Law firm targets gay community

Lawyer Jane Pritchard believes the gay community faces prejudice every day.

Jane, who is gay herself, heads Rainbow Law, a new department at solicitors Dean Wilson Laing, in Church Street, Brighton.

Gay activists estimate up to 30 per cent of Brighton and Hove's population is homosexual, which is at least double the national average.

But, says Jane, although the city is an easier place for gay people to live and work in than many around the country, there is still prejudice.

And when it comes to the law, gay people can feel uncomfortable talking about personal issues to solicitors.

Jane, 49, who has been a solicitor for more than 20 years, says the legal profession is still very conservative and there can be a presumption among lawyers that they are dealing with heterosexual clients.

But the fact that a person is gay can have an effect on legal issues.

She said: "There is an assumption that a client is straight, particularly outside Brighton. It can be difficult for gay people to deal with personal matters in a heterosexual atmosphere.

"There is a very good case for having a gay service. There is a need for it."

Jane joined the firm 15 months ago and has been planning the new service with the company's partner Georgina James, who is not gay.

Because a lot of gay people do not feel at ease talking about their personal affairs with a solicitor, they may be inclined to put off dealing with legal situations, even setting up a will.

But property and inheritance can be important issues to confront if you are gay.

Gay relationships may be recognised generally by society but in law, gay people have no legal rights.

They do not have the protection of matrimonial law and must take steps to ensure their property is inherited by their partner.

Equally, the law is not there to protect them if their relationship ends and the property needs to be divided.

Jane said the heartache and financial problems facing gay people who split up were the same as for straight couples.

The difference is that while there are numerous agencies and organisations offering advice and support for heterosexual couples, there is nothing for gays.

She said: "You can have a very acrimonious parting and there is no law to help you. People have to muddle through."

Jane believes lawyers can help take a dispassionate view on a difficult situation and establish justice.

She also advises gay couples to draw up a cohabitation agreement in case they should separate later.

Rainbow Law also offers advice on the legal needs of couples who set up a business together.

Jane said the new service has been greeted with excitement and delight by her gay friends, and surprise from some straight people who were unaware such a service was needed.

She believes Rainbow Law is likely to attract clients from around the country who need its specialist service.

She said: "My dream would be for the service to begin in Brighton and spread out to the provinces.

"It is easy to to be gay in Brighton because there are so many here. But it is very hard to be outwardly gay in other areas, apart from London and Manchester. Every day can be a struggle for gay men and women."

Because of prejudice, not everybody wants to put themselves forward as a gay lawyer but Jane believes it is the right way forward.

She said: "I am a discreet sort of person but I am going to have to get used to the label."

Jane is running a stall at this year's Brighton Pride festival on August 10 and plans to spread the message about the new service at other gay events around the country.