Family Law and More (Unit Chambers / Innobella Media)

Bella Tait and Isabel Hawkins are joined by Fiona Flemington to discuss Imposter Syndrome - what it is, the different types and how it can present, with a particular focus on the legal profession. With special thanks to our researcher - Elisha Tax.

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Join Lisa, Isabel and Bella as they deep dive into the recent case of Re T, discussing the key takeaways and highlighting what family law practitioners can learn from this case.

Please find a link to the final judgment here: http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2023/475.html

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Meet Daniel Thomas, MD of Chroma, a therapeutic service that enables people to realise their potential through creativity. In the first of a two-part series, Daniel explores how we can use the power of music, drama and art to help safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults that we work with in the family justice system. Learn more about Chroma here: https://wearechroma.com

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In this episode we are joined by the award-winning journalist, Louise Tickle. Join us as we listen to her experiences and motivations for striving to achieve greater transparency from the Family Justice System.

Learn more about Louise's experience here: https://louisetickle.co.uk/about.html

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This week we’re back to talk about Part 25 Applications with consultant chartered clinical psychologist, Dr. Kate Hellin, who has been undertaking psychological assessments of parents for the family court since 2007. Get an expert's response to the new world of Part 25 applications in this insightful episode.

To learn more about Dr. Hellin’s experience, take a look at her LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hellin

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Join host Lisa Edmunds as she interviews leading experts and explores the most pressing issues affecting families and the legal system.

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Lyana Chan and Callum Hurley as they discuss Part 25 Applications.

Plus, get ready to roll the dice and get to know our guests on a deeper level! From "Bubble Bath and beer" to "Desert Island", we've got it all covered!

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Welcome to our "Pupillage Prep" series, your roadmap to a successful legal career. In this episode, we explore "Becoming a Family Law Barrister at the Self-Employed Bar." Join our discussion with our Consultant Barristers, Isabel and Bella, along with our CEO and Senior Consultant Barrister, Lisa Edmunds. They share their insights and experiences, offering valuable advice for aspiring barristers. Whether you're on the pupillage journey or curious about family law, this episode is your guide to success. Tune in and get ready for a bright legal future.

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Is there really a place for Arbitration in the family justice system? In this episode we are joined by our Door Tenant and Head of St. Ives Chambers, Elizabeth Issacs KC.

As a specialist child law silk and a Family Division Deputy High Court Judge, Elizabeth has a national reputation for a compassionate, pragmatic and strategic approach, excellent advocacy and forensic preparation in complex public law cases.

Get her thoughts on arbitration in this thought-provoking episode.

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In our latest "Pupillage Prep" episode, we tackle the vital topic of resilience and mental wellbeing throughout the demanding pupillage application process. Our guest, Fiona Flemington, Director of the Insightful Coach and an experienced Executive Coach, shares her invaluable insights. Fiona provides expert advice on the mindsets and skills needed for excellence in today's challenging legal arena. She emphasises the significance of nurturing resilience and establishing effective routines to safeguard your mental health during the stressful pupillage applications. Whether you're an aspiring barrister or a seasoned legal pro, this episode offers essential guidance for maintaining wellbeing on your path to legal success.

Tune in for inspiration and actionable advice.

References:

Book on confidence – The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakeable Confidence by Nathaniel Zinsser,

The Pupillage Podcast

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In the unpredictable journey to pupillage, resilience is key. Join host Lisa Edmunds in a candid and uplifting conversation with our special guest, Fiona Flemington, as they navigate the challenging topic of handling rejection in pupillage applications and interviews. In this episode of our 'Pupillage Prep' series, Fiona shares her insights on what to do if it's a "no" this time. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Fiona offers practical advice on maintaining resilience, learning from setbacks, and emerging stronger in the face of disappointment. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that goes beyond the technicalities of applications and interviews, focusing on the human aspect of navigating a career in law. Whether you're facing your first rejection or looking for strategies to stay resilient, this episode provides guidance and encouragement to help you bounce back and continue your pursuit of pupillage.

