Fotoulla Menikou, family law partner at Excello Law, shares her daily routine with The Brief and reflects on her role advising clients when they are at their most vulnerable.

No two days in family law are ever quite the same. The nature of the work means that clients come with unique circumstances, challenges, and emotions.

Some are navigating a fresh separation. Others are in the thick of complex financial proceedings. And many are simply trying to do the best for their children while holding themselves together.

Still, there is a rhythm to the day that balances client work, legal preparation and professional collaboration.

Morning: setting the day’s priorities

I like to start the day a little early, before the rush of emails and calls begin. This time allows me to review my diary, prioritise tasks, and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Working as a consultant solicitor gives me flexibility in how I manage my caseload, but it also means discipline is essential. There’s no one looking over my shoulder, which is exactly how I like it, but it also means I need to be intentional with how I plan my day.

Family law matters are often time-sensitive, so clarity and reassurance from the outset make a real difference.

The first task is usually reviewing emails. Clients often send updates or concerns late at night, particularly if they are struggling with sleep due to stress. Addressing the most urgent matters promptly helps to reduce their anxiety and sets the right tone for the day.

It’s not uncommon for someone to have sent a 2.00 am email about a sudden panic or a shift in child contact plans, and it’s important to me that every client feels seen and heard. Family law matters are often time-sensitive, so clarity and reassurance from the outset make a real difference.

This is also when I check for any changes from the court, counsel, or other professionals. Directions hearings, new court orders, or urgent safeguarding concerns can arise without warning. My role is to stay on top of developments, so my clients always feel informed and prepared.

Mid-morning: casework

By mid-morning, I am usually deep into legal work. This can involve drafting applications, reviewing financial disclosure, or preparing witness statements and position statements for upcoming hearings.

There is a lot of detailed reading and cross-referencing, particularly in financial remedy cases where assets, pensions, and property need careful scrutiny.

A significant part of my role is making sure that complex legal issues are broken down into structured, practical steps. I explain legal concepts in plain English and guide my clients through what can otherwise be a very daunting process.

Family law can feel overwhelming for those involved, so I always outline what the process looks like, what the next stage will involve, and how best to prepare.

My approach is always to provide calm, clear advice, grounded in both legal knowledge and emotional intelligence. Family law can feel overwhelming for those involved, so I always outline what the process looks like, what the next stage will involve, and how best to prepare.

I also draft letters, review counsel’s advice, and liaise with experts such as pension actuaries, accountants or independent social workers.

It’s the part of the day where I often remind myself how vital it is to protect the quality of my work. Legal support isn’t something that should ever be rushed, especially when clients are already carrying so much emotionally and mentally.

Calm, confident support requires space to think, assess, and act with care. That’s what I provide my clients and it’s what every client deserves.

Afternoon: preparation and collaboration

Afternoons are often devoted to preparing for upcoming hearings and liaising with counsel.

Whilst I do attend some hearings personally, much of my role involves ensuring that counsel have the information, instructions, and strategy needed to represent the client effectively in court. This preparation is key – from summarising the client’s position in a brief to preparing paginated court bundles.

Alongside preparation, I spend time in consultation with clients and in discussion with other professionals.

Collaboration is key in family law, whether that is with colleagues, counsel, or experts in related fields. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes teamwork involved in supporting a client through a complex case.

Autonomy, liberation and support

I manage my practice through Excello Law’s consultancy model, which encourages autonomy and liberation but also provides a supportive network of fellow lawyers. The culture is very much one of collaboration rather than competition, which is refreshing and allows space to focus on client service.

At Excello Law, people come before profit. That principle is at the heart of how I work and is exactly why I chose to run my practice through Excello Law.

Their model allows me to practise in a way that puts client care, integrity and quality at the centre. I have no interest in being part of a system that values billing targets more than the wellbeing of the people we’re here to support.

It’s not unusual for a client meeting to be emotional. Sometimes we are preparing for difficult conversations, or reviewing evidence in a domestic abuse case.

It’s not unusual for a client meeting in the afternoon to be emotional. Sometimes we are preparing for difficult conversations, or reviewing evidence in a domestic abuse case.

Other times, we’re exploring mediation options or trying to resolve parenting disputes in a way that puts the children’s needs first. Every consultation is different, and I adapt my approach depending on what my client needs in that moment, whether it’s practical advice, emotional support, or both.

Evening: drawing the day to a close

As the day winds down, I make sure that any immediate client matters are addressed so that people are not left waiting unnecessarily.

Family law is emotionally charged, and timely communication helps reduce uncertainty. If someone is expecting a call or an update, I will never leave them waiting overnight.

Evenings are a balance between work and personal time. Some days I will prepare for the next day’s cases, especially if a court deadline is looming. On others, I make time for dinner with friends or family, or a long walk to decompress.

I’ve had to learn how to switch off and not absorb every single story, every fear, every heartbreak.

Over the years, I have learnt the importance of maintaining boundaries in this profession. It allows me to give my best to clients while also protecting my own wellbeing.

The emotional load in family law can be heavy, and it’s easy to carry it home with you if you’re not careful. I’ve had to learn how to switch off and not absorb every single story, every fear, every heartbreak.

That’s not to say that it’s easy or that I don’t care. I do, deeply. But caring sustainably means setting limits.

Reflections

Family law is not about “winning” or “losing” cases. It is about navigating complex, often emotional situations with professionalism, care, and clarity.

The job requires technical legal knowledge, yes, but also compassion, resilience, and the ability to hold space for people who are at their most vulnerable.

A typical day combines legal analysis, preparation and people management but, at its core, it is about supporting clients through some of the most challenging times in their lives. It is demanding, varied, and often unpredictable, but always rewarding.

And while every day is different, the goal remains the same: to provide calm, confident support to those who need it most.

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