Each month, we hear stories from the people behind the law degrees at 145-year-old, South Yorkshire-based law firm, Banner Jones. Most recently, we spoke to Senior Solicitor Shetal Gudgeon about her work in family law, her route into the profession, and how she balances the demands of such sensitive work with family life.
Can you tell me a little about your role at Banner Jones and what you specialise in?
I’m a Senior Solicitor in the Family Law department. I deal mainly with children’s cases, though I also cover divorce and finances. Because I’ve been doing this for a long time and have a lot of experience, I often work on more complex children’s cases where there are issues of domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns.
I guess ideally you’re wanting to avoid court with cases involving children?
Yes – with children’s cases you’ve got to focus on the child, their welfare, stability and happiness. Sometimes, when people are going through a separation, they can lose sight of that because it’s such an emotionally charged time. My role is to guide them through that process and keep it focused on what’s best for the children. I always say knowledge is power – even if you’re unsure, come in and have a chat. I can explain the law, what your rights are, and look at ways of resolving things through negotiation, mediation or round-table meetings before court becomes necessary.\
There must be a balance between listening and being realistic?
I’m not presenting myself as a trained counsellor, but there is an element of listening and being empathetic. At the end of the day though, I am being instructed for legal advice. I give honest, clear and realistic advice from the outset, even if it’s not always what they want to hear. Some clients struggle with that, because they’re focused on their own needs, but ultimately it’s about keeping things on track and not making an already difficult situation worse.
How did you first get into family law?
I studied law and did my Legal Practice Course (LPC) in Sheffield. After a year out working in hospitality, I started my training contract in Barnsley. During that time, I had seats in different departments, but I found myself really drawn to family law. I enjoyed speaking to people, hearing their stories and being able to help them at such a personal level.
And you met your husband during that time as well?
Yes – we actually met while working at a restaurant in Sheffield. We both carried on with law and even did our LPC together. It’s funny, because at one point I thought about staying in hospitality as a career – I really enjoyed the sociable side of it – but in the end law was where my heart lay.
You spent some time working in Manchester too?
Yes, my husband and I moved there for about five years. I worked in Longsight, which is such a melting pot of different communities – I learnt so much during that time. One of the most important cases I worked on was helping a 15-year-old boy with learning disabilities who had been wrongly detained in an adult immigration centre. We had to go to the High Court to get him released. That case really stayed with me – it showed me the importance of what we do.
How do you manage to separate work from home life, especially with such sensitive cases?
When I’m at work, I’m at work – when I’m at home, I’m at home. Once I had my children, that separation came quite naturally, because being a mum took over when I was off. I took nine months with each child before returning part-time (4 days a week), which has always worked well for me and my clients. Having a commute also helps to draw that line. Working from home during Covid made that harder, because you’re suddenly dealing with very sensitive issues at your dining table. Now, if I do work from home, I make sure to close the laptop, pack everything away and compartmentalise.
And how are you feeling about where you are now in your career and life?
I feel very happy where I am. Banner Jones has been a great fit – I enjoy the culture, the support, and the work that I do. I’ve been qualified for over 20 years, and I know my strength lies in working with clients and helping them through difficult times. With my children now teenagers, my husband and I have a bit more freedom again, which gives a nice balance both at home and at work.
