Life as a family lawyer: ‘I’ve had cases that ended in death’
A family law solicitor in Dublin details the extreme emotional toll and physical dangers of her profession, including death threats and witnessing domestic violence cases. The piece highlights the security risks faced by legal professionals working in high-conflict family court environments.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the hidden dangers faced by legal practitioners and the systemic issues within family law courts regarding domestic abuse.
“W hen I hear the news that another woman is dead, I almost get palpitations, I’m thinking: ‘Please don’t let it be my client,’” says family law solicitor Sandra McAleer.
“I’m also thinking: ‘Please don’t let it be my client who did it.’”
McAleer has acted for many women violently assaulted, in some cases killed, by partners or former partners. She has also represented men who are either victims of domestic violence or the perpetrators of it.
“Some cases still get to me, I’ve had cases that ended in death, I’ve attended funerals,” she says.
“You do sometimes wonder could I have done something that would have helped to stop that. I’ve been horrified by what some people can do.”
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