Firm is first in region to offer range of same-sex legal services

The team providing same-sex legal services at Ellis Jones Solicitors (l-r) Victoria Batstone (Paralegal), Lauren Harley (Solicitor), Deborah Leask (Partner, Solicitor & Joint Head of Family), Robert Bajaj (Consultant Solicitor), Lauren Day (Partner, Solicitor & Head of Dispute Resolution), Clair Philips (Solicitor), Katie Taft (Senior Associate Solicitor).

A South Coast law firm has become the first in the region to offer a range of same-sex legal services.

Ellis Jones Solicitors chose National Coming Out Day – Wednesday October 11 – to launch the new venture.

Lawyers will offer help in many aspects of the law that directly relate to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

They include family issues, such as gay marriage and divorce, finances, children and parenting issues, financial support for children and mediation.

The same-sex legal service will also assist members of the LGBT community with discrimination issues and employment law advice.

The specialist Ellis Jones’ team includes Deborah Leask, Partner and Joint Head of Family; Lauren Day, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution and Senior Associates Katie Taft and Kate Brooks.

Lauren, 35, who came out to her friends at the age of 17 and married photographer Rebecca in July this year, said: “Our new same-sex legal service will provide a support network for an under-represented community.

“We regard this as a growth area with demand for same-sex legal advice likely to increase in the future.”

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ Managing Partner, added: “As a progressive, forward-looking firm, we believe our services should mirror changes in society as well as the law.

“Our team are all specialists in their respective fields and have been chosen for their expertise in dealing with aspects of law directly relating to the LGBT community.”

For more information about Ellis Jones same-sex legal service, please visit www.ellisjones.co.uk

 

Note to journalists: Ellis Jones is a regional law firm with more than 140 staff including 11 partners. It has five offices across the south coast – Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne – as well as London and offers a wide range of services to individuals and businesses.

For more details, please contact: Andrew Diprose, Director, Deep South Media Ltd, on 01202 534487.