Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

Jill Read-Brown applauded for her commitment to Domestic Abuse Victims in Devon

Friday, 24 October 2008 09:30

The outstanding achievements of Jill Read-Brown, a Legal Executive at Hartnell Chanot & Partners in Exeter, were celebrated by the Law Society at a prestigious ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London last night.

BBC Broadcaster Kirsty Wark presented the awards, the most prestigious in the legal calendar and designed to recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in areas that are central to the profession today.

The Judges felt that Jill was an absolute credit to the profession, and a truly worthy first ever winner of legal executive of the year, having meticulously dedicated herself to seeking justice for victims of domestic abuse and violence in Devon. JIll works tirelessly to ensure that legal advice is available to all victims, when they need it; offering out of hours appointments, her mobile number, and visiting clients at their homes if required. As a result of her persistence and commitment to the rights of victims, Jill has developed strong links with Domestic Violence Officer’s in Devon, and Exeter Women's Aid. She is a participating member of the Exeter Domestic Violence Forum and her empathy, compassion and her warm and friendly manner, helps to put at ease the fears of victims.

Law Society President Paul Marsh, who presented the award to Jill, said “ Seeking justice for victims of domestic abuse and violence is not a particularly glamorous area of work. Jill Read-Brown’s commitment really goes above and beyond the call of duty, campaigning tirelessly on behalf of abused women to raise awareness, influence public policy and improve services for victims”.

Police Statistics for Devon show that the number of Domestic Violence and Abuse incidents reported in the county in 2007-2008 (excluding Torbay) were 8,925. Of these 4,290 had a child or young person present. Domestic abuse is grossly under reported but research estimates it accounts for 16% of all violent crime and affects thousands of working women and men in Devon every day. It not only impacts on their ability to provide and care for themselves and their families, but it also affects the financial strength and success of the companies they work for. Here in Devon the estimated annual cost of domestic violence and abuse to society is £60 million.

Stephen Sowden, Partner and colleague, said “Since joining our team in 2003, Jill has meticulously dedicated herself to seeking justice for victims of domestic abuse and violence in the South West, and we are delighted that her efforts have been recognised by the judges. She has proved herself to be a key member of a very highly respected team at Hartnell Chanot & Partners, the largest family law specialists in Devon, and she is a diligent employee, working tirelessly to ensure that legal advice is available to all victims, when they need it. She is highly regarded by colleagues, clients and professionals alike.“

Paul Marsh, Law Society President said, "The standard of entries received for the second annual excellence awards has been superb and reflects the high level of innovation that exists across the legal profession. The process of selecting a winner was extensive due to the vast number of entries this year."

“Judging these awards was a real privilege and all the short listed entries should be extremely proud of their achievement. These exceptional lawyers have made the promotion of best practice an integral part of their work. These awards are part of the Law Society's commitment to promoting excellence in legal services.  Over recent years, the solicitors' profession has taken significant steps in the area of innovation. We hope that these awards, which celebrate the very best in our great profession, will bring benefits for both staff and clients."

The awards reward the most outstanding practitioners in the legal professions and were open to the entire legal sector, not just solicitors. Now in their second year. They highlight innovative business and quality of life practices, successful approaches to practice management, contributions through social responsibility and equality and diversity initiatives.

Details of the awards and the achievements of the winners are also available from the press office and on the Law Society website www.lawsociety.org.uk/awards