Interview with solicitor Jayne Martins

What’s it like working in law today? Jayne Martins, a family solicitor based in Bath, explains why she loves her work at RWK Goodman and the difference she can make to families in difficult times.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in family law?

Since I was young I enjoyed the art of debating so I think this drew me towards the legal profession. Later, I studied Christian Theology at A level which involved expressing reasoned arguments in moral circumstances and I really enjoyed learning to form arguments based on a moral standpoint so, again, this drew me to the law.

When I then studied law at university I enjoyed mergers and acquisitions law as well as family law. I enjoyed the complexities of M&A and the art of legal drafting. However, I felt that my skills really lied with dealing with people and I have always had a strong desire to help. I spent a significant amount of my training contract in the family department of a law firm. I absolutely loved the work and knew this was the field of law for me.

What does your work involve?

I help individuals and families deal with the practical issues that arise following a separation or divorce. I am head of the financial remedies department at RWK Goodman so I provide advice to clients on the financial aspects of a family relationship. This involves helping people work out how best to separate their finances so that the couple can live independently of each other.

I negotiate financial settlements either with the individuals themselves or through the solicitors on the other side or, on occasion, through the court process. However, my preference is always to try to encourage everyone to work together to find a resolution without the need to go to court. Another key aspect of my role is helping couples agree the children arrangements and this is something I take very seriously.

My day-to-day work often involves drafting divorce applications, drafting consent orders dealing with the financial settlement and drafting other financial documents. I work closely with other private client professionals such as tax advisors, wealth managers, financial planners and pension actuaries. The great thing about family law is that it covers lots of legal disciplines and aspects including family businesses, pensions, shareholding, investments and foreign assets.

I also assist individuals who wish to protect assets when they are getting married by advising on and drafting pre-nuptial agreements or post-nuptial agreements.

What do you love most about your work?

Family law is an area that offers such variety as well as being technically demanding. Whilst I enjoy dealing with the legal aspects of a family separation and the technical drafting that is required, I find the discretion involved in family law very interesting.

I have always wanted to help people and that is most definitely my favourite part of the job. I often deal with people who are in crisis so being able to assist these individuals with empathy and compassion while looking after their interests and the interests of the wider family following what has often felt like a catastrophic event is always a fulfilling experience.

To watch my clients emerge from what has been the most difficult time to embrace a new chapter in their lives is so rewarding, particularly where there are children involved. Protecting the children of a separation is one of the most important aspects of my job and so I work very hard to ensure that parents can work together post separation to ensure that the family network can remain intact as much as possible even though the individuals themselves have separated. I find dealing with the complexity of human relationships absolutely fascinating.

Alongside my legal work, I am also a family mediator which has given me a huge insight into how families work. As a mediator I work with couples and try to assist them in reaching their own outcome so that they retain control of their separation and find an outcome that works for their family.

As a mediator I do not provide any legal advice but I am providing significant support and guidance to separating couples. Helping them to achieve peace of mind in relation to their financial affairs and children arrangements in mediation is incredibly satisfying.

What interests do you have outside of work?

I have two young children so they keep me very busy outside of work. I really enjoy spending time with my family and going for country walks and travelling around the country when we can. I am also a keen reader and have recently joined a book club which I am enjoying. I am also into fitness and have a yellow belt in kickboxing but my focus now is more on regular exercise that fits in with my schedule.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

I am the first generation in my family to have gone to university and from a state educated background. I am very proud of what I have achieved academically and professionally, particularly qualifying as a mediator and collaborative lawyer and making partner at my firm. I am equally proud of the skills that I have honed and developed that allow me to provide empathetic and supportive legal advice to my clients when they are in crisis.

I am also proud to be Chair of Bath Resolution. Resolution is a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way. Founded in 1982, Resolution now has 6,500 members and is often involved in lobbying the government for positive change in family law issues. I am proud to be Chair of the local Bath Resolution committee and continue its excellent work.

On a personal note, I was incredibly proud of doing a charity sky dive for the Wallace & Gromit appeal which raised money for a neonatal unit in Bristol Children’s Hospital. I was absolutely petrified of the thought of jumping out of a plane but it truly was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life and we were able to raise significant funds for an amazing charity.

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Jayne Martins is a partner in the family team in the Bath office of RWK Goodman.