Katie Went
Job Title: Partner, Divorce & Family Law
Location: Swindon
I am the partner in charge of the family department in the Swindon office. I qualified as a Solicitor in 1996 and joined Bower Bailey in 1998. I am now a ‘lifer’, having practiced law for over 20 years. I specialise in all aspects of family breakdown, with an emphasis on the financial consequences.
My main strength is being able to see the crux of the issues from the outset and finding the best possible solutions and settlements for my clients. Much if not most of my work comes from recommendation. I am also a matrimonial property specialist, which means I can advise on all aspects of a client’s case without having to involve another property specialist. This means I can look after my clients throughout the whole process and they don’t have to see another lawyer. Many clients prefer this, particularly given the emotional and stressful nature of relationship breakdown.
To give you some insight to me; I am Bristolian born and bred although I have lived in Swindon all my working life. I fell into law having realised that my chosen career of accountancy was probably not for me. I qualified with a degree which gave me some exemptions from having to do further law study and sat my Law Society finals in 1993. I carried out my training in a firm with a sink or swim approach, which served me well, as I gained a wealth of experience at all levels. After joining Bower Bailey in 1998 I was made a partner in 2001.
My role has changed very little over the years. At its most basic, dealing with relationship breakdown is navigating the emotional nature of people’s situations. I pride myself on doing that by providing practical, sensible and cost effective advice. I enjoy helping people sort out the sticky situation of separation and it is nice seeing people who, at the start of the process, are sometimes in a bad place but are different individuals at the end.
Outside of work I am a failed half marathon runner (knee injuries) but a lover of cycling; I have competed many challenges, not least a ride from London to Paris and the Devon coast to coast with my family. It is true what they say, Lycra is a cruel mistress! After work I transform into a Stepford wife, I cook supper, help my teenage son with homework, wash, iron and embroider. Anyone who knows me is now laughing their head off. Actually in the winter I am usually found watching TV and in the summer I am out freewheeling round Wiltshire and Gloucestershire on my bike.
