beyond the day-to-day work, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in networking, both internally and externally. Trainees are actively encouraged to attend events from an early stage. 

During my seat, I’ve attended the YRes London drinks and the annual seminar hosted by 36 Chambers at the Waldorf Hotel, where we enjoyed an excellent spread of food and drinks (as well as learning about key developments in the law, of course). These events are a great way to meet lawyers from other firms and chambers and start building relationships outside the firm. 

Within the team, there’s also a strong social side. We have monthly team breakfasts in each office and the Christmas party was a particular highlight - starting with a guided tour of the National Gallery and ending (as all my favourite evenings do) at Lucky Voice karaoke. Safe to say, the family team are big ABBA fans. 

As a family law trainee, I have also assisted our specialist children law team based in Kingston. Russell-Cooke’s continued commitment to legal aid work is impressive, and much of the children team’s work involves representing parents or children in public care proceedings. 

I’ve attended court on several occasions, including watching an associate in the children team conduct her own advocacy at a hearing, which was particularly impressive. I also attended a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice with our barrister, client and interpreter for an urgent wardship application concerning the return of a child to the UK from overseas. Taking instructions in that setting was challenging but a valuable learning experience.  

For anyone considering applying for a training contract at Russell-Cooke, the family law seat is a great example of how the firm combines high-quality legal work with empathy, collaboration and a genuine commitment to doing the best for its clients. 

Mollie Evans is currently a third-seat trainee in the family team.

Applications for Russell-Cooke's 2026 spring vacation scheme and 2028 training contract are open from 7 November 2025 until 6 February 2026.