Family law specialist is Legal Hero

The Family Law Company's Norman Hartnell was named Legal Hero of the Year in the Devon and Somerset Legal Awards.

He has been a specialist in family law since founding Hartnell & Co (now The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot) in Exeter in 1991 specifically to offer an alternative approach to clients needing help with family matters.

Norman believes family law should be less combative and more empathetic with the needs of families, particularly children. His philosophy has made him one of the preferred solicitors in the region for complex family issues and he has received hundreds of referrals from organisations such as Splitz, SAFE, Only Mums Only Dads and Devon Family Solutions.

In 2016, Norman became the first solicitor in the South West to qualify for a new role as Children Issues Arbitrator within the Family Law Children Arbitration Scheme.

As Managing Director of The Family Law Company, Norman has built up a strong team in both Exeter and Plymouth, offering clients a wide range of specialist knowledge of family issues.

Business Development Director, Rachel Buckley said: “Norman was put forward for the award without being aware of it. He was unable to attend the event and the first he knew about it was when we FaceTimed him - it was an emotional moment.

“We are all very proud of our MD, mentor and friend. Congratulations Norman, you are our Legal Hero too.”