LOVE LOCAL
FM FAMILY LAW A Cup of Tea with... We share a brew with Christina Hale, solicitor and partner at a leading family law firm
CE: How has the team evolved since? CH: There are now 12 of us working in offices in Cambridge, Newmarket and Norwich. The latter was formed while I was away on maternity leave, and a lady called Sue Bailey stepped in to work with Fiona. Sue was a Norwich local, and although we had no presence in the city, she took a leap of faith and built up an office there entirely from scratch. We’re an all-female team, but not on purpose! It’s simply worked out that way through our organic growth. It’s quite unusual in the industry to have a firm of this size with an all-female team. I believe this has an impact on how FM Family Law is perceived outwardly, and it’s such a great environment to work in. CE: How does FM Family Law stand out from other firms? CH: We’re extremely agile as a firm and quick to adapt and respond. We never stop trying to improve and make things better. CE: What do you most enjoy about your line of work? CH: I genuinely enjoy helping people. There is nothing more rewarding than when people settle a case and come away from it feeling better than before. It gives
Cambridge Edition: Hello Christina! Firstly, can you tell us about your background in law and what drew you to working for FM Family Law? Christina Hale: I definitely didn’t take the traditional route! It was only after leaving school at a young age, having two children and then becoming divorced myself that I decided I needed a career. I gained experience in conveyancing and began studying for a degree part time. During this time, I got a training contract with the firm I was working for and got stuck into family law. I didn’t like it at first, but by the time I qualified, I had developed a real taste for it! I first encountered Fiona McLeman (founder of FM Family Law) when we were working against each other on a case – I was acting for the wife while she was on the husband’s team! We had been corresponding back and forth, before a mutual friend decided we might get along, so I picked up the phone and asked her if she fancied working together. She was a sole practitioner at the time, and shortly after I became her first recruit. We didn’t even have premises at the time; we just sat together and bashed things out on the computer in her home office!
HERE TO HELP For the past 18 years, Christina has specialised in divorce and family law
them that feeling of empowerment when they realise they do have options – and you have the ability to provide that knowledge and support. Follow @fmfamilylaw and discover how Christina, Fiona and the rest of the friendly team can help you with legal matters at fmfamilylaw.co.uk . FM Family Law, 4 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8DT
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JULY 2024 63
Powered by FlippingBook