Sara Williams Joins Local Family Law Solicitors

Holdens Law are delighted to welcome Sara Williams to our team of local family lawyers. Sara has 25 years’ experience of family law, bringing a blend of empathy and professionalism to this sensitive area of our firm.

We asked Sara about her experience and why she chose to work for Holdens Law…

How did you become a lawyer?

I studied to be a lawyer through the Chartered Legal Executive route, which means learning on the job in addition to studying theory and practice rather than the traditional route of University. I qualified whilst working at a firm in Blackburn, where I remained for 16 years gaining a good grounding in family work, particularly children and domestic abuse.

My work included attending legal clinics at refuges and domestic violence support services from Manchester to Lancaster, which was predominantly legal aid work. Since 2016, I have worked at two different Lancaster legal firms, dealing with all aspects of family law. 

I joined Holdens in June 2025, and dealing mainly with all areas of private paid family law. However, I am very happy that some of my legal aid clients from my previous firm transferred with me which has allowed me to see their cases through to the end.

What attracted you to work for Holdens Law?

I knew Holdens through working at two other Lancaster firms and I had always found them a fair opponent. I had a good feeling about the office when I came for my interview and definitely gained the impression that the Directors became lawyers in order to help people. They see clients as human beings and not just a way to meet cost targets.

It is definitely a ‘team’ environment and it is the quickest I have ever felt settled in a role.

What do you think you bring to the team?

The most important thing is being a team-player, as the department needs to work together and support each other. The whole firm generally seems to work as one. In family matters in particular we often need advice from other departments or need to cross-refer clients, and similarly other departments refer to us.

I am also enjoying assisting with training and helping the recently qualified solicitor and trainee solicitors if they have a query. 

Why did you choose to specialise in family law?

I have been in family law for 25 years. It’s a very good feeling seeing the difference in a person who comes to see you at one of the worst times in their life, as they gain strength, confidence and hope for the future. 

I have had some lovely, heartfelt comments at the end of several cases which always bring a lump to the throat. It’s these moments you remember when you are having a hard day. 

What has been your most satisfying case working for local family law solicitors? 

It is not necessarily the complex cases that bring the most satisfaction, it’s what you have been able to achieve for that particular client. Sometimes the smallest thing can mean the world to them. Any case where the client can move on in life, in safety and with confidence, is hugely rewarding.

How do local family law solicitors approach cases?

You have to keep an open mind and not judge people at your first meeting. It is also important to have a careful balance between showing empathy and the client not seeing you as their counsellor or social worker.

In all cases you’re working to achieve the best outcome for the client, but you also need to make it clear to them that the court will ultimately make a decision which is felt to be in the best interests of the children in a children case, or which results in a fair settlement and meets needs in financial cases. This sometimes differs from what the client is expecting or what they might be hoping for. Making them aware of this in advance can help them to be more realistic and more prepared for the judgment when it comes, avoiding frustration and disappointment.

What qualities do you think good local family law solicitors need?

Local family law solicitors need to have empathy, good listening skills, and the ability to explain things in a way so that clients fully understand what is going on. You need to make your clients feel supported and being able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life and of different capabilities is essential. 

What do you think makes family law different from other areas of law?

In family law, you are dealing with people at their most vulnerable, and often the other party is someone they once loved and possibly had children with. Emotions are normally running high and you need to work with the client to get them to separate their feelings for the other person from the legal matters in hand. 

What else do you think Holdens can offer to clients as local family law solicitors?

Clients can have confidence that we are invested in their case, and they are not ‘just another client’ or another income source. We are open, honest and fair with our charges, offering a fixed fee initial consultation with a follow-up advice letter so people can see what their options are and how much their case may cost. 

Our clients get a great service from the whole team, whether it’s from reception, secretarial staff, or the lawyer dealing with their case. We can see clients in the Lancaster or Kendal offices, can hold appointments in the office, by telephone or by TEAMS, and we will always work to accommodate the client’s own commitments the best we can. 

Finally, what is it about working as a lawyer that gets you out of bed in the morning? 

Genuine job satisfaction, continued learning, and my fabulous colleagues. After working in several local family law solicitors, I can honestly say that this firm genuinely cares about their clients.