First Family Team

Clare graduated from the University of Bedfordshire in 2007 with an LLB Honours Degree in Law.  She has since continued her studies undertaking a Diploma for Legal Secretaries.  Claire has worked within the legal profession for a number of years since graduating and is now assisting the Head of the Family Law Department.  Claire is a proactive and approachable member of the team and will endeavour to assist clients and her colleagues when required.

Outside of the workplace Claire enjoys attending the theatre and music concerts as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reading and socialising with friends and family.

Michelle has recently joined the First Law Partnership having previously worked at well known and respected family law firms in the region. 

Michelle has been working in family law for around 9 years and has experience in both privately and publicly funded matters. She is comfortable representing clients in court if this is needed though her membership of the family law group Resolution is testimony to her commitment to resolving issues in a way which attempts to avoid confrontation and animosity.  This is especially important to former couples involved in disputes over children where an application to court should really be seen as a last resort. Michelle’s strong academic background means she is happy to research those areas which are less common and she is the ‘go-to-girl’ in respect of pensions, having a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the types of pensions available and how these can best be dealt with and, if necessary, distributed in a financial settlement.

Michelle’s specialist area is divorce and the division of matrimonial assets and property advice for separating couples who have not been married.

• Areas of Expertise
• Divorce including divorces with an international element
• Financial settlement on divorce
• Pensions
• Applications under the Trusts of Land an Appointment of Trustees Act 1996