Tracy Cross
Why did you choose the law?
After leaving education, I worked as a PA to a partner in a law firm and she specialised in family law. I felt I had more to offer than the secretarial support and she supported me in studying as a legal executive so that I could further my career in the law.
Tell us a bit about how you got here…
I started my legal career as a Legal Executive in Coventry before joining the firm in 1996 and qualifying as a Solicitor in 1997. I now have more than 25 years’ experience of working with people experiencing family/relationship issues and am now a Partner at the firm and Head of our Family Department.
What does your day job look like?
Much of my day is usually spent in meetings with and/or liaising with clients on the phone or via email. Sometimes I am representing clients at court.
I am a Resolution trained and accredited Family Mediator and qualified to offer Child Inclusive Mediation, Hybrid Mediation and I’m also a qualified Collaborative Family Lawyer. I’m passionate about helping people to resolve the issues they face around divorce and separation in a constructive and creative way.
I am only too aware of how difficult family changes can be and how important it is, particularly for parents, to try to find a way forward that puts their needs and those of their children, first.
My approach is always to provide realistic help and advice to enable people to retain control over their situation.
I firmly believe that divorce and/or separation does not have to be a bitter and destructive experience and can help people deal with such issues with dignity and positivity for the future.
I have achieved recognition as a Leading Individual in the Legal500 professional directory since 2021. In addition, I appear in the Chambers and Partners 2022 directory, in their Spotlight Table of Ranked Lawyers for Family/Matrimonial : mainly ADR, the only person to be so recognised in the Midlands area. This recognition is hugely important to me following the efforts I continue to make to provide alternatives methods of dispute resolution for all.
In 2023, I completed a Mental Health First Aid course to become a Mental Health First Aider. The course teaches knowledge and skills for providing first aid support to people who may be experiencing poor mental health.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy playing Golf and social dancing.