Family law is an area of practice grounded in empathy, clarity, and the cultivation of trust with clients. This is a principle that Charlie Pollock, Associate Solicitor at Urban Family Lawyers, has developed and refined throughout her career. Known for integrating technical expertise across property, estate planning, and family law with a genuine understanding of the individuals behind each matter, Charlie adopts a holistic and client-centred approach to her work. Her professional journey highlights the importance of preserving humanity in legal practice.
Personal experiences played a pivotal role in influencing Charlie to pursue a career in law.
“The inspiration for my career has to start with my mum. On the first day of high school, I remember we were getting ready for dinner when my dad came home and told us he was leaving. Just like that, our world changed. Watching my mum navigate her own divorce, fighting for custody of my sister and me while somehow still holding everything together. This made me want to be the person who could stand beside others like her and make an impossibly hard time just a little easier.”
This early experience fostered a strong desire to support individuals navigating complex and emotionally significant legal matters. However, discovering her true passion for estate planning was a journey that took time to be fully realised.
“My journey in law started at another boutique law firm where I worked for almost six years. At this firm, I was able to develop my property law skills significantly as that was the main area of practice. I learned the technical foundations of conveyancing, built my confidence in client communication, and discovered how much I valued the client relationships that come with guiding people through major life transitions like buying or selling a home.
The shift to Urban Family Lawyers came unexpectedly. I actually met Katrene Halteh, the Principal Lawyer and Director of Urban Family, on the other side of a matter that we had together. Who knew that a small dispute could cause such a pivot in my career? We met, clicked instantly, and I knew straight away that she was someone I wanted to work for. Her honesty and passion were captivating. The way she approached her clients with such empathy and professionalism, the way she slowed down to truly listen rather than rushing through matters, it resonated with me deeply. I could see that she practiced law the way I wanted to.
Whilst I still practice in property law and value that work immensely, it was this change that allowed me to recognise my true passion in estate planning. At Urban Family Lawyers, I had the opportunity to expand into more wills and estates, and I quickly discovered how meaningful this area of practice is to me. Estate planning combines everything I love about law: the technical complexity, the deeply personal client relationships, and the profound impact of knowing that the work I do today will protect families during their most difficult moments. Being able to give people peace of mind about their legacy, to be their protector in that sense, has become the most fulfilling part of my career.”
Joining Urban Family Lawyers marked a turning point in Charlie’s career, where the mentorship of Katrene helped to affirm the kind of lawyer she aspired to be.
“Katrene was one of the first lawyers that I had encountered who taught me the importance of slowing down and just listening, rather than trying to move through all of your matters at such a fast pace. She is extremely knowledgeable and looks at all matters holistically and with grace. The kind of person where no matter how busy she is, she will always have time for you.”
As Charlie’s career has evolved, her appreciation for female practitioners and the role they play in shaping the legal profession has only strengthened over time.
“Women in law are shaping the future through empathy and genuine connection. Like Katrene taught me, we understand the value of slowing down and truly listening. We see our clients holistically, recognising that behind every legal matter is a person with a complex life and story. This empathetic approach doesn’t just make us better lawyers; it makes the legal profession more accessible, more human, and ultimately more effective at serving the people who need us.”
“Beyond how we work with clients, I’ve noticed that women in law also take more time to support each other. There’s a genuine community of female lawyers out there, it’s not competitive, it’s collaborative. We lift each other up, share knowledge freely, and celebrate each other’s wins. This supportive culture is creating a healthier, more sustainable profession where we can all thrive together rather than tearing each other down. I really think this is important due to the increasing number of issues in the mental health space. The work itself already has a tough mental load and the softer approach to practice with each other creates a safer working environment.”
For aspiring female solicitors looking to establish their legal career, especially in the realm of property, family or estate law, Charlie’s advice is simple: remain curious, understand how different areas of law intersect, and prioritise genuine client relationships.
“Focus on taking a holistic approach to practice. Whilst it’s great to develop a niche, you really need to know the ins and outs of property, estate and family law because they intersect constantly. A property transaction today might raise estate planning questions, and estate planning inevitably involves property considerations. And both almost always have some correlation to family law. Understanding how these areas connect will make you a far more effective adviser.
Equally important is being aware that you don’t know you don’t know. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance when something falls outside your immediate expertise. Working in family law has taught me that if you’re practicing in property or estates, you should also have a solid understanding of family law, particularly around separation, division of assets, and contributions. When you’re dealing with property purchases involving de facto couples, drafting wills for blended families, or advising on granny flat agreements, family law principles are constantly relevant. You need to spot the potential issues before they become problems.
Also invest time in building genuine relationships with clients and your colleagues. Listen more than you speak, explain things in plain language, and never rush people through major decisions. The technical knowledge matters, but so does making people feel supported and understood. That combination of broad legal knowledge, awareness of intersecting areas, and genuine client care is what will set you apart in these fields.”
Charlie’s story serves as a reminder that progress in law is not only measured by professional achievement, but by the compassion, mentorship and connection that shape both careers and client outcomes. In her own words, “My clients are what motivates me, being able to spend the time with them and hearing their stories. Almost every single person when they come into the office think that their estate planning is simple, but their lives are always so complex, and I love hearing about it all. Genuinely, it brings me meaning to understand why people want things done certain ways and then trying to create it for them, I almost feel like their protector. Whether it is giving a voice to someone who is no longer here or becoming the voice for someone who cannot speak for themselves.”
Charlie Pollock is an Associate Solicitor at Urban Family Lawyers with extensive experience across property law, estate planning and family law. Known for her meticulous approach and calm, client-focused manner, Charlie specialises in conveyancing, family law while also supporting individuals and families with wills, probate and succession planning. Charlie has been recognised as a finalist in the Rising Star of the Year (SME Law) category at the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards for 2025.
