Ginny Colman

I joined the firm as an Associate in our Family and Matrimonial team in 2008. I had just finished maternity leave and felt ready for a new challenge. Birketts’ reputation caught my attention alongside the challenge of helping set up a new arm to their family team in Norwich. Birketts are progressive in their outlook, and the fact I have a young family was not viewed negatively by them.

I have worked in family law for seven years and specialise in high net worth financial cases involving pensions and company issues. I particularly enjoy dealing with clients with cohabitation disputes. Some people regard this area of work as emotionally draining, and at times it can be, but a level head and an ability to keep matters into perspective are essential. Clients arguing over children is probably the most gruelling aspect of the job.

Since I qualified, the face of family law has changed with more matters being dealt with through negotiation, mediation or collaboration and less through contentious litigation. I get enormous job satisfaction and often build up a special rapport with my clients, so much so, they recommend me to their friends and family and give me updates as to how they are getting on with their lives post their separations.

When I first joined Birketts I was surprised about how welcoming and friendly everyone was and I continue to feel proud to be part of the team. By being part of one of the largest firms in the region it opens up huge opportunities.  I am a member of IACP, an active member of Resolution locally and nationally, and the press officer for the Norfolk Collaborative practice group. I have lectured on Resolution courses to train IFA’s advisors in collaborative law and have been an expert guest on local Radio.