Major Family Law has promoted experienced solicitor Stephanie Layton to Associate, in recognition of her outstanding work since joining the firm in March 2020.
Stephanie specialises in financial matters and has an impressive track record advising both married and unmarried couples going through separation. She has also worked with many parents in dispute about care of and access to their children.
Stephanie’s promotion will take effect on April 1. She said:
“It has been a pleasure to learn and grow with the team at major Family Law. I have really appreciated the guidance, training and support I have received from Joanne and all the team since I joined the firm at the start of the pandemic. I look forward to many more years ahead with the firm. It’s an exciting, innovative firm to be part of.”
The promotion follows four new appointments in just six months. In September 2022, Paralegal Lottie Weston joined the firm. She is currently completing the Legal Practice Course and plans to begin training as a solicitor later this year.
In November, Lottie was joined by Legal Assistant Louise Thain, who is legally qualified and has ambitions to become a qualified family solicitor.
December saw the appointment solicitor Jenny Green, who was inspired to enter law after volunteering for the charity Support Through Court, who work to help unrepresented litigants.
The fourth recent appointment quickly followed in February, when Newcastle native Nida Ali joined the Major Family Law team. Since graduating with a Masters in Law from Northumbria University, Nida has specialised wholly in family law.
Major Family Law has already appointed a further solicitor, who will be joining the firm in May, and discussions are already afoot with others interested in joining the bourgeoning team.
The firm was founded in 2009 by Managing Director Joanne Major. Working across all areas of family and child law, it has earned a first-rate reputation amongst both domestic and international clients, receiving a top ten ranking in prestigious international directory the Legal 500 no less than ten times. Major Family Law is currently enjoying a period of unprecedented growth and has become the largest niche family law firm in the North of England, employing 16 solicitors and three paralegals.
2022 saw Major Family Law’s best ever financial performance. Turnover is at record levels, and profit is also rising despite heavy investments in new technology and staff.
Much of the firm’s work comes via referral, from, for example, other solicitors, barristers, and members of the local judiciary, as well as accountants and local companies.
In addition to its Ponteland base, Major Family Law now operates offices in Carlisle, Durham, Northallerton and Darlington, with Middlesborough and Morpeth to follow soon. Each new satellite office helps the firm better meet the growing demand for its services.
In 2022 the firm launched innovative new website Splittingup.com, to provide accessible advice and reference material to anyone going through a divorce or separation, alongside referrals to experts working in different fields. The site also hosts a popular podcast featuring discussions of key divorce and parenting topics.
Photo caption left to right: Legal Assistant Louise Thain, Solicitor Jenny Green, Associate Solicitor Stephanie Layton, Solicitor Nida Ali, Paralegal Lottie Weston