Team Story – Alex Williams
Whether you want to explore different practices areas to find what works for you or if, like me, you know early on where your passions lie, the Firm supports your ambitions and works with you to achieve them.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your time at Butcher & Barlow?
A. I’m Alexandra Williams but everyone calls me Alex and I head up the Family Law Team at our Northwich office.
I started with Butcher & Barlow as a Paralegal, spending three and a half years with the Firm – 18 months as a Paralegal and two as a Trainee. I always knew I wanted to specialise in Family Law. That passion was clear from my college and university days.
I gained experience in other practice areas during my training, which I found very interesting, but I kept coming back to Family Law. After a personal relocation, I expanded my knowledge and experience in Family Law and, in particularly, advocacy. An opportunity later arose in 2022 to re-join the Family team at Butcher & Barlow, and I jumped at the chance to return. Within 3 months of re-joining the Firm, I progressed to become an Associate Solicitor, and I’m proud to have built my career here.
Q. So why Family Law?
A. I’ve always been drawn to Family Law. It’s deeply personal and requires a special type of empathy. Many of us in this field, myself included, have experienced family-related challenges in our own lives, and I think that’s often a motivating factor. We want to help others navigate those difficulties and do what we can to reduce any emotional stress.
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the role – drafting legal documents and finding solutions for clients. Whilst Family Law can be emotionally demanding, the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life makes it incredibly rewarding.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. On an average day, I meet clients – preferably in person– I think face to face meetings especially in Family Law is important. I will then draft legal documents, prepare cases for court and represent clients at court.
I’m an Accredited Specialist of Resolution, a national organisation committed to dealing with family law issues as amicably as possible and we try to resolve things without going to court. About 70 percent of my cases never see a courtroom because I work hard to mediate and find resolutions that put my client and their children’s best interest’s first.
Q. How would you describe the career progression at Butcher & Barlow?
A. The Firm is committed to helping people grow. I’ve seen this both as a Paralegal, Trainee and now as an Associate. The Partners work closely with Trainees and Paralegals to set goals, provide support, and help you find the area of law that suits you best.
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in law?
A. Keep an open mind. You might think you’re destined for one area of law, but until you’ve tried different specialisms, you won’t know for sure. I thought Private Client work could be my path at one point, but Family Law won out.
Don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes – it’s all part of the learning process. Every experience will shape your career.
Q. How does Butcher & Barlow support collaboration across teams and offices?
A. One of the best things about working here is the multi-service structure. I frequently collaborate with other departments, whether it’s referring clients to our Wills, Trusts and Estates Team after a divorce or working with the Agricultural or Dispute Resolution Teams on complex cases.
Having experts in different fields just a phone call away means we can offer comprehensive support to clients. It’s a big advantage of being part of a firm like Butcher & Barlow.
Q. Who has been your biggest mentor?
A. Nicola Wingfield, from our Bramhall office, has been a huge influence on my career. She was my supervisor during my training contract and remained a mentor even when I briefly left the Firm. It was Nicola who encouraged me to return to Butcher & Barlow, and she continues to be a trusted source of advice and support.
Q. Why should someone join Butcher & Barlow?
A. The Firm gives you real responsibility from the start. Unlike some larger firms where Trainees might spend years doing administrative tasks, here you’re trusted to work directly with clients and handle meaningful tasks early on – with support of course, but I think it’s a much better grounding for young lawyers.
There’s also a strong focus on personal growth. Whether you want to explore different practices areas to find what works for you or if, like me, you know early on where your passions lie, the Firm supports your ambitions and works with you to achieve them.
Q. Do you have any advice for those considering a career in law?
A. If you’re considering a career in law, or thinking about joining Butcher & Barlow, my advice is simple: keep an open mind, embrace challenges, and don’t underestimate your abilities. It’s a demanding but incredibly fulfilling profession, and this Firm is a fantastic place to build your career.
My three words to describe Butcher & Barlow are: empowering, flexible and collaborative.