Family law solicitors

National top 10 law firm Irwin Mitchell has boosted its presence in Leeds with the appointment of Alison Straw to head the family team.

Based at the firms offices in Queen Street, Leeds, Mrs Straw, 39, has relocated from Sheffield, where she began her career as a trainee solicitor with the firm and has spent the last 17 years working her way through the ranks.

Matrimonial law expert

A matrimonial law expert, specialising in all matters arising from relationship breakdown - including divorce, finance and children - Mrs Straw will lead a team of five and develop and raise the profile of the family law service in the region.

Her team will include associate solicitor Nigel Wilson and lawyer Helen Jacobs, who joined the firm in December 2005.

Family law experts

Mrs Straw is a member of the Law Society's children and family panels, and an accredited member of Resolution, formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association, in finance and children.

She said: This is a fantastic opportunity for me at this stage in my career. I get to remain with Irwin Mitchell, doing the job I love, but have the chance to work at the helm, and steer the family team in a very exciting city. There is a great atmosphere in the Leeds office and I get a real buzz out of the place.

One of the largest and strongest family law teams in the country, Irwin Mitchell has established units in Sheffield, Birmingham and London, as well as Leeds.

A resident of Doncaster, Mrs Straw lives with 10-year-old son, Benjamin.

When she is not working, she enjoys keeping fit at the gym, cycling and running for charity. Always up for a challenge, her latest achievement was climbing the ice wall at the indoor extreme sports centre Xscape, in Castleford, and the next is a microlight lesson.

Have you got a claim? If we can help you or someone you know with a similar case, please visit our Family law section.