Christmas can be a tough time of year to stay sober; especially for those who struggle with addiction issues.

In this latest Today's Family Lawyer podcast two experts provide their views on how specialist services can support family law professionals, and by extension their clients, in their efforts to stay sober over the festive period.

Joining podcast host David Opie are Donna Muldoon, Reporting Manager and forensic toxicologist, and Sophie Lawrence, Client Manager from LexTox, a UK‑based accredited testing company.

The discussion explores the heightened risks faced by individuals struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, especially at this time of year which can often trigger relapses. Robust testing solutions deliver real‑time monitoring and act as a deterrent, helping clients maintain abstinence when temptation is at its peak.

Solutions including hair strand analysis, breath tests, and an innovative drug patch help keep clients on the straight and narrow.

Sophie brings a client‑focused perspective, sharing real case scenarios where testing has helped families demonstrate abstinence and avoid lengthy court proceedings. Her examples highlight how these services can provide reassurance to social workers, solicitors, and the courts, while ultimately supporting families to stay together.

The discussion also touches on the importance of chain of custody, ensuring results are reliable and admissible in court. Donna explains how patches are fitted, monitored, and removed under strict procedures, with photographs and paperwork providing a clear audit trail. The benefits also include immediacy of results, which traditional hair testing does not.

The podcast also explores how raising awareness of these tools is vital to ensure professionals can access the most effective testing options; despite the widespread use of drug patches in the US for decades, they are relatively new to UK and there is much work to be to educate the courts on their value.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

Subscribe to Today's Family Lawyer to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, out every Thursday and listen in to the podcast to hear all the latest news and views from across the family law sector. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors; LEAP Legal Software, LexTox, Northgene™ and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

Recruitment and retention; almost always one of the top three items on the agenda at every partners meeting. Collaboration between education and industry could help professionals bridge the gap and identify new recruits at an earlier stage in their development.

So say Jonathan Whettingsteel Partner and Head of Family Law at Dutton Gregory, and Brad Kershaw, Course Leader for Law at Solent University.

An alumnus of Solent University, Jonathan maintained strong ties with the institution and when Brad joined the university as course leader the idea for a law clinic - a space where students could engage with real clients under professional supervision - was borne.

The clinic offers real world experience of the law and those who need the help of legal professionals. While popular media like Suits or LA Law may spark interest in legal careers, they rarely reflect reality. Law clinics provide students with exposure to genuine cases and client interactions, fostering professional skills beyond the classroom. Brad shared inspiring stories of students helping vulnerable individuals avoid homelessness, highlighting the profound societal impact of such initiatives.

Sadly the clinic offers a glimpse into the funding issues facing legal services. In just six months of the twice weekly clinic, nearly 200 clients were assisted.

There are other benefits.

• Students gain authentic, hands-on experience, improving employability and confidence.
• Industry benefits from community engagement, brand visibility, and access to future talent. For Dutton Gregory, the clinic serves as a pipeline for recruiting “the best and brightest.”
• Community members receive free legal advice, addressing gaps left by cuts to legal aid.

There are of course safeguards in place and the discussion briefly touches on the law student of the future, technologically literate and embracing innovation including AI.

Both guests acknowledged that law clinics partly compensate for reduced legal aid, offering a lifeline to those unable to afford representation. These partnerships are also a way to push back against government cuts; while Brad urged more industry/university synergy across disciplines to enhance education and community impact.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

Subscribe to Today's Family Lawyer to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, out every Thursday and listen in to the podcast to hear all the latest news and views from across the family law sector. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors; LexTox, Northgene™ and VacantC Legal Recruitment.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on co-parenting through the eyes of family law professionals; with Sophie Lougher, Director and Senior Solicitor, and Kathryn Fanstone a Solicitor at Zeus Family Law sharing their insight and experiences.

The Cardiff-based boutique firm was founded during the pandemic, driven by Sophie's own experience juggling a young family and professional commitments. Her passion for client care and practical legal advice sets the tone for the firm’s ethos. Kathryn trained and qualified at Zeus working on divorce, finance and children matters, and cohabitation disputes

The conversation centres on how co-parenting arrangements have shifted since the pandemic. Kathryn explains the rise of “nesting” – where children remain in the family home while parents rotate in and out – as a short-term solution aimed at minimising disruption for children. While beneficial in theory, she highlights the emotional and logistical strain it places on separating parents.

Many parents continue to have informal arrangements, which can at times lead to disputes around vaccinations, schooling, and the broader impact of equal parental responsibility. It's a 'grey area' says Sophie, with subsequent challenges to formalising temporary solutions

The episode closes with reflections on the importance of early legal advice, realistic expectations, and the shift towards less confrontational language in family law. Sophie and Kathryn emphasise the need for tailored guidance that balances the best interests of the child with the wellbeing of both parents.

The Today's Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.

Subscribe to Today's Family Lawyer to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, out every Thursday and listen in to the podcast to hear all the latest news and views from across the family law sector. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors; LexTox, Northgene™ and VacantC Legal Recruitment.