Clare Woodhouse joins the esteemed Family Law department at Viberts, where she has joined Rose Colley to lead the largest family law team in Jersey. With Clare’s arrival, the team gains a skilled and compassionate practitioner whose experience complements the firm’s commitment to delivering expert legal guidance in sensitive family matters. This strategic addition reflects Viberts’ continued growth and dedication to providing clients with trusted, high-quality service
in all aspects of family law.
Rose Colley has an illustrious 25-year career dedicated to supporting clients and advancing the practice of family law in Jersey. She has retired from the partnership at Viberts but continues to work as a consultant and to continue growing the Vibert’s Family Law team.
How it all began.
After qualifying as an English Solicitor in 1980 I spent the next six years lecturing in housing law in Hackney in Inner London. These were exciting times in London local government and most of my students were graduate social housing managers. I taught the students the law from the basics to the more complicated specialist areas which was both challenging and interesting.
After the birth of my daughter in 1986 I moved private legal practice and specialised in both housing/landlord and tenant law as well as family law. I combined my day-to-day practice with several years as an elected councillor both for the London Borough of Southwark and the Inner London Education Authority. I loved the combination of legal practice and politics.
In 1997 I moved to Jersey and on 6th January 2000 was sworn in as an Advocate. That year I moved to Viberts and until very recently was a partner specialising in family law. There have been many changes in both the law, the procedure, as well as social attitudes during the last 25 years. The cases I have been involved in have been both varied and at times ground breaking in the development of family law on the Island.
What now?
Having stepped back, I am enjoying a four-day working week. I still appear in court most weeks and my desire to achieve for my clients has not diminished. I am very fortunate to have all three of my children living in Jersey and am proud of them all. I love having more time to spend with them all as well as my three-year-old grandson. I now have time to enjoy my love of travel, lovely food and wine and perhaps one day I will find the time to fulfil my ambition of writing my autobiography!
Clare Woodhouse is an English Solicitor who has worked in family law for the last 22 years. She practiced in England for just over four years before moving to Jersey. With Clare’s arrival, Vibert’s Family Law team continues its commitment to delivering exceptional legal services in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, financial settlements, and domestic abuse matters. Clare brings with her a deep understanding of the sensitivities involved in family law cases, as well as a strong record of advocacy and client care and her presence ensures the legacy of the team remains in experienced and capable hands.
Clare, tell us about your career so far….
I did not study law at university and instead did a literature and arts based degree. At the end of my degree I decided to do the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies to convert my degree into a law degree. After this I trained at a high street firm in a small market town in Norfolk. During my training contract I spent my last year in family law and I was certain then that I had made the correct decision. My first post qualification role was in another high street firm in Norfolk before I moved to Jersey where I was employed at a large Jersey firm for 13 years in their Legal Aid Department undertaking solely Family Law. This role exposed me to a varied caseload including public law children’s work, matrimonial finances and children matters as well as divorces and separations. I moved to another firm in Jersey for four years before joining Viberts.
Why did you choose Family Law?
After experiencing a difficult family background myself I always felt drawn to Family Law. I found that my personal experience helped me to understand the rollercoaster of emotions that clients are experiencing and enabled me to reassure them that whatever the outcome life will move on and it will be okay. It also meant I was well equipped to deal with the more practical solutions that were needed to assist clients to adapt to their “new normal”.
What drew you to Viberts?
Viberts is a well-established and respected law firm. I was aware of their team and impressed by their ability and reputation. I have spent many years working on the other side of Rose. Her knowledge and experience makes her a formidable presence in family law. To have the opportunity to work alongside her, gain from her experience and learn from her every day is a privilege and a wonderful opportunity.
What do I enjoy about the role?
Working as part of a capable, enthusiastic and professional team. They have the passion about family law that reminds me every day why I do the kind of work I do. I have felt inspired by them every single day. Helping them to develop their skills in family law, working with them to hear their views and ideas has been the best part of the role so far. There is so much I am learning from them too and I feel confident that the next generation of family clients are well served.
Biggest challenges in the role?
Giving client’s difficult advice when they are in the midst of a very traumatic time of their lives. My role is to give them guidance and try and help them aside from all the emotion. This can be difficult when people are feeling the strain of changes in their life, often not in a way that they are happy with.
What do you get up to outside of work?
At the moment my main focus is studying for my advocates exams. When I am not studying however, I spend all my time with my lovely two children aged 10 and 12 who do all they can to distract me from my exam stress!
