Welcome to our fifth edition of our ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ series! In this edition, we meet Sarah Atkinson, Benitia Knowles-Wright and Christopher Duffield from our Exeter and Turo offices.
Sarah Atkinson
Sarah is a partner based in our Truro office. Sarah is also the head of the specialist family finance team. Sarah has 20 years of experience which has led to her creating a portfolio of a wide variety of cases. Most recently, Sarah has been involved with the launch of our new ‘Resolution Together’ service.
Sarah is known for being technically brilliant, steadfast and supportive.
What experience do you bring to your role and how does it help?
I have worked as a family lawyer since 2004 when I started my training so have seen the law develop over that time. Even as a trainee I specialised in financial family work. That means I have an in-depth knowledge of financial remedies law and the associated practical aspects such as business valuations; the nuances of different pension schemes etc. I get really into my cases and I think my clients know I have got their back and will do everything I can to support them. It’s not just a job to me – what we do really affects our clients’ lives and that really matters to me.
What do you think clients should look for in a family lawyer?
I think family lawyers need to be empathetic but have the ability to give clear advice, even when you know it isn’t what your client wants to hear. It can be hard to do that but it is important people have realistic expectations. Obviously, a strong knowledge of the case law and procedure is essential, but also the ability to listen to what your client wants to achieve. Sometimes that is not going for the maximum they can get – other things are important too, like how an argument will impact on the family (especially children) in the long term, as well as the costs and stress of going through a contested court process. Also, the ability to think of creative solutions which take into account both parties’ aims and factor in the tax consequences.
What was the first CD you bought?
I think it was Now 19, so a mish-mash of 90s pop.
Describe a passion you have outside of work
I have been having tennis lessons since last summer and am absolutely loving it! Having been a tennis fan all my life I never actually learned to play and always considered myself rubbish at sport, but now I have a weekly lesson and am starting to feel like I can properly play! It’s great to be outside getting some exercise doing something fun so you don’t even notice you’re trying.
Benitia Knowles-Wright
Benitia is an associate in the Exeter office where she specialises in financial matters on the breakdown of marriage but also has experience with disputes involving children. Some of Benitia’s previous work includes cases involving businesses or where there have been complicated trusts or pension assets involved.
Benitia is described by her colleagues as compassionate, strong and a ray of sunshine.
What job would you want if you were not in your current role?
I would love to do something creative, such as be a podcaster or write a book. I love listening to podcasts – my favourites being British Scandal, My Therapist Ghosted Me and Off Menu. I always imagine what fun it would be to spend the day with a close friend, talking and recording. Otherwise, I would love to write a fiction book. Again, a very optimistic ambition.
What do you think are your biggest strengths?
I would say that I am empathetic, pragmatic and honest. My role as a family solicitor is to help clients through a difficult time and I do not underestimate the impact of this, and that this impact differs for each person. I like to be practical in my approach and, where possible, keep things simple. It is a practice I try and bring to my life at home as well – thinking about solutions, rather than worrying about problems (although, that is always easier said than done). I also value honesty which I consider the only way to build a trusted relationship. With both my friends and my clients, I will kindly say if I think something is unrealistic. It is much better to hear it from me, than from someone else.
What was the first CD you bought?
Britney Spears – Oops!… I Did It Again. I would then sit with the lyric book in front of me and practice every song until I had it word perfect!
What do you like about working for Stephens Scown?
The people. Stephens Scown has a fantastic culture of people who are great at what they do, but also a real pleasure to spend time with. Everyone I encounter is friendly, open and generous with their time. Meeting colleagues from other teams and offices is actively encouraged, meaning you always know who is at the end of the phone or an email when co-working or seeking advice.
Christopher Duffield
Chris is a paralegal in the Exeter office where he supports the legal advisers. By working with different legal advisers, Chris is involved with a diverse range of cases which has fed into his knowledge on divorces and financial settlements.
Chris is always willing to help others and always does so with a diligent and hard-working approach.
What job would you want if you were not in your current role?
If I were not in my current role, I would love to be a musician/songwriter. My favourite instrument to play is the guitar, and I enjoy performing in front of an audience. The idea of making and performing music for a living would be amazing.
Describe your role within the team and what do you like most about it?
I am a paralegal in the team. My role includes preparing first drafts of court documents, keeping track of upcoming court deadlines, being a first port of call for clients to contact if they have any issues, and putting together binders and court bundles before hearings. My favourite part of the job is listening to the stories and experiences of the clients and having the opportunity to help them achieve a desirable outcome during a very difficult time in their lives.
Describe a passion you have outside of work
Currently, I am passionate about playing chess and I spend a great deal of my free time either studying or playing the game. I am intrigued by how such a simple board game can have so much strategic complexity and tactical theory, and I find that it offers a perfect blend of challenge and relaxation.
What is something you have always wanted to do but have not yet done?
I have always wanted to go caving at least once in my life. I am not sure why I would want to squeeze through small spaces underground in the dark, however, I would love to experience the thrill and challenge of this one day. I would definitely only try it with an experienced caver though!
That concludes our fifth edition of our ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ series. We hope you enjoyed getting to know Sarah, Benitia and Chris from the team. In the next edition we will be starting to get to know our specialist children team.