25 years and counting for family law specialists

The South West’s largest specialist family law firm, The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot, is celebrating 25 years as a specialist legal firm.

The company was set up as Hartnell & Co in 1991 by Norman Hartnell, after he realised there was a need for specialist family lawyers.

He was joined by Jane Chanot in 1997 when the company became Hartnell Chanot, and in 2013 a significant rebrand to The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot, meant the company’s specialism became clear to all.

Norman Hartnell said: “I felt strongly then, as I do now, that family law is specialist area requiring dedicated skills. Leaders in the field are needed to ensure that issues are addressed, such as the fact that one third of children lose contact with one of their parents after separation.

“Over 25 years we have built up a reputation for using problem solving approaches to achieve fair solutions and protect the vulnerable – and, of course, keep children at the heart of all our actions and advice.”

Amongst the significant changes to family law over the past 25 years, severe cuts to legal aid in 2013 has perhaps had the most drastic effect, with nearly all help for family law advice removed. This situation is an ongoing problem, and The Family Law Company has measures in place such as reduced fees and a free initial appointment, to try to help those struggling financially.

On the positive side, a significant swing has been made since 2000 when almost two thirds of lawyers were men. Now women account for almost half of all working solicitors. At The Family Law Company, 36 of the 41 solicitors and chartered executives are women, and fifty per cent of the company is owned by women.

Other major changes include new technology – with email replacing fax machines with a great sigh of relief from all. Skype and social media have each had a significant impact on family law; international expert Jane Chanot uses Skype to interact with solicitors overseas, whilst social media has proven beneficial for domestic violence and HBV cases.

After 25 years, The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot may well be seeing more changes, as the next generation of family lawyers take the reins to guide the company forward. Director/Owner, Rachel Buckley, said: “However the company evolves in the coming years, at the heart of our work will always be a better way of providing family law services, where clients are well-informed, well-advised and helped through their situation to a positive resolution.”

The anniversary was marked by a drinks reception held at Balliol House for friends of the firm, whilst employees enjoyed a celebration evening at Exeter Castle.