60 seconds with Joanna Burns

Thursday 10 July 2025

Tell us about your role and your organisation.
I am a Family and Matrimonial Solicitor at Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors. I advise both married and unmarried couples on divorce, separation, financial matters, and child-related disputes. My cases often involve significant financial assets held both in the UK and internationally.

I have particular expertise in representing clients facing allegations of domestic abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, as well as controlling and coercive behaviour. As a solicitor advocate, I have rights of audience in the Higher Courts and am also a member of the Children Order Panel — a specialist panel of solicitors with extensive experience in representing parties in children’s proceedings.

Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors is a leading legal practice that has been serving clients across Ireland for over a century, offering expert advice on both personal and commercial matters. We have offices in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, and Dublin, and specialise in family and child law, SME and entrepreneurial business, commercial property law, dispute resolution, regulatory law, and private client services, including residential property, wills, and estates.

We operate throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and many of our lawyers are also qualified in England and Wales. As members of Avrio Advocati and the International Academy of Family Lawyers, we provide seamless access to specialist legal services across multiple jurisdictions. This enables us to handle complex international corporate, litigation, and family cases with an Irish connection.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far.
I studied Law at Queen’s University Belfast (LLB) and availed of a Study USA scholarship in Connecticut, obtaining a Certificate in International Business Practice before completing my Diploma in Professional Legal Studies with Commendation at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies.

I have extensive experience in Family Law, as well as in defence litigation, criminal law, and civil litigation. I joined Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors in 2023 and am based in our Belfast office. Prior to this, I led the family and matrimonial department at D A Martin Solicitors and Conor Heaney Solicitors, where I worked closely with Fermanagh Women’s Aid. I had a brief stint in defence litigation with Keoghs, but I returned to family law, as this is where I truly find job satisfaction.

Describe yourself in three words.
Empathetic, diligent, and efficient.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role?
I am resolution-focused, which is a valuable asset in family law, where emotions often run high. I appreciate that I am not meeting my clients at their best, and it is my role to offer clear, cohesive advice to help them navigate an incredibly difficult period and process.

A resolution-driven mindset fosters cooperation, encourages mutual respect, and allows clients to retain more control over their future, rather than relying on court-imposed decisions. This approach not only aligns with modern legal practices but also promotes healthier post-separation relationships, ensuring that families can move forward with stability and dignity.

What advice do you have for women in your industry?
Network, network, network! Networking is essential, as it creates opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, supporting both personal and professional growth, knowledge sharing, and development. I have secured business collaborations and client referrals through networking — opening doors that would not have been accessible otherwise.

Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors enjoys a strong reputation nationally and internationally, and this has afforded me fantastic opportunities to meet and work with lawyers in other jurisdictions. Networking has kept me informed of industry trends, inspired innovation through idea exchange, and enhanced my personal and professional support systems.

Women in Business offers a fantastic platform to build on all these opportunities. If you feel I could assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?
Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors continues to experience growth and receive award recognition, and we’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead. We aim to continue providing clients with tailored advice while hosting a series of events and workshops — including sessions on women in leadership and updates on legal developments affecting people across Ireland and Northern Ireland through our offices in Belfast, Dublin, and Derry~Londonderry.

We’re especially proud that our colleague, Karen O’Leary, Head of our Family and Matrimonial Department, will be speaking at the prestigious European Circuit Conference at The Hague. Her invitation to speak on such an esteemed international stage is a true testament to her expertise in child abduction and the strength of the team she leads at Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?
Baroness Hale of Richmond has been, and continues to be, a huge inspiration to me. She was the first woman to serve as President of the UK Supreme Court — a historic achievement in a male-dominated legal profession. She was also the first female Law Lord and has paved the way for greater gender diversity in the judiciary. I greatly admire her commitment to gender equality and often resonate with her relatable (even dissenting!) judgments in landmark legal decisions.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
"Roll with It" – Oasis. What a great anti-imposter syndrome song!

What's your favourite break-time snack?
A latte with an entire bag of Mini Eggs — regardless of the season!

How can your fellow Women in Business members keep up to date with you and your organisation?
Email: joanna.burns@caldwellrobinson.com, Call: 028 71 261 334 or follow me on LinkedIn.

Thursday 10 July 2025