Katie Phillips, Head of Family Law at LEAP, combines her two decades of family law experience with an appetite to help law firms and practitioners succeed through legal technology.

Having progressed through almost every role within a family law firm, Katie Phillips understands first-hand the pressures facing modern family law practitioners, from rising client expectations to increasing compliance and administrative demands.

As Head of Family Law at LEAP, Katie works closely with product, content and technology teams to ensure family law firms are supported with practical, intelligent legal software that truly improves their day-to-day practice.

In this interview, Katie shares insights from her career journey, the challenges currently facing family law, and how legal technology is shaping its future.

What does your role as Head of Family Law at LEAP involve, and what do you find most rewarding about it?

My role as Head of Family Law at LEAP is very different to a Head of Family Law in a law firm. Whilst I don’t have clients, everything I do could directly impact them through the technology we develop.

No two days in my job are the same. One day, I may be with our Content Specialist creating some new precedents and prompts, the next I could be educating colleagues about the different areas of family law so they can better understand the needs of our clients, and the next again I could be at a conference.

I find the technical side of the role most interesting; I had a brief introduction to JavaScript, and learning the basics has helped me understand more of what is possible and how it can be achieved. I enjoy having the time to get things right, and if that means spending half a day on a precedent or revisiting a draft prompt over the course of a few days, I can. Without the pressure of hitting a chargeable-time target, I can perfect what I am working on, rather than having to settle for a “good enough” standard.

What are the biggest challenges facing family law firms today, and how does LEAP help address them?

As I was leaving private practice, I started to notice an increase in clients’ expectations for an immediate response. If you hadn’t replied to an email after a few hours, often there was a text or WhatsApp message to check that it had been received, regardless of whether you had an Out of Office reply switched on. In my new role, I can’t change clients’ expectations, but I can expedite the handling of tasks arising from client calls, such as preparing attendance notes and drafting letters. I have been developing a series of prompts (instructions to AI) to create an attendance note based on quickly typed notes during a call, which includes a “to-do” list. This is followed by a prompt that will read the note and complete the “to-do” list. Therefore, when you find yourself on back-to-back calls, LEAP can start working on your behalf.

Additionally, I noticed an increase in the number of administrative tasks required, including file reviews, financial management, and compliance tasks. These duties were alongside the client work and were usually non-chargeable, so they didn’t count towards the ever-increasing financial targets and pressures. At LEAP, I am looking at how we can use technology to address some of these issues and automate tasks where possible to relieve the pressure on practitioners.

What are your key predictions for the future of family law and legal technology from 2026 onwards?

The increasing role technology plays in a legal practice can’t be ignored. The use of legal AI is increasing at all levels, from junior lawyers to Judges. In my opinion, 2026 will focus on shaping the rules surrounding its use. I will be attending the Law Society’s Risk and Compliance Conference in March, and one of the main topics on the agenda is “Governing AI and striking the balance”, and I am keen to hear the Law Society’s view on this.

There also needs to be consideration about how lawyers charge for their use of AI, and I think this will be considered in 2026. Often, family law is charged on a “time spent” basis, and so speeding up processes may not lead to increased profit. However, the clients may become increasingly resistant to paying for something which they know AI could be used to save them money. Successfully balancing profits against charging expectations will be crucial.

What career advice would you give to a young lawyer starting out in family law?

Do not rush to take the next step in your career until you have fully mastered the current role. I started at my previous firm as a secretary and finished 18 years later as a Partner. The vital skills I learned as a secretary and on reception helped me in more senior roles.

During my time working at law firms, I have worked briefly on reception and in the post room. I then spent time working as a secretary, paralegal, Chartered Legal Executive, Solicitor, Associate, Senior Associate, and Partner. Each of these roles taught me something different. Had I rushed to advance, I would have missed some of the crucial competencies necessary to be a good lawyer and manager. Working on reception and as a waitress in my teenage years taught me that sometimes things go wrong which aren’t your fault, but you still have to deal with the fallout and find a way to help resolve the issue. This is an essential skill as a family solicitor.

What inspired you to pursue a career in family law, and what continues to motivate you?

I have always enjoyed helping people and learning about different people and cultures. I had a place at university to study Archaeology and Ancient Studies, which fascinated me, but a car accident shortly before my A-Levels resulted in some broken bones and a deferred place.

During my unplanned year out to recover, I started working in a law firm and was able to learn more about family law and the different routes into law. I also realised I didn’t want to go to university (whenever I would visit friends, their houses were so dirty, washing up overflowing, and they didn’t ever have any money, and I was quite enjoying having a wage each month!), but I wasn’t ready to finish learning.

The CILEX route offered the perfect opportunity for me to qualify, gain experience, and still work.

What has been your proudest professional achievement so far, both in private practice and at LEAP?

During my time in private practice as a family lawyer, I had the privilege of supporting clients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Being part of their journey was never something I took lightly. From our very first meeting, often filled with anxiety and uncertainty, to the end of the matter, when they stepped forward with clarity and confidence, I was able to witness powerful personal transformations. It was incredibly rewarding to work alongside clients as they prepared to begin the next chapter of their lives.

In the few months I have been with LEAP, my proudest achievement has been starting to learn JavaScript… just don’t test me on it, please!

The conversation continues: More family law insights coming soon

Katie’s career reflects both the depth of experience and the adaptability required to succeed in modern family law – whether working in a firm or in legal technology, her work is firmly focused on improving outcomes for both family law firms and the people they serve.

As family law continues to evolve, with technology and AI playing an increasingly important role, this conversation is just the beginning. Watch this space for more expert perspectives from LEAP.

To learn more about LEAP’s offering for Family Law firms, visit the website.

About the author

With 10 years of experience in the communications industry, Dani Pisciottano is the Vertical Marketing Lead at LEAP Legal Software, responsible for shaping and delivering marketing strategies across key areas of law, including criminal, family, estates and personal injury.