International Women's Day 2021 - Sacco Mann Talks To... Helen Crockett at Crockett & Co Solicitors

Victoria Cavendish talks to Helen Crockett, Director at Crockett & Co Solicitors. Helen specialises in care proceedings, in particular those involving serious injury to children, female genital mutilation orders and probate work. She is a member of the SRA Children Law Panel and the SRA Advanced Family Law Panel. 

Statistics show that women have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic whether that be by being more likely to have been made redundant / on furlough or taking the lead with home-schooling whilst juggling work, whilst other statistics show that increased working from home and flexibility will allow for positive steps forward for Women in work.

Now as we start making steps to move out of lockdown and towards ‘normality’, what do you think the lasting effects from the pandemic will be for Women in Law?

Renewed confidence in their ability to multi task and the realisation that home working for some is the new ‘normal’.

Helen will always fight for her clients. Helen has her own caseload, manages her assistant and trainee solicitors and undertakes work primarily in the field of care, adoption and forced marriage. She is always approachable and down to earth and makes efforts to see clients quickly, if possible.

Reflecting on the last 12 months, what have been the biggest challenges for you personally and what are the positives you would like to keep and take forward?

Challenge - isolation and managing technology for remote court hearings.

Positives - that remote working can work if the appropriate technology and controls are in place

What piece of advice do you wish you could go back and give to yourself at the beginning of 2020?

Relax, we will get through this.

As many firms are revaluating working environments, flexible working policies and benefits packages to ensure they’re relevant post-pandemic. What things do you feel make the biggest impact for Women in the workplace?

The ability to be more flexible in the workplace whilst multi tasking work and home life.

What is the thing you are most looking forward to doing once we’re finally in the ‘new normal’?

Eating out, the opening of hair and beauty and going on holiday abroad.