Lunch and Learn About Magistrates in Family Law

Course Overview:
This Lunch and Learn session is designed for family mediators who want to gain a deeper understanding of the role magistrates play in family law. With family magistrates making crucial decisions in family court, understanding their role, perspective, and decision-making process is vital for mediators to effectively guide their clients and support the resolution of family disputes.

Speaker: Tracy Sortwell
Tracy Sortwell has been a magistrate since 1995 and is a prominent figure in the field of family law. She has served as the Magistrates' Association Representative on the Family Magistrates Oversight Group and was the Chair of the Cambridgeshire Family Panel from 2020 to 2024. Currently, she is the Chair of the Magistrates' Association's Family Court Policy Committee and a Course Director with the Judicial College for newly appointed Family Panel Chairs. Tracy brings a wealth of experience and insight into the role of magistrates in family law, making her the ideal speaker for this session.

Session Details:

• Presentation: Tracy will deliver a comprehensive presentation covering:

  • The Role of Magistrates in Family Law: Understand the responsibilities and influence of magistrates in family court proceedings, particularly in cases involving child arrangements.
  • Decision-Making Process: Gain insights into how magistrates approach cases, the factors they consider, and the importance of impartiality and fairness.
  • Working with Magistrates: Learn how mediators can effectively collaborate with magistrates and ensure that their clients are well-prepared for court proceedings.

• Discussion: Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A and discussion session, led by Jane Smith PPC, where attendees can engage directly with Tracy to explore further how magistrates’ roles intersect with mediation and how mediators can support clients through the court process.

Who Should Attend:

• Family mediators looking to enhance their understanding of the family court system
• Professionals interested in the decision-making processes of family law magistrates
• Mediators who want to improve their practice by understanding the court's perspective

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a clear understanding of the role of magistrates in family law and how their decisions impact family disputes.
• Learn how to better prepare clients for court proceedings involving magistrates.
• Understand the importance of magistrates' impartiality and the factors that influence their decisions in family law cases.
• Explore ways to collaborate effectively with magistrates to support positive outcomes in mediation.