Jasmine is a Trainee Solicitor within our Family Department, where she has spent the majority of her Training Contract, allowing her to build a well-rounded, thorough understanding of family law matters.
Jasmine joined Wolferstans in June 2024 upon completion of her studies at the University of Plymouth, from which she graduated with first class honours and was awarded ‘Best Law Graduate 2024’. Jasmine brings with her to the Family Department the knowledge and business acumen she gained as a Paralegal within Wolferstans’ Corporate Department, as well as her experience of advising members of the local community navigating divorce and private children law issues within her university’s pro bono Family Law Clinic.
During her Training Contract, Jasmine has gained experience representing clients navigating:
- Care proceedings issued by children’s social services;
- Pre-proceedings initiated by children’s social services;
- Private Children Act proceedings relating to child arrangements disputes, including cases with children’s social services involvement and/or the appointment of a Rule 16.4 Children’s Guardian;
- Domestic abuse, including urgent applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders;
- Out-of-court negotiations relating to matrimonial finances on divorce, including the preparation and filing of Consent Orders;
- Contested financial remedy proceedings; and
- ‘ToLATA’ property disputes upon separation of unmarried couples.
Jasmine’s workload includes supporting clients whilst sitting behind Counsel in court, representing clients at public law outline ‘PLO’ meetings, drafting statements and court applications, liaising with clients, and generally assisting the fee earners within the family team with their caseloads. Jasmine is currently primarily working within the childcare team under the supervision of Alison Challacombe.
Jasmine prioritises building trust and rapport with her clients and understands the importance of providing clear, direct, and user-friendly legal advice during what can be an exceptionally challenging process. Jasmine appreciates that the role of the lawyer in family law proceedings goes far beyond a simple understanding of the law, and she strives to be a reliable source of support, a meticulous investigator, and a fierce advocate to achieve the best legal and practical outcome for the clients she works with.
Jasmine is incredibly grateful to her supervisors within the Family Department for their commitment, patience, and guidance during her Training Contract. Jasmine has quickly realised that she has a natural flair and passion for working in family law and she aspires to qualify as a Solicitor within the Family Department in 2027. Once qualified, Jasmine is looking forward to conducting her own court advocacy and representing her clients at all types of hearings in the family courts.