Discover more about our new Family Law team member, Ian Giddings:
When did you qualify as a Solicitor?
I obtained my LLB Hons degree at Staffordshire University in 2000 going onto obtain my LPC with distinction there. Straight from university I undertook my training contract at a Warwickshire firm and qualified as a solicitor in August 2002. My specialism has always been in Family Law.
When did you begin to specialise in Family Law?
I have worked exclusively in Family Law since 2000.
What do you enjoy about Family Law?
My ultimate motivation is to try and solve problems. Unlike drier areas of law family law requires knowledge of property, tax, probate as well as family law itself. You also need the soft skills of being able to communicate well, empathise with clients and know when the solution isn’t just a legal issue, but you need a practical solution too.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change about family law?
The courts are on their knees due to lack of staff, judiciary and funds. Real alternatives such as mediation, arbitration need to be actively promoted by solicitors, and in cases funded by government, so that the courts can recover and deal with the cases that really require judicial intervention.
