Finance Monthly Global Awards 2018 Edition

Contact: Nicky Goodman & Co 8 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ Tel: 01904 404544 Email: nicky@nickygoodman.co.uk Finance Monthly Global Awards 2018 www.finance-monthly.com 46 UNITED KINGDOM FAMILY LAW LAWYER OF THE YEAR About Nicky Goodman In 2016, after 30 years of practicing law, Nicky started up her own practice as a sole practitioner. At the outset of her career and training, Nicky handled a wide variety of litigation cases, as was quite common in High Street practices at the time. She therefore not only practiced family law but also personal injury, civil litigation and crime. Her experience grew in a number of High Street firms, joining her last firm Guest Walker and Co in 1996. It was here that she came to specialise in family law, most recently as a partner. Her current practice, Nicky Goodman and Co, covers all aspects of Family Law, including private and public Children Act cases, divorce and finances, cohabitation and domestic abuse. Nicky’s specialist accreditation with Resolution is in financial remedy and domestic abuse law. Her firm continues to operate the Specialist Quality Mark for Legal Aid purposes. The firm is located in the historic street Shambles in York next door to and symbiotically with, her previous practice at Guest Walker and Co. Nicky’s ethos is to tailor her services to individual needs and to strive for the best outcome for every client. She prides herself on her impeccable record and her open and clear relationship with her clients. Over the years she has built up strong relationships with colleagues and other professionals in her sphere of work. Her years of experience and solid reputation provide her clients with confidence and trust in her management of their case. Nicky’s firm tries to be unique. Emphasis is on a relaxed and informal environment so that clients are immediately at ease in their surroundings. They deserve and can expect a frank and useful discussion of their needs and outcomes. The office is small and cosy with coffee tables, scented tissues and oak beams. In a statement about her award win, Nicky says: “ I am very proud and honoured to have been given this award. I see it as recognition for all those who, like me are ordinary High Street lawyers, working at the coal-face. I can only say for myself that after 30 years in the business I try hard to maintain my passion and compassion. That might sound glib, but I genuinely feel that every day I am part of someone else’s story, usually at a traumatic time and that my participation should be a good and worthwhile thing. Everyone should have the best representation possible and have the best advice possible to ensure that there is a balanced and fair outcome. I am lucky to work in the legal community in York which has very high professional standards. In my area namely family work, the calibre of work is excellent which keeps you on your “A” game. I am particularly proud of my work with victims of abuse and in need of Legal Aid. I would like to see the Legal Aid system expanded but where it does not cover all cases, I find myself trying hard to work within its constraints, as do many of my colleagues. I would like to thank all those who nominated me. It has made me think about the reasons why I do this job. It has also made me feel very privileged and humbled. After all these years, it is rewarding to know that I am held in sufficient esteem to be considered worthy of recognition .” NICKY GOODMAN Founder of Nicky Goodman & Co