Specialists make guides

Jan 9 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A PONTELAND practice set up four years ago to specialise in family and matrimonial law is celebrating listings in two major legal guides.

Colette Stroud Solicitors appears in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

It is described by The Legal 500 as a niche, two-lawyer family firm which “delivers a first class service”.

Chambers and Partners said: “Family law boutique Colette Stroud Solicitors makes its debut in the rankings this year.

“This small team concentrates exclusively on the high net worth matrimonial finance sector and uses a carefully established network of legal and other experts to cover all the angles in complex cases. While making the most of its location near the Darras Hall Estate in Ponteland, the outfit also draws clients from all over the North-East and beyond.

“The eponymous partner has taken ancillary cases as far as the Court of Appeal and draws on previous experience as a member of the Children Panel.”

In addition, Colette Stroud recently became one of only 15 solicitors in the North-East to qualify as a resolution collaborative family lawyer.

Collaborative law allows the marriage or relationship partners to maintain more control over outcomes because agreement is reached in a consensual way, rather than by an order from a judge. The collaborative law process is based on honest and open discussions in which each partner is supported by his or her own collaborative solicitor.

The partners and their solicitors work together in a series of meetings to find a fair and mutually acceptable solution without the threat of court proceedings.

In November 2006, Joanne Major joined the firm from Watson Burton, where she had spent seven years as head of family law. The two solicitors currently employ four staff and Colette Stroud is planning further expansion this year.