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Gear up for success as we guide you through the ins and outs of interview day in the latest instalment of our 'Pupillage Prep' series. Joining Lisa in this episode are Eve Humphries, Practice Manager at Unit Chambers, Isabel Clarke, Pupil Barrister, and Roger Draper, Chairman of Unit Chambers. Together, they share invaluable tips and tricks to help you shine on your pupillage interview day. In this episode, we go beyond the basics, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the interview day procedures at Unit Chambers. Our panel unravel the dos and don'ts, providing a comprehensive guide on how to make a lasting impression. From understanding the interview format to showcasing your unique strengths, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned interviewee or gearing up for your first pupillage interview, this episode is your go-to resource for mastering the interview stage of the pupillage process.

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It’s our 3rd Birthday! Join us for a special episode where the legend that is Nisha Katona (MBE, CEO and Executive Chef of Mowgli Street Food) and in a previous life, a family barrister in Liverpool, hosts the podcast and interviews Unit’s very own CEO, Lisa Edmunds and Executive Chairman, Roger Draper.

In a birthday special, discover how Unit Chambers came to be and what the future looks like…

Watch the TedTalk that inspired the evolution of Unit Chambers here: https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement

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Welcome to "Family Law and More" - a podcast series brought to you by Unit Chambers, the UK's fastest-growing family law set of specialist barristers with offices in Liverpool and Manchester. Hosted by Lisa Edmunds, CEO of Unit Chambers and a senior consultant barrister, Family Law and More is a new and exciting monthly podcast that is going to take you on a deep-dive into topical and cutting-edge issues that affect and impact those working within family law or experiencing the family justice system.

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Join host Lisa Edmunds as she interviews leading experts and explores the most pressing issues affecting families and the legal system.

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Lyana Chan and Callum Hurley as they discuss the relaunch of the Public Law Outline.

Plus, get ready to roll the dice and get to know our guests on a deeper level! From "Bubble Bath and beer" to "Desert Island", we've got it all covered!

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Bella Tait and Isabel Hawkins are joined by Fiona Flemington in part 2 of our Imposter Syndrome series. This episode looks at resources and methods of managing imposter syndrome to use to our advantage. Special thanks to our researcher - Elisha Tax.

Resources:
TYPES OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME – based on the work of Dr Valerie Young
• The Perfectionist
• The Superhero
• The Expert
• The Natural Genius
• The Soloist

Watch Dr Valerie Young’s short talk on Imposter Syndrome :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7v-GG3SEWQ
Book ref: The Imposter Cure by Dr Jessamy Hibberd
Book ref: The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It. By Dr Valerie Young
Fiona Flemington
The Insightful Coach
www.theinsightfulcoach.co.uk

Law Care :
Helping with a variety of issues, law care can help with the anxieties of imposter syndrome. Whether it is just to speak to someone with no judgement, the website has tools that can help feel more confident within the workplace.
Feel free to email their support system at support@lawcare.org.uk
Bupa :
If you want a quick read, whether in your lunch break or on the bus, this is the perfect site for you. This is less about a support system and more about self-led help (as I’m sure quite a few of us can relate to!).
The University of Law
A short article was written for students. If you’re struggling with your studies, give it a read and see that you’re not alone!
Healthline :
This website reiterates everything we have spoken about within our podcast (the different types of imposter syndrome). This also recommends different types of online therapy for your wellbeing. If you feel like you need any help, reach out as there are always people willing to listen!

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Embarking on the journey towards pupillage? Join hosts Bella Tait and Lisa Edmunds in this illuminating episode of our 'Pupillage Prep' series, where we decode the art of approaching the pupillage gateway and crafting stellar written applications. Our distinguished guest speakers, Unit Chambers Chairman Roger Draper and Pupil Barrister Isabel Clarke, bring a wealth of insights to the table. Together, we unravel the mysteries of the pupillage gateway, offering invaluable tips for navigating the written application process. This episode is your compass for a successful voyage through the pupillage application landscape. Tune in to gain practical advice, first-hand experiences, and the strategic know-how to make your application stand out.

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In Part 2 of our conversations with Daniel Thomas, MD of Chroma, we explore the APCI (Assessment of Parent-Child Interaction) created by Prof. Stine Jacobsen in Denmark. This assessment aims to help families with children aged 5-12 experiencing difficulties with communication, interaction or attachment behaviours. Learn more about these assessments undertaken by Chroma here: https://wearechroma.com/service/specialist-assessments/

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Prepare for a captivating journey into the world of forensic testing as we delve into the critical role of DNA testing in family law cases. In this special episode, we're joined by distinguished guests David Nicholson and Casey Baldwin from DNA Legal, a trailblazing company specialising in drug, alcohol, paternity, and forensic testing. Our expert speakers shed light on the pivotal role of accurate testing in family law justice. From establishing paternity to navigating complex cases involving substance abuse, DNA Legal plays a crucial part in unravelling the truth. Join us as we explore the intricacies of their business and understand the profound impact of their work on the outcomes of family law cases.

