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Corbett Le Quesne partner Nicholas Le Quesne and associate solicitor Jamie-Lee Morgan tell Emily Moore about the ‘hugely interesting and diverse’ world of family law
THERE is nothing easy about the end of a marriage – or, indeed, of any relationship.
As Corbett Le Quesne associate solicitor Jamie-Lee Morgan said: “Everyone has experienced some form of relationship breakdown during their life and knows how difficult it is. When you throw marriage, children and finances into the mix, there are several very important plates spinning.”
This is where Corbett Le Quesne’s family law team – the largest in the Island – can come in, “guiding people through a traumatic time and bringing them out on the other side, setting them up for the future”.
“Our role is to help and guide people through the pain and stress, while talking to clients in a way that they understand, removing all the legal jargon and taking into account everything they are going through while being firm when necessary,” said Jamie-Lee.
“Ultimately, although we deal with several different matters, our goal is always the same, and that is to make a positive difference to people as they transition from one chapter of their lives to the next.”
Indeed, as Jamie-Lee says, a divorce is a “life-changing event”, which often marks one of the “worst times” of a person’s life. And, as the associate solicitor points out, this experience is made even more complicated and painful when there are children involved.
“We recognise how difficult this time can be for people, so we aim to be responsive and caring,” said partner Nicholas Le Quesne. “We are very much open all hours and pride ourselves on our client-first approach, which means that people will nearly always have access to an advocate instead of the majority of their contact being with a secretary or an assistant.”
Having started his career in corporate law, Nicholas transferred to family law because of the impact that the discipline could have on individuals.
“It’s a hugely interesting and diverse area of practice,” reflected the Jersey advocate and English solicitor. “In corporate law, clients tend to look in directories, see which lawyers are recommended and, as long as they get the deal done, they are happy. While we are recognised as leading lawyers in those directories, our work requires much more of an emotional connection with our clients.
“It’s important to establish a relationship and for the lawyer to really listen to the client and understand their position. Equally, though, it is vital that, while maintaining a sensitive approach, you manage the client’s expectations.
“After all, this is a situation where no one really wins. If you are going to split your combined wealth in half, then pay legal fees and end up in a situation where you won’t see your children as much because of a shared care arrangement, then it is difficult to see that as a good outcome.
“We encourage clients to focus on positive outcomes and not to waste their money on point scoring but to keep that money to pass on to their children rather than to pay their lawyers.”
We encourage clients to focus on positive outcomes and not to waste their money on point scoring but to keep that money to pass on to their children rather than to pay their lawyers
advocate Nicholas Le Quesne
It is a matter-of-fact approach which Nicholas and Jamie-Lee say is appreciated by their clients.
“We know that when a marriage breaks down, and there are children involved, it is impossible for the parents to sever all ties with one another. Therefore, we want to find the best solution for everyone and an outcome which is best for the children. Ultimately, when that child gets married, or celebrates a landmark birthday, we want both parents to be sitting at the top table, able to share that occasion,” said Jamie-Lee. “People really value that approach, which is why the majority of our work comes from personal recommendations.”
“You can’t always avoid conflict though and when emotions are high and clients cannot trust each other, it’s all hands on deck,” added Nicholas. “We always put everything into getting the best outcome for our clients.
“Whether we have to trace money around the world, examine the intricacies of a trust, show that a trust is untouchable or that assets should be ring-fenced, we will be there for our clients, ensuring the very best outcome possible.”
Offering the full spectrum of family law services, the experienced team comprises senior partner Advocate Barbara Corbett, counsel Advocate Kate Donohue, paralegals Jess Dunning and Juliette Byrne and office manager Lizzie Keogh, as well as Advocate Nicholas Le Quesne and écrivain Jamie-Lee Morgan.
“As well as advising on divorces and contact arrangements, we broker financial agreements,” explained Nicholas. “We also do a lot of pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. They are popular now and usually save a lot of money and heartache down the line. We encourage people to think of them as ‘a stitch in time saves nine’.
“No one goes into a marriage expecting it to end but we all know it can happen to anyone. A prenuptial agreement can be particularly important for people who have been married before or who are a bit older and have more assets to their name. It is especially valuable if one or both of the individuals already has a child from a previous relationship. In such cases, having a pre-nup can protect their adult children and set out, very clearly, what they are entitled to.”
As well as working with private clients, the team undertakes public law work, with Barbara, Nicholas and Kate all sitting on the Public Law Children Panel.
“The panel advises on cases where the state is considering taking a child into care,” said Nicholas. “In such cases, we represent either one of the parents, or the child through a guardian. There isn’t much that is more important than sitting there, dealing with a finely balanced case about that child’s future. The responsibility is massive, as that child’s future is in your hands.”
In a similar vein, Barbara and Nicholas are also members of the Mental Health Review Tribunal Panel. As mental-health lawyers, they represent clients who can have their liberty restricted and need representation to consider and potentially challenge decisions made on their behalf in respect of their care.
Admitting that working in such an area can be “emotionally challenging” at times, and requires a lot of “patience, empathy and emotional intelligence”, both Nicholas and Jamie-Lee say they love the job.
“You wouldn’t have a heart if some cases didn’t get to you, but you have to develop a certain level of detachment so that you can give people the right advice, which is the most important part of our jobs” said Jamie-Lee.
