Julia Middleton

Director and Head of Dispute Resolution

Job Role at EMG

I joined EMG as an Associate Solicitor specialising in family law and matrimonial cases in January 2017, becoming a Director in January 2020. I specialise in divorce/dissolution proceedings/separation and the resolution of the financial and children arrangements that often follow. I am a trained collaborative lawyer which is a form of dispute resolution for clients who want to avoid court. I trained to be a collaborative lawyer because I believe that clients should have options when choosing the most appropriate process in resolving their separation. For many this may be working things out as amicably as possible, not getting caught up in a legal battle, and ending up with a positive outcome so they can move on as quickly and painlessly as possible. As part of the collaborative process I enjoy working with clients and other collaborative lawyers to find the most appropriate solution for clients and their children following separation and allowing them to retain control over the outcome.

I also am a confident and experienced negotiator and advocate in children and financial proceedings.

Experience

I have over 18 years experience of practice in the area of family law having previously worked in a large, commercial regional practice for over 13 years and High Street practice for 4 years before that. I trained in South Shields where I originate from before moving to Manchester, Gateshead and then Newcastle before moving to EMG in Durham. I studied in Manchester for my honours degree in Law in and studied the LPC at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle. I am a member of Resolution (formerly Solicitors Family Law Association) and have been historically a committee member of our local group. I am also a Resolution Accredited Specialist practitioner in children and financial cases.

What do you like about working at EMG?

Flexible working and the office ‘treats’ we get – like lessons in truffle making, wreath making and a pamper session!

Outside of EMG?

Spending time with my family and friends, walking the dogs, eating and cooking.

Julia qualified in November 2000.