Warwick Law School News

A report by Dr Rachael BlakeyLink opens in a new window has found that the ‘one-lawyer-two-clients’ format of family law support ‘can be highly effective in facilitating an agreement between certain divorcing or separating couples’.

The report presents the first empirical findings on the one-lawyer-two-clients format in England and Wales, whereby a single lawyer supports both parties in their divorce or separation. This approach has been increasingly adopted by lawyers in recent years as a potentially more accessible and affordable form of legal support, particularly following the introduction of no-fault divorce.

Funded by the University of Warwick, the study draws on qualitative interviews with 24 lawyers who practised the one-lawyer-two-clients format.

To coincide with the report’s publication, Dr Rachael Blakey is hosting an online launch for legal practitioners, academics and policy makers. Prior to the launch, over 140 participants had registered. Rachael said about her research:

“This is an incredibly important piece of research that investigates one way in which family law practice is adapting to the contemporary landscape.

I am incredibly grateful to all the lawyers who engaged with this project, and am excited to engage with various stakeholders going forward.”

The Full Report and Executive Summary are now available to download via the University of Warwick.

Congratulations Rachael.