Emma Doughty: Ask me anything

Emma Doughty is a solicitor here at Harrogate Family Law. She is admired by both her clients and peers for her hard work, attention to detail and compassionate attitude. We managed to grab her for a quick coffee and chat to find out more about her.

Q. Thank you for taking some time out to chat to us Emma. So, what made you choose Family Law?

A. I have a real passion for helping people and I have always found that in my personal life people naturally turn to me for advice. I understand that, for many people, like going to the dentist, the thought of going to see a solicitor can be nerve-wracking! It can be hard to talk about how you are feeling at an emotional time such as divorce, so I make sure people feel at ease and help them take control of their future.

Q. What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

A. When people first come to see me they are often feeling overwhelmed by their situation and can’t see a resolution. I enjoy seeing the transformation in people when we have sorted out all of the arrangements. Everyone’s personal and financial situations are different, and I love the challenge of finding solutions that meet their individual goals.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

A. There is never really a typical day to be honest! I always have a rough plan, but I like to be flexible so that I can make myself available if someone needs to speak to me. Most days, I will be working with clients to get all the financial information they need to negotiate an agreement.

Q. Okay so enough about work, when you aren’t working where would we find you?

A. Usually dancing. Yes…I’m a salsa dancing solicitor. We’re not as boring as we are made out to be! Dancing is a fantastic way to de-stress and socialise, I would highly recommend it.

Q. If you were going to recommend a TV show you have recently watched, what would it be and why?

A. Recently I have enjoyed watching Killing Eve. It keeps you guessing and is very funny in places.

Q. What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list”?

A. Visit all of the counties in England. Hike to the base of the Grand Canyon and canoe along the river. Have a family – once I’ve lived a bit!

Q. How would your best friend describe you?

A. They would probably say that I am always on the go and should relax a bit more! But I enjoy being busy and believe in working hard but socialising hard too.

Q. What one piece of advice would you give a younger you?

A. To believe in myself more and not waste time worrying about things that may never happen. Life is too short!

Q. Who is your role model and why?

A. My parents. Neither of them went to university but they have shown me that you can achieve most things with hard work and determination. It was actually my Dad who suggested that I would make a good solicitor due to answering him back when I was younger!

Q. Finally, if you were not a solicitor what would you be doing?

A. In primary school I wanted to be a teacher or a choreographer. At college I did consider a career in medicine but I’m glad that I chose law.

Emma Doughty is family lawyer who provides straightforward, easy to understand advice. She is passionate about helping people and using her expertise to achieve the best outcome possible. She has been described by her clients as “tremendous and incredibly supportive”.