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ADVOCATE Barbara Corbett is no stranger to receiving awards. The law firm which she cofounded in 2017 with Advocate Nicholas Le Quesne has received numerous accolades and accreditations from organisations such as the Family Law Awards and Legal 500 over the past seven years.
But there was one award – the Ally of the Year Difera Award 2023, which she received this February – that had particular meaning.
“This was awarded to Barbara in recognition of the work she had done to secure equal rights for parents in same-sex marriages, something which she has been campaigning for since she moved to Jersey,” explained senior associate Anna Styles. “In her capacity as a law commissioner, she has worked with policymakers to draft instructions for amendments to the Children Law and Marriage and Civil Status Laws. Her campaign also led to the creation of a paper which formed the basis for the amendments to the draft law.”
Describing both Barbara and Nicholas as “passionate family lawyers”, Anna explained that it was this dedication to their clients, and the issues which affected them, which had inspired them to establish their own firm.
“They wanted to be able to look after clients in a way that reflected their values, and to carry out a lot of pro bono work, which isn’t always possible in a larger, more corporate environment,” she said. “They also wanted to create an office culture which had not only clients’ wellbeing at its heart, but also that of the team. They recently introduced a four-day week to help everyone enjoy a better work/life balance.”
The Top Tier Legal 500 firm has tripled in size over the past few years, with the team now comprising 11 members and offering both family law and private-client services, with the latter led by Simon Lofthouse. He was joined in December 2022 by private-client manager Sarah Allchin, who the team describe as “invaluable”.
“Her bubbly personality, positivity and humour make her such an important member of the Corbett Le Quesne family,” said Anna.
The firm has also gained a stellar reputation internationally, hosting two or three conferences each year which attract audiences from around the world.
“The most recent of these, held on 22 March, was our Child Law Conference, for which the keynote speaker was Lord Justice Baker. He has been a family division liaison judge for the western circuit in the UK and a judge in charge of appeals to the family division. He was appointed as a Lord Justice of Appeal in 2018,” said Anna.
“The event was chaired by Caroline Wright, a Jersey commissioner and UK judge, and the speakers were excellent.”
Helping Anna to organise these events is Lizzie Keogh, who was shortlisted for Family Law Champion in the Family Law Awards 2023. At the same ceremony, the team was awarded Highly Commended for Family Legal Support.
Also helping to raise the firm’s profile overseas is Advocate Kate Donohue, who has just been appointed as a deputy district judge on the northern circuit in England.
“To be invited onto the national circuit is a huge honour, but it is also testament to her tremendous knowledge and expertise in the arena of family law,” said Anna. “It is also hugely advantageous for Jersey and our clients, as she will gain so much experience which she will bring back to the Island and her work at Corbett Le Quesne.”
Indeed, gaining experience and developing team members’ skills and expertise is central to the firm’s approach.
“There is a big focus on self-development and on creating a culture which supports that,” said Anna. “Associate solicitor Jamie-Lee Morgan, for example, started as a receptionist and has now done a law degree and was sworn in as an écrivain [a Jersey solicitor] last year and she will be called as an advocate in due course. Louise Eden joined with a background in HR and is completing her legal exams.
“Meanwhile, Katie De Andrade had her first experience of the firm when she was a Project Trident student. She is now studying for a degree in law and won her first mooting competition. She was recently made a junior paralegal.”
And newest recruit Jess Dunning, who joined in September last year, has just celebrated her graduation ceremony at the Institute of Law.
This focus on learning and development, Anna adds, does not just support individuals to progress but also cements the firm’s position as a specialist in family law.
“As well as receiving several awards in recognition of our work, we regularly receive referrals from other firms,” she said. “I think we have become known not just for our subject-matter expertise but also for our empathetic manner.
“To be a family lawyer requires a very special skill set, as, in many cases, clients are coming to us when they are going through challenging times and emotions may be running high. To give the right advice, you have to be caring, kind and concerned but you also have to detach yourself emotionally, so that you always act in the client’s best interests.
“While you need a strong relationship with your client, you have to maintain a neutral position and think of the bigger picture and the outcomes that you want to achieve. In cases of divorce where there are children involved, for example, the children have to be the paramount concern and the advice has to focus on the best outcome for the family as a whole.”
Linked with this, says Anna, is a desire to resolve matters out of court wherever possible.
“Negotiation is a hugely important part of our work and we always take a conciliatory approach first,” she added. “Unfortunately, sometimes it is impossible to avoid court, which is why we are so pleased that the new Family Division of the Royal Court facilities include meeting rooms where you can negotiate and facilitate conversations in between sessions.”
In addition to the team’s conciliatory and sympathetic approach, another factor which Anna says sets the firm apart is the way in which the private-client and family law services sit side by side.
“When they set up the firm, Barbara and Nicholas did not offer private-client services. These services attract international clients, many of whom are ultra-high-net-worth individuals with assets in excess of £100m,” said Anna.
“By offering a combination of family law and private-client services, we can provide specialist advice on all areas, from wills and probate to trust assets in a divorce. Simon’s expertise in these areas is invaluable. His extensive knowledge means we can offer innovative solutions that enable us to address a range of concerns, while Louise’s experience in HR and family law means she provides clients with an exemplary service and regularly receives praise and thanks from her clients.
“Not only have we used such structures to safeguard wealth for children and future generations but we also find solutions for separating couples. Some clients are most concerned about their pets. We can offer solutions here in Jersey not available elsewhere.”
And it is not just clients who the team helps, with the firm nominating a charity to support each year.
“Last year, we worked with Tiny Seeds, and Advocate Le Quesne was recently appointed the charity’s first male governor,” said Anna.
“This year we are supporting St John Ambulance, who will benefit from raffles held at our conferences and other fundraising initiatives throughout the year.”
