Rising Talent: Family Lawyer, Laura Sargeant, on comedy and coping mechanisms

What makes you laugh?

I enjoy light hearted comedies such as Amandaland, politically sharp comedians such as Stephen Colbert and John Oliver – and the recent season of Saturday Night Live UK.

A lot of aspects of world news at the moment are quite depressing if you spend too much time reading and watching it, and these comedians put a light hearted edge on serious issues.

Your specialisms include domestic abuse – what are your coping mechanisms for such distressing cases?

When dealing with very emotional and sensitive cases, you have to be able to talk about them with those around you – vocalizing the issues in a case can take the edge off them.

The Jones Myers team are incredibly supportive – there’s always someone around to talk things through with. I support my physical and mental health with a wild swim or a pool swim at least once a week, I love reading, and I practice yoga at home.

As a champion of change, what laws would you like to see reformed?

Although I think the government’s appetite (and indeed budget) for this is limited, I would like to see Legal Aid provision and funding reformed.

The situation has worsened since I started my Training Contract in 2007 when Legal Aid rates were woeful and the system was under strain.

The combination of rates being frozen and the continuing reduction of Legal Aid Agency’s payment rates is deterring young entrants from Legal Aid work. It is also resulting in committed professionals and firms who are heavily reliant on this work abandoning the field.

These factors affect the ability to access Legal Aid funding for those who need it most – with the significant tightening of eligibility requirements seeing fewer people able to access support. 

Although there are many competing priorities for funding, providing vital legal assistance and keeping justice accessible for all  is essential for the proper functioning of society.

How does Jones Myers excel in always putting children’s best interests first?

By constantly striving to look not only at the legal framework, but also at the practicalities of a family’s and child’s individual circumstances.

We know a ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t work for all families and children, so considering their particular circumstances and needs is essential in planning for the best outcome.

Following the ‘Guide to Good Practice’ by family law group Resolution to resolve family disputes, we encourage the use of mediation to help families reach agreement where appropriate.

We also apply our extensive expertise to  defuse conflict in family disputes in cases where litigation can’t be avoided and going to court is the only option.  

Who has inspired you in your career?

Everyone at my practice, firms I work on cases with on a regular basis, and employees at local court centres. They are all highly committed to family work despite its emotional challenges. It is not an area everyone is suited to and requires a high degree of empathy and emotional resilience.

What are you most proud of? 

My son, who was aptly described by his teacher as ‘curious, energetic and spirited’! He’s very funny and imaginative and I love our days out together. Every day in my career I’m proud to support families going through some of the most challenging times in their lives.

For divorce and family law queries, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th among the 20 Best UK Family Law Blogs to follow in 2026