Anne Marie Sheridan, Solicitor, James A Sherdian Solicitors, Midleton:

''I am a solicitor in a busy practice in Midleton specialising in Family Law and Litigation. I became aware of the Family Law Clinic from our Southern Law Newsletter and from CPD events which were hosted by the Law Department of UCC.

I operate primarily in the District Court and Circuit Court whilst also acting in a collaborative manner with clients and reaching compromises outside of the court framework.

The District Court attracts a high volume of cases and as a member of the Legal Aid Private Practitioner Scheme it is not always possible to research the cases to the extent that I would like and the option of working with barristers is not available due to the very low fees involved in the Legal Aid Family Law work. I may have over 10 cases to deal with at Midleton District Court

and each case is obviously very important to each client. The key to the District Court is to have each case prepared fully in advance of the court. I have been able to seek the assistance of the FLC to research the law and the case precedents to assist me in running the cases. It also gives me the option of a complete fresh look at a set of facts and sometimes a completely different outlook on the case.

The Circuit Court deals with more complex matters and/or District Court Appeals. Having access to students and senior UCC Professors gives a unique opportunity to the most up to date case law and research which I would not personally have the time to review because of my case load.

Dr. Louise Crowley strikes the perfect balance of offering a personal service on a professional footing. Dr. Crowley is the reason why the FLC works. She is a personal face in front of a team and her enthusiasm for the clinic is infectious to both solicitors and students.

This year, I was retained by the Legal Aid Board to act on behalf of a client seeking to home school her son. Her ex-husband did not consent. The FLC and members of the UCC staff were of huge assistance in my preparation. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity of meeting with the students and giving them the feedback of the cases which we had worked on together. Having the personal connection with the students and Dr. Crowley opens the way to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship.

I have recommended the FLC to my colleagues who were equally delighted to have such an opportunity open to them. I expect the students are delighted to hear their law in action and make it a living subject for them.

May I also take this opportunity to sincerely thank Dr. Crowley, her Colleagues, Associates and students to date and look forward to continuing to work together.''