After being appointed Vice Chair of Resolution in 2018, Juliet served two years as Vice Chair and will now take up a position as National Chair. Juliet’s inauguration was due to take place at Resolution’s thirty-second annual general meeting at the end of March, ordinarily a highlight in the family law calendar, but as a result of the pandemic her appointment became official on 24 June 2020. Juliet is the first Chartered Legal Executive to take up such a role, a particularly impressive fact given that of Resolution’s 6500 members, only 7% (458) are Legal Executives.
Resolution, a community hub of family justice professionals, including solicitors, legal executives, students, judges, barristers, experts and academics, was founded in 1982 with the aim of working constructively to resolve family law issues, and provide better outcomes for separating families.
Speaking about her elevation to National Chair, Juliet said: “I’m feel extremely privileged to take up this position and to have the opportunity to shape the future of Resolution and advance its values further. The family justice system is going through huge changes and I feel sure that reform, particularly in the form of technical innovation, will play a significant part in the direction of the organisation during my term. We have already seen changes in how Courts work with technology as a result of Covid-19. We need to draw on the positives of what has been learned to create a uniform approach to how technology can be accessed in the Courts to benefit all Court users. The organisation has grown enormously to just under 7000 members and associates and I like to think that Resolution’s campaigns and policy work, particularly in relation to ‘No Fault Divorce’ and the need for cohabitation reform have helped many through a particularly tricky period in their lives. Further to this aim, I hope to share the benefit of my experience with the organisation and help members to refine a clear strategic plan which will help Resolution meet it’s objectives over the next two years.”
Juliet continued: “I would encourage family justice professionals of all levels to consider joining Resolution – they provide a vital source of information, resources, contacts and support for anyone in the sector.”
Margaret Heathcote, former National Chair of Resolution, added: “Resolution is proud to continue its commitment to a non-confrontational approach to resolving family issues. With such a wide range of specialisms represented by the breadth of our membership, we aim to provide families with the best possible support and through our growing network, to promote our ethos even further.”