Stephen Sowden and Emma Rodrigues of The Family Law Company

New solicitor for Care Team highlights commitment to legal aid work

Sue Cade
Authored by Sue Cade
Posted Monday, October 21, 2024 - 11:54am

The Family Law Company has welcomed solicitor Emma Rodrigues to its Exeter-based Care Team.

Emma’s interest in law was sparked at a young age by her enjoyment of legal television dramas and her natural inquisitiveness about the problems many people face. After graduating in Law from Cardiff University Emma took her master’s level LPC at the University of Law in Exeter.

This was at the height of the pandemic, meaning her classes and exams were online - and there was less opportunity for a training contract after she completed her studies. Emma decided to take a break to reevaluate, before securing a two-year training contract in 2022. This included a year working in Care, an area of law she found very rewarding and led to her accepting the role with The Family Law Company.

She explains “I enjoy helping Care clients, who are often vulnerable, through difficult situations. A fair number of cases are legally aided, with clients who struggle with mental health issues, physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

“For them, trying to understand the legal system and legal jargon just adds to their confusion and stress, so I work hard to explain carefully and clearly how best to navigate the system.”

The Family Law Company’s award-winning Care Team consists of a diverse group of empathetic lawyers dedicated to sensitively helping clients through complex and sometimes distressing processes.

Head of the Care Team in Exeter, Stephen Sowden said: “We’re pleased to welcome Emma to the team. We are committed to supporting the next generation of Legal Aid lawyers and the rewarding career path it can be. 

“Emma is keen to make a real difference and we know she will bring a fresh outlook whilst gaining insights from our experienced lawyers.”

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