Pauline O’Rourke - Solicitor

Pauline joined Ward & Rider on a permanent basis in October 2003 having joined the firm six months prior on a temporary basis to head up and run the Family Department.

Pauline studied law fulltime at the University of Birmingham from 1985 to 1988, qualifying as a Solicitor in 1991.

Pauline has a background in general civil litigation, going on to specialise in family work approximately 9 years ago. Wishing to expand on her experience, and looking for a challenge, Pauline practiced freelance for several years as a family Solicitor throughout the Midlands and beyond before taking up her role with Ward & Rider.

Pauline has extensive experience in all aspect of relationship breakdown, divorce and financial disputes and has particular expertise in unmarried/cohabitee disputes and those divorces with a higher than average value, business and pension elements.

Pauline is a member of the Solicitors’ Family Law Panel and Resolution and has appeared in the press commenting on topical issues impacting on Divorce

Pauline comments "I actively follow recent case law and trends. It is always of particular interest to me as to how the media portrays the 'fight' of divorcing couples. It is not a battleground and no one is victorious. For me, the satisfaction is achieving a positive client outcome through what is, quite possibly, their worst ever life experience."

In her spare time Pauline enjoys reading, walking and fine dining.

Stuart Daniel

Stuart joined the Family Law Department in July 2007.

Stuart’s legal career started early at the age of 16 when he began studying A-Level law. He later read law at the University of Leicester followed by the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Birmingham.

Stuart began his training contract in an established Warwickshire firm and remained there post qualification before moving to Ward & Rider.

Stuart specialises in financial matters ancillary to divorce, although he offers advice and representation on all areas of family law, including child disputes and cohabitation/property matters.

Stuart enjoys court advocacy and regularly appears before the local County Court to represent his clients.

Stuart comments"I get enormous satisfaction from delivering a first class service to my clients and helping them through a difficult and stressful time in their lives. I adopt a professional yet friendly style. I pride myself on being approachable and offering clear and sound advice."

In his spare time Stuart enjoys "light" DIY and spending time catching up with friends and family. Stuart enjoys going to his local gym to ease the stress of the demanding legal profession. He also enjoys film, theatre and foreign travel