The benefits of supervision cannot be overstated – more so the benefits of having Zoe as my supervisor. Zoe has an outstanding knowledge of the family law world and what the challenges (positive and negative) of what practice and management can bring. Her professional background though gives an objectivity and insight into situations that are encountered in the working world of a family lawyer that naturally aid reflection and bring about a new perspective where needed. As a manager as well as a lawyer, those insights are commonly relate to the business of law, just as much as the practice of family law. Through her supportive yet directive approach, Zoe is willing to facilitate conversations that are both supportive yet also questioning. The times I benefit from her guidance most are when she refuses to allow me to merely repeat the same narrative without challenging myself as to my role and how I can take action and responsibility to address and improve my working life. I highly recommend both supervision and Zoe as a supervisor.
'I have been having supervision with Zoe for the last couple of years. I have found it hugely beneficial. Dealing with a wide range of complex and emotional issues at work everyday really does have an impact. It can be really difficult to find an appropriate environment where you have time to discuss what you have read about, seen or experienced, however monthly supervision allows that time and space. Having regular supervision is vital in managing my own wellbeing.'
At the end of 2019 beginning of 2020, I started my journey to become a family law supervisor. It was something that I believed in strongly, having had a background in legal aid law firms, it had always struck me that we were supervised for procedure, for filling and risk but not for our wellbeing.
Having undertaken the training it reaffirmed that it is absolutely necessary for all in family law and supporting family’s space to have supervision. We hold people and families in their time of need, we take on their trauma and we should be supported to enable us to be the best advocate, mediator or arbitrator as we can be.
As a firm, Family Solutions work with separating families in the non court dispute resolution space and the court arena. Zoe has knowledge of the family law world, this has been a blessing, enabling us to express frustrations and upset to someone who understands but can also challenge and test. Each member of the team has monthly supervision with Zoe, they are enabled to discuss work, office life and any other topics they wish. The freedom to talk about what is important to them is extremely valuable. The feedback from my colleagues has been so powerful, I would go as far as to say we will now feel we could not function at full capacity without our supervision.
Even on days when you feel you have nothing to say, Zoe helpfully and kindly pushes you and works through problems with you.
The value of being heard is something we all take very seriously in respect of our clients; supervision is our chance to be heard and should not be underestimated.
I think we would all feel getting Zoe to supervise us was the best decision we have made!