University of Staffordshire law alumna Sharon Whiston left her role as head of family law at a firm to set up her own business because she wanted to make a difference in the community where she was born.

Based in Basford, she now works as a freelance family and divorce lawyer and has introduced various strategies to make it easier for people to access free or low-cost legal advice.

She offers pro bono advice, low fixed fees, pay as you go and now legal coaching to support clients who want to represent themselves to save costs.

Sharon has even trained in CBT and therapy so that she can offer a holistic service to clients going through family or divorce proceedings.

“I don’t know anyone else who offers therapy to clients alongside legal services,” she said. “Family law clients are often going through an emotional time with stress and anxiety, I am able to offer something unique to support them.

“Clients used to jokingly thank me for the therapy after receiving legal advice and now, using therapy I am trained to deliver, I can help them to feel empowered and better able to deal with the situation which can them help them to save costs.”

Sharon studied at Stoke-on-Trent College and was eight months pregnant when she started her law degree at University of Staffordshire. She has also completed a Masters in Legal Practice Management and has given birth to two children while studying at the University.

After completing her studies she founded her own business, Whiston Law, which later merged with Hacking Ashton LLP.

Her two decades as a lawyer have also included time as Director and Head of Wills and Probate at GT Law and later Head of Family Law at Salmons Solicitors.

Sharon has entered the Business in the Community and Allumni Business Person of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.

She added: “Everyone should be able to access legal advice and this is my motivation for setting up my business.”