Jemma is a senior knowledge lawyer and accredited mediator in the divorce and family team.
As a knowledge lawyer, Jemma provides fellow lawyers with high level legal research and technical advice, and manages their continuing professional development by delivering training on specific topics and on recent developments in family law. She joined the family team as a knowledge lawyer in 2010, having previously been an associate in the team.
Jemma has specialised in family law since qualification in 2002, and has worked on a wide variety of cases including international matrimonial finance, private law children work, cohabitation cases and pre nuptial agreements. Jemma trained as a mediator in 2021 and has since been working with a variety of families to help them to explore pragmatic solutions and find a way forward together. Jemma is a member of the Family Mediators Association, Family Mediation Council and Resolution.
Experience
Me in a minute
I only ever wanted to practise family law
I remember being surprised at law school that most people had not made a decision as to which area of law to specialise in. I only ever wanted to practise family law. I was drawn by the combination of skills required - as well as technical knowledge, it is so important to understand the emotions involved.
Now that I am a professional support lawyer, I enjoy keeping the department up to speed with developments in the law - family law is constantly evolving and so there are always opportunities to increase knowledge and understanding. Each month the professional support lawyers host a departmental meeting to discuss new cases and pool ideas and recent experiences - it is a great opportunity for lively debate and discussion and a definite highlight in my working calendar.