Family Law solicitor at desk

Solicitor with criminal defence background joins family law specialists

Sue Cade
Authored by Sue Cade
Posted Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - 10:55am

The Family Law Company has appointed Solicitor Galina Labworth to its increasingly busy Care team in Exeter.  

Galina moved across into family law after a long career as a criminal defence solicitor, which frequently found her visiting clients at police stations, dealing with real-life situations that many are only familiar with from watching crime thrillers.

She began working in law after qualifying from Wolverhampton and then the College of Law, Store Street London where she was one of the first graduates on the then new LPC, achieving a coveted Distinction. Early in her career she volunteered for Just TV working on their Channel 4 series, Trial and Error which made docudrama films investigating miscarriages of justice.

After a stint at multi-disciplinary London solicitors Levenes, Galina joined a crime firm in East London, where she was duty solicitor on six London schemes, carrying out lots of advocacy and specialising in cases involving young people and vulnerable clients.

She moved to the somewhat quieter Devon environs 16 years’ ago, and for three years consecutively was named amongst the top three criminal solicitors in Exeter.

During lockdown, Galina decided the time was right to transfer her skills and experience into family law. “I’ve always had an interest in this area of law; I’m fascinated by family dynamics and the move meant I’d still be able to assist people in need,” she said.

“The Care sector in particular is challenging, with so many vulnerable people struggling to get access to justice. The Family Law Company has a real commitment to championing them and making sure their voices are heard.”

Galina will be working under the expert guidance of Director and Team Leader Stephen Sowden. He said:

“It’s a real pleasure to welcome Galina to The Family Law Company. Her experience in criminal law will give a welcome additional perspective to the Care team.”

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