International Women’s Day Insights: Chelsea McVicker, Chartered Legal Executive

Written by Chelsea McVicker | Family Team | 08 March 2024

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community.

We’re joined now by Chelsea McVicker, a Chartered Legal Executive in our Family team.

Chelsea joined Nash & Co in January 2016 as a Paralegal. Shortly after joining the team, Chelsea commenced her level 6 Cilex qualification. She qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2020 and works in our Family team. SBefore joining the firm, Chelsea previously worked for another local firm, gaining experience in all areas of family law.

What is a valuable lesson you have learned so far?

To answer this question, I am at risk of sounding like I’ve pulled this answer from a text book, but the sad reality is, it’s very true! I have learned that you need to have a clear divide between work life and home life.

Family law can be intense. Not just are you dealing with the law that is subject to wide judicial discretion, you are often dealing with the raw emotions of your clients. The majority of the time, your client’s don’t want to be in their current situation, are upset and angry that they need your help and are stressed and concerned about their future. You need to be able to understand the importance of those feelings and how they impact your role in order to successfully build a relationship with your client.  The role between lawyer and counsellor can sometimes be a hard one to distinguish but it is important to remain clear to your role for everyone’s benefit and signpost your client’s to other professionals who may be able to assist their journey.

We deal with other people’s stresses at work and it is really important that you don’t take that home with you. Sometimes this is really tough, as we can’t just switch our emotions off and in reality, this skill comes with time. In order to achieve this, you need to find what works for you- this may not be the same as others. For me, I enjoy working from the office, so there is quite literally a clear distinction between work and home.  In my view, this divide is very important to the longevity of being a good family lawyer!

What is something within the profession that has pleasantly surprised you?

I work in an all-female family law team at Nash & Co and love the friendship and support of my colleagues! Given the common stereotypes of all-female groups, this could potentially be a recipe for disaster, but my experience is truly the opposite. I can safely say that my colleagues are true friends, who I have a laugh with, share funny stories and spend my social time with.

I think there is a misconception that all lawyers, even those in your own team, are trying to get ‘one up’ on you and are working against you. Whilst this might be true of other firms or teams, is certainly isn’t true for the team I work in! Having supportive and friendly colleagues is the most important thing in my view. Not least because of your job satisfaction but also in terms of your learning. All members of our team are happy to share their views, experience and assist when necessary. No one will let you struggle alone or worse, watch from the side lines if you make a mistake. Mistakes are inevitable, we are all human. But having the support of fabulous colleagues is the key.

Maybe I was naive in thinking that I wouldn’t make true friends along my journey but I can honestly say, the friendships within the team I work in is the highlight of my role. Without sounding to cliché, it has made me a better person and certainly a better lawyer.