Family solicitor Lauren celebrates anniversary with step towards key accreditation

Lauren Soutar marked her one-year anniversary at Watsons Solicitors by taking a significant step closer to acquiring the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation.

Tuesday 18 October was exactly one-year since Lauren joined the Warrington-based firm as a family lawyer.

By the time that date came around, Lauren had undertaken the Children Law scheme’s mandatory three-day course, which allows for membership to be applied for.

The course is a key part of securing the accreditation, which was on the list of priorities for Lauren when she walked through the door at Watsons.

On her reasons for wanting to acquire the Law Society’s Children Law accreditation, Lauren said: “I want to represent children and give them a voice.

“It’s important that children and guardians alike have representation and being able to be involved in that process excites me a lot.

“I’ve wanted to achieve the accreditation since joining Watsons, and it’s fantastic to be able to get started.”

Securing the certification will certainly add another string to Lauren’s bow as she continues her work in family law.

She continued: “Work, such as advising on care proceedings and attending hearings, has continued to come in thick and fast.

“It’s been fantastic being at Watsons because there is always so much going on; I’ve loved every minute of it.

“It’s busy, but the staff at Watsons are wonderful and very supportive, which makes the transition into a new job smoother.

“There’s no real hierarchy and it’s very much a case of the door is always open with everyone.

“It feels like I’ve worked here forever – in a good way!”

Lauren’s commitment to the next generation has also seen her become a trustee for Warrington Youth Zone.

The scheme provides somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to for every young person aged seven to 19 – and up to 25 for those with additional needs – in the town.

“It’s a wonderful idea and something I am proud to be a part of,” said Lauren. 

“The facilities on Dallam Lane are superb and help provide 20 fun and engaging activities, including football, singing, cooking, quizzes, and filmmaking, every single day.”

As Lauren looks to the future and her next year with Watsons, the firm are also making plans with a fresh addition to the family law team desired.

She added: “It will be great for the team because, as I mentioned earlier, there is plenty of work to do.

“For the individual, they will be joining a forward-thinking firm of solicitors which allows them to progress personally and professionally.

“We’re happy to have a confidential chat with anyone who may be interested, too.”

Watsons is looking for a specialist in divorce and matrimonial finance who has between three and five years PQE.

If interested, please email danny.hudson@watsonsolicitors.com

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing. The team of experienced solicitors each hold various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.