As part of our International Women’s Day series, we are sharing interviews with women across LA about their roles, experiences and what inspires them. Today, we speak with Estella Newbold‑Brown, our new Partner and Head of Family. Estella brings deep experience in modern family law, a passion for supporting diverse families, and recent recognition as a Citywealth Powerwomen Award winner. She shares her reflections on the profession, the challenges families face today and her hopes for the future of the Family team at LA.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a woman working in law?

International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the progress women have made in the legal profession and the work that still lies ahead. As a family lawyer and mother of young children, I am especially aware of how important it is that the profession supports women balancing demanding careers and family life. I am proud to work in a field that helps families find stability, fairness and protection. For me, the day is about continuing to push for a legal profession where every woman can thrive.

What inspired your passion for supporting modern families in your practice?

Working in family law means seeing first‑hand how diverse and dynamic modern families are, and how important it is that the law recognises and supports them. As a parent of young children and a gay woman, I also bring my own perspective on the many ways families are formed and thrive.

That has made me particularly passionate about helping clients navigate challenges with clarity, fairness and compassion. Ultimately, I am motivated by the opportunity to help families build secure and positive futures, whatever their structure.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing modern families today?

From a family law perspective, one of the biggest challenges facing modern families is navigating increasingly complex family structures alongside legal frameworks that are still evolving. Issues such as co‑parenting after separation, the recognition of diverse family forms and ensuring financial fairness can create significant uncertainty.

At the heart of many cases is the need to prioritise the wellbeing and welfare of children, while helping adults move forward constructively. Supporting families through these transitions with clarity and empathy is a key part of modern family law practice.

How do you approach advising LGBTQ+ parents and families with diverse structures or routes to parenthood?

I approach advising LGBTQ+ parents and families by recognising that no two families are the same, particularly where there are different routes to parenthood such as surrogacy, donor conception or blended parenting arrangements.

It is important to provide clear, practical advice while being sensitive to the personal journeys families have taken. As a gay parent myself, I understand how important it is that the legal process feels supportive and inclusive. My focus is always on helping families secure stability and certainty for the future, especially for their children.

What achievement in your career are you most proud of so far?

One of the achievements I am most proud of is being made a partner. It came shortly after I returned to work following maternity leave, which was a particularly meaningful moment for me. I had worked towards that goal for many years, and returning with renewed drive and determination made it feel even more significant.

It was a reminder that it is possible to balance ambition, family life and a demanding legal career, and it is something I am incredibly proud of.

Congratulations again on your recent Citywealth Powerwomen award. What does this recognition mean to you?

Winning a Citywealth Powerwomen Award is incredibly meaningful to me. It is a real privilege to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women across the profession.

For me, it reflects the dedication I bring to supporting families through some of the most important moments in their lives, as well as the work involved in growing and developing our family department. Balancing that with raising a young family has required real determination, so the recognition is particularly special and motivates me to keep building and contributing to the profession.

What advice would you give to women who are starting out in their legal careers?

My advice would be to believe in yourself and not give up, even when the path feels challenging. The legal profession can be demanding, but persistence, positivity and hard work make a real difference over time.

It is also important to support other women around you and build strong professional relationships. And do not be afraid to reach out for help or guidance when you need it. No one succeeds entirely on their own.

Which women have inspired you most in your career and why?

The woman who has inspired me most in my career is my mum. She did not have the opportunity to go to university, but she worked tirelessly and with incredible determination throughout her life to build her career and provide for our family.

Watching her dedication, resilience and work ethic taught me the value of perseverance and commitment. Her example has guided me throughout my journey in law and continues to inspire me every day.

Looking ahead, what positive changes would you like to see in family law over the next decade?

I would love to see family law continue to evolve to reflect the realities of modern family life. One positive change I would like to see is for the law to recognise pets beyond being considered as mere chattels. In places such as British Columbia, Canada and Australia, there is already a welfare‑based approach. I would like to see similar progress here.

As you join LA as Head of Family, what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?

I am most looking forward to building and growing the department, supporting a wider range of families and continuing to develop a team that is collaborative, inclusive and client‑focused.

It is an energising opportunity to bring fresh ideas, drive positive change and help shape a family practice that meets the evolving needs of modern families. I am excited to combine my passion for family law with leadership, mentorship and making a real difference for clients and colleagues alike.