International Women’s Day 2016 campaign theme is #PledgeForParity . This day celebrate the contribution that women have done regarding social, economic , cultural and political achievement around the globe

At WTB Solicitors we want to proudly celebrate and recognise the work that women on our staff do for both us and our clients. We want our women to let the world know that regardless the job you do, it is really easy to be a super woman. And here in our firm, 90% of the staff are women.

Today we have talked to Laura Hitchen, one of our family law solicitors . Find what she has to say below:

What is your position at WTB Solicitors?

Solicitor

Explain the variety of tasks that you deal with at work

I help people deal with the issues that arise when a relationship breaks down whether those issues relate to children, finances or achieving legal separation through divorce or dissolution. I have a particular interest in helping people secure protection from domestic abuse to ensure the safety of both themselves and their children; I regularly deal with emergency applications. On a day to day basis I listen to people and take their instructions, I give advice based on my knowledge of the law and experience and I give my clients options for how they can proceed to achieve the best possible outcome. I like to make sure that I don’t just see my clients as legal problems but as people and I help them to find out about sources of support that may help them deal with their issues. Family law is not an area of law that people usually turn to if everything is going well, it’s important that at a difficult and emotional time people know where to go for help.

Since when have you been working at the firm?

I started working in Longsight in March 2012

In this period, what has been the best?

It is really hard to narrow it down; working in Longsight has really been an eye opener for me in so many different ways. I have had the benefit of developing my knowledge and experience as there are so many different and challenging legal issues that arise due to our varied client base. I have also seen first hand the impact of cuts to services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society and have been motivated to do something about it; whether by delivering free training, creating our Meet the Neighbours events or the firm’s Community Directory. I have been extremely lucky to have my hard work acknowledged by winning Lawyer of the Year at the Made in Manchester Awards in 2015 and by being short listed for the Insider North West Awards.

Is it easy for you to cope with your work-life balance?

I work with a dedicated team of people who really strive to achieve the best for their clients. We all work hard and that often means late nights or weekends.