Giving back to our community is a key part of life here at BH&O, and where we can, we like to offer opportunities to aspirational young lawyers. We have a strict +18 policy, due to the sensitive nature of the work that we do and the confidentiality requirements that come with it, but on occasions, we try to offer some experience to young people trying to break into the fiercely competitive world of law.
Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Eve Bourne for the month, a Law and Criminology graduate from the University of Birmingham, who wrote the following account of her time with us.
We wish Eve the best of luck in her future placements and hope to come across her in the family courts in the future!
I recently had the privilege of gaining experience at Boardman Hawkins & Osborne LLP in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, where I observed the inner workings of a specialist family law firm.
During my time there, I developed a deeper understanding of the complexities of family law, including divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangement orders, with a particular interest in special guardianship orders and adoption matters. It was inspiring to work alongside the firm’s partners and consultants during client meetings, witnessing firsthand how they skilfully balance legal expertise with empathy to support clients through incredibly challenging times.
This experience provided me with invaluable opportunities to sit behind counsel at both the County the Magistrates’ Court, where I observed Initial Dispute Resolution and Final Hearings and gained a deeper appreciation for the roles of judges and barristers. Engaging in pre- and post-hearing discussions reinforced the collaborative nature of family law and the many professionals involved in securing the best outcomes for children and families.
Beyond court exposure, I was actively involved in case preparation, legal research, and client support. I took detailed notes during a client meeting, which enabled me to draft their position statement in preparation for their upcoming court hearing. I also accompanied a client to court for their final hearing, observing the legal proceedings and advocacy process that ultimately led to a positive outcome for both the client and their children.
My responsibilities also included organizing Form E bundles and ensuring all financial documents were compiled before the exchange. I attended a home visit with Counsel who were providing financial advice with the hope to formulate a settlement plan.
I undertook several research tasks on complex legal issues, my personal favourite surrounding IVF.
I want to thank Emily Boardman, Ruth Hawkins and Irena Osborne for allowing me to work at their firm and dive deep into cases to gain insight into this sector.
I also want to thank the rest of the team for being so welcoming and willing to answer my countless questions and involve me in cases to increase my exposure. I hope all my work experiences will be as engaging and positive as this one. You are all truly inspirational women, and I hope you continue to provide amazing experiences for clients and future students.
Building on this experience, I am eager to explore other legal sectors, including Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, Employment, and Sports Law. This will provide me with a deeper understanding of these areas and help me determine where I want to begin my legal career.