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In this special Pro Bono Week episode, we shine a light on the legal professions invaluable contribution of free legal aid to those in need. Meet our extraordinary guests, Emily McCurrie and Chloe Steel, case workers at Advocate. They share profound insights into the importance of pro bono work, especially in family law, where it can be truly life-changing. Led by our dedicated barristers, this episode explores essential legal topics and aims to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families. Join us to discover the impact of pro bono work in family law and be inspired by the stories that shape our legal world.

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The role of Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) in domestic abuse cases is crucial, yet often misunderstood. With the recent updates to the Cafcass Domestic Abuse Practice Policy, we’ll explore how these guidelines impact family court proceedings, child safeguarding, and parental contact arrangements.

In this episode, we’ll break down:

• How Cafcass assesses harm and risk in domestic abuse cases
• The impact of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 on family proceedings
• How practitioners balance child welfare with parents’ rights
• The challenges of coercive control and post-separation abuse
• Whether the family court is doing enough to protect children

Let’s dive into what these policy changes mean for legal professionals, parents and the children at the heart of these cases.

References: Re L-G (Risk Assessment) [2025] EWCA Civ 60, Re T (Children: Risk Assessment) [2025] EWCA Civ 93, Cafcass policy, PD12J

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In this episode we delve into the critical role of digital forensics and cell site analysis. Welcome Ben Chieffo, who brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. With a decade-long career as a detective in Lancashire police, Ben is now the Cell Site Team Lead at CYFOR, a digital forensics investigation company offering invaluable insights into the world of electronic evidence. Ben and CYFOR's expertise opens up new avenues for exploration in the field of family law, particularly in matters concerning mobile phones, cloud accounts, social media profiles, and cell site analysis. Learn more about CYFOR here: https://cyfor.co.uk

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Join us for a special episode dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, observed on November 25th. We're honoured to welcome Lucy Hadley, Head of Policy at Women's Aid, a remarkable guest who sheds light on this crucial day. In this episode, we delve into the impactful work carried out by Women's Aid and the dedicated efforts of our team here at Unit in support of women and girls navigating the family law justice system.

The title of this episode, "Empowering Survivors: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls," aptly reflects the important discussion on empowering survivors and taking a stand against violence. Tune in for a conversation that seeks to make a difference.

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What is parental alienation and what isn't it? Join us in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Kate Hellin, consultant chartered clinical psychologist, as she talks with our barristers, Chloë Booth and Bella Tait.

To learn more about Dr. Hellin’s experience, take a look at her LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hellin.

Kate Hellin's psychological assessment of the parents involved in Lancashire County Council v M and others (Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group intervening) was described in Mr Justice Hayden’s 2021 judgement as a ‘landmark report, the analysis of which requires wider dissemination’.

References: 1. The President’s Judgement – Re C, Neutral Citation Number: [2023] EWHC 345 (Fam)

2. Review of research and case law on parental alienation (April 2018). Julie Doughty, School of Law and Politics, Nina Maxwell and Tom Slater, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, commissioned by Cafcass Cymru. 3. Guidance on the use of Psychologists as Expert Witnesses in the Family Court in England and Wales (Standards and Competencies)-June 2023 https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/psychologists-expert-witnesses-family-courts-england-wales

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The family courts operate behind closed doors, but should they? The issue of transparency in family proceedings has sparked heated debate among legal professionals, journalists, and campaigners. While privacy is essential to protect vulnerable children and families, there are increasing concerns that secrecy allows failings to go unchallenged.

In this episode, Lisa and Claudia sit down with Louise Tickle, a leading journalist pushing for greater openness in the family courts, to discuss:

• Why transparency matters – and the risks of too much secrecy
• The Sara Sharif case and what it reveals about family court failures
• The impact of reporting restrictions on justice and accountability
• How recent court rulings & pilot schemes are changing the system
• What reforms are needed to balance privacy with public interest

Reference to previous episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0IpU8f1FPLsIdcC38N7rxO?si=17a6d29e4ae64afc

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