Biography
I have practised in Family Law since September 2007 and qualified as a Family Law solicitor in January 2010.
I'm a senior associate solicitor who's experienced in advising and representing clients in all family law areas. I specialise in divorce/dissolution & separation and financial settlements, including high net worth cases involving pensions, businesses, property portfolios, foreign assets and issues of undisclosed assets.
I also have considerable experience in all disputes relating to child care arrangements. I've dealt with a number of complex issues that involve international elements, domestic abuse, substance abuse, relocation cases and allegations of parental alienation and hostility.
I am a qualified member of the Family Law Panel, which is a Law Society professional accreditation scheme. This recognises that I have and maintain a high level of knowledge, skills, experience and practise in all areas of family law apart from public law children matters (care proceedings).
I'm also a member of Resolution and am dedicated to helping clients make decisions and reach agreements in a conciliatory and non-inflammatory manner.
On a personal level, I am extremely approachable and committed to developing a trusting relationship with my clients in order to achieve the optimum results, which are in my clients' best interests.
I demonstrate ruthless compassion and the ability to empathise with my clients. But I also give realistic and straightforward advice from the start so they can make an informed decision as how best to proceed with their individual case. I'm assertive when needed but will always support a conciliatory approach to cases.
I'm quoted in the Legal 500 directory in September 2019 as “not afraid to state her case in a skilful manner”. I've appeared on BBC Radio Manchester giving an expert opinion on case law regarding divorce issues and have written numerous blogs relating to family law.
Finally, I pride myself on delivering a first-class service to my clients and maintain optimum levels of client care. I have a number of 5* Trustpilot and client reviews achieved throughout my career.
What inspired you to get into law?
I've always been ambitious since my early years and have a passion to work with people who need help solving problems in a direct and constructive way. I always want to guide and work together with those who need help, especially if they're going through difficult times, to come up with a number of different options and solutions so they can feel in control of their decisions.
Having the skills of being a good listener and being highly empathic is what encouraged me to want to practise specifically in family law.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The types of issues I deal with can lead to one of the most difficult times of a person’s life. Clients often come to me in an uncertain, anxious or distressed state. It's very rewarding to be involved in their case from the start to the end, and see get to a much more positive place where they can finally move forward.
The other rewarding aspect is the positive feedback I get from my clients. This makes my constant hard work and effort in their case worthwhile and is why I have pride in my achievements.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
The flexible working culture and large supporting team is ideal for me, especially when there have been times when I have had to juggle young family commitments.
It means that I am highly accessible to my clients and enables me to deliver first class client care and service.
I also find it invaluable working for a multi-faceted firm where my clients can access advice and assistance in other areas of law, whether related to their family law case or not.
What do you do away from the office?
I have two daughters that keep me on my toes but also help me empathise with mothers and fathers that come to me for advice and representation in relation to child arrangements.
I also have a passion for music, dancing, horse-riding, skiing and gruelling boot camp sessions.
I also enjoy watching various sporting activities and supporting my beloved Welsh Rugby team when I get the chance to at the Millennium Stadium.
My other love in life is food, especially Chinese food, so it's ideal for me that the Irwin Mitchell Manchester office is located next to China Town.
Reported Cases
S v S [2021] EWFC B71 (30 July 2021)
Testimonials
'[Not] afraid to state her case in a skilful manner.' – Legal 500 2019
'Kirsten was a breath of fresh air and took over my case at an extremely vulnerable and stressful time of my life. She gave invaluable, and honest advice whilst managing my expectations. Thank you so much for showing compassion, understanding, and being assertive in all elements of my case. All the best' - Ms G, 5* Trustpilot review
'We approached Irwin Mitchell and worked with Kirsten Tomlinson on a complex International Family Law case. Kirsten was very approachable, thorough in her research and very prompt in getting back to us with advice on the next steps to be taken. She understood the nuances of the different legal systems and was able to give us appropriate advice. Overall, we were very happy with the level of service provided by Kirsten and would highly recommend her.' - 5* Trustpilot review
"I instructed Irwin Mitchell on my financial settlement case which took over 12 months to complete. In that time Kirsten Tomlinson from the Manchester branch acted for me. I cannot praise this lady high enough! Not only was she a pleasure to deal with under such stressful circumstances, she managed my expectations thoroughly and strategized brilliantly on my behalf.
"The overall outcome was victorious and my case could not have been prepared any more thoroughly. Thank you to all the team at Manchester branch including all the support staff who were also a pleasure to deal with but, mainly Kirsten for the unbelievable support throughout one of the most stressful situations I have ever had to encounter. Cannot recommend her highly enough." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Kirsten was recommended to me by someone I know, and I was really impressed after meeting with her myself. She is extremely knowledgeable, and she also made me feel very comfortable throughout our conversation." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Kirsten was so lovely and informative having spoken with her on the phone. She explained everything in great detail and made it easy for me to understand. I would highly recommend herself and her firm to anyone." - 5* Trustpilot review
'I know I’ve said it before, but good feedback cannot be given too many times. I really appreciate you being so understanding and giving me realistic but also empathetic advice.' – Ms S, Norway
'Thank you for being so efficient in dealing with this for me. Fantastic service and a very on the ball solicitor. Worth every penny.' – Mr C, Cheshire
