Head of Family elected to the Law Society Council

Taylor Rose’s Nicola Jones King, Partner and Head of Family and Children has been elected to the Law Society Council.

Nicola, who will take up a seat which focuses on legal aid, says she wants to use the role to serve as an advocate for those who rely on legal aid as a “lifeline”.

Commenting on her appointment, Nicola, who is the Honorary Lifetime Vice President of the Association of Lawyers for Children, and an active member of their Executive committee, said: “ I am delighted to be elected to the Law Society Council seat for Legal Aid at such a busy period for legal and policy concerns.”

“Firms face many challenges, from the impact of the government delay on criminal fees leading to strikes by barristers, to the pressure of clients we cannot help as they no longer qualify for legal aid advice, and the imminent next round of civil contracting.”

She continued, “Meeting the needs of clients while keeping businesses viable has never been as challenging as it is now. Legal aid support is a lifeline for many in times of economic pressure, and family breakdown. Without it they would be unable to access the justice system, so it’s an ideal time to have the opportunity to advocate for them and the unsung solicitors who work hard on their behalf.”

Nicola is a children’s law specialist, acting for children, parents, and family members often in complex cases. She is an accomplished trial advocate who advises and provides training on legal aid issues. She is the firm wide point of contract for the Legal Aid Agency, dealing with, and overseeing our contracts with them.

In addition to her role with the Association of Lawyers for Children, Nicola is a commentator on Legal Aid issues.

She is a member of Resolution’s Legal aid Committee and forms a key part of the Steering Group for the Pan London FDAC. She was made Jordan’s Family Law Partner of the Year in 2015.

Nicola had been a Partner for 14 years and has now specialised in family law for 25 years.

Nicola has a particular emphasis on the training and development of young family lawyers, recruiting 2-3 Newly Qualified solicitors or Legal Executives each year from our internal training programme. The firm’s links with University Pro Bono Advice Service means the department can offer training to students and recruit them via the SQE scheme. The department also offers training through the apprenticeship scheme, which supports those who come from less privileged and diverse backgrounds to come into the profession.

Taylor Rose’s Colum Smith, Chief Vision Officer, said: “Nicola’s appointment to the Law Society Council is richly deserved. She fights tirelessly on behalf of her clients and is a credit to our firm and the wider legal profession. Nicola’s expertise and skill as part of the council will boost its effectiveness immeasurably and benefit the many people who rightly look to legal aid for support.”

Please contact Nicola Jones-King on 020 3551 8163 or email her directly by clicking the ‘contact us’ icon. For more information about the Law Society Council visit:https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/about-us/our-governance/council-constituencies-and-current-members