Biography
I am an associate solicitor in the Family team in Manchester albeit I work for clients up and down the country. I qualified as a family law solicitor in 2019, having been trained by Ros Bever and Nat Groarke for 16 months prior to my qualification.
I have enjoyed exposure to a wide range of cases in my career thus far. I represent many clients in connection with the contact arrangements for their children and have advised in multiple internal and international relocation cases where one parent is wanting to move away with the child (or children). I deal with the variation and enforcement of existing Child Arrangements Orders and am well-versed in cases where there are concerns about parental alienation and other complex issues.
Outside of the children law sphere I also enjoy working with clients who require support and advice in connection to divorce, finances and cohabitation disputes for unmarried couples. This can be in cases where there are modest assets or, conversely, where the parties’ assets are worth in excess of millions.
I am generally known by my clients to be personable and friendly. I take pride in this approach; I think it’s important to build mutual trust and respect when I’m advocating for someone’s future whether that be in relation to their children, home or livelihood. I tend to take a collaborative approach to my cases and try settle cases early when it is right to do so. Either way, am committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for all my clients whether that be inside our outside of the court process.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell are big promoters of gender equality, which is hugely important to me. This isn’t something that they pay lip service to either, our latest pay gap report (2021/2022) is testimony to the work the firm does to decrease the gender pay gap. We also have the highest percentage of female partners (54.8%) of female Partners out of the top 50 law firms, an accolade I’m hugely proud of. The statistics speak for themselves: Irwin Mitchell Announces Latest Pay Gap Figures. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dynamic team of men and women where gender equality is so readily promoted.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
It has to be empowering the clients I work with. They often come to me at the start of a case feeling apprehensive and worried about what lies ahead. I get to step into their lives and walk through it with them, often being the voice of reason when tensions are high and empowering them to make rational decisions that will benefit them in the long term. The amount of trust that clients put into me is not something I’ll ever take for granted; it is hugely rewarding to get them to the end with a good outcome.
What inspired you to get into law?
I wanted a career that would be challenging and constantly push me to evolve both professionally and personally. Being a lawyer does just that – the law (slowly but surely) adapts and changes as society does. This brings with it new challenges, new ways of working and new ways of thinking. There is never a dull moment and I am continually required to adapt my practice as a result.
What do you do away from the office?
I work compressed hours, which means Friday is my non-working day. I’m lucky enough to get to spend this time with my lovely mum (and, occasionally, my two older sisters) who are a huge part of my life and my biggest supporters. In keeping with my gender equality theme, I also volunteer at ‘Rights of Women’ – a charity and family law helpline dedicated to empowering women through the provision of free legal advice. I am about to embark on French lessons and can be found at my HIIT class in Manchester City Centre after work.
Testimonials
“Through out the negotiation of my divorce settlement I was supported by Antonia Birchall. She provided a high quality of service, support and guidance through out the process. At the start of the process I was well guided by Jennifer Pollock (one of the seniors in the firm). I got very good value for money in the Solicitor led negotiations I paid for with Irwin Mitchell. I would highly recommend their services” - 5* Trustpilot Review
“The process of divorce and financial settlement is daunting, upsetting and stressful. My solicitor was fantastic empathetic and the guidance and advise was practical and delivered with expertise. Thank you to all the team after a hard slog you got me there. The response from the team was timely effective. There were times when My solicitor had to be extremely patient with me due to stress of the situation, however she was always at the end of the phone or via teams to support and advise. I am so glad I listened to her direction as the end of the process has gained me what I deserved. Fantastic approach to the process with support thank you all so much especially my solicitor” - Client
“At every step my solicitor was helpful, personable, knowledgeable and empathetic. I couldn't of asked for more professional help.” - Client
"This is a massive thankyou from me for all your help and support, kind word's, encouragement and all your help to getting me through this, l honestly couldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for you! You have kept me going in the hardest times
So thank you for everything you’re doing for me and the extra work you’re doing for me, l really do appreciate it so so much!" - Client
Mr T, client (divorce and finances): "My Solicitor is not only exceptional at the legal side of her role, but continues to guide and support me, with great care, compassion and humanity.
Throughout our time working together, I’ve been really well looked after and cared for and I trust her implicitly. I’ve been continually impressed with the high level of diligence, close scrutiny, attention to detail, as well as the impeccable organisation and excellent communication. My experience with Irwin Mitchell has been exemplary and that applies to each and every member of staff, who have assisted me; I’m highly impressed and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this firm. 1 November 2023."
Ms M, client (divorce and finances): "Antonia Birchall was brilliant throughout my divorce, she made what was a scary process feel easier. She was very helpful and patient and I’m very grateful for her help. Thank you! 18 October 2023."
Ms W, client (children): "My solicitor is always going above & beyond for me and gives the best advice. Antonia offers me support alongside the legal advice. I really couldn’t ask for a better solicitor. 13 September 2023."
Mrs A, client (children): "I was fortunate to have two solicitors. Scott Halliday was very considered with a full focus on what was to be achieved. Antonia Birchall has high emotional intelligence, she was very understanding and able to accurately articulate in writing the complexity of the situation. They were a perfect team, utilising each of their qualities made for a dream team. 15 September 2023."
"I can not speak highly enough of Antonia Birchall. She is a star. Her professionalism, expertise and dedication throughout my court case was exceptional. Antonia navigated my case with ease, communicated every step clearly and fought for the best outcome for me and my children. Her support and approach reassured me during a challenging time. I highly recommend Antonia for anyone who seeking outstanding legal representation. She is Excellent...Thank you so much xx" - 5* TrustPilot Review
Mr D, client (children): "Working with Antonia has made this process a lot easier, from starting off extremely nervous and in the dark to now getting to the result I set out to achieve. Antonia has been professional throughout and always offered great but fair advice. 10 February 2023."
