When families span different countries, legal advice cannot stop at national borders.
Whether dealing with child arrangements, international relocation, divorce or the recognition of court orders, family lawyers increasingly rely on trusted colleagues in other jurisdictions to help clients navigate complex legal issues. Building those relationships takes time, trust and a genuine understanding of how different legal systems operate.
That is why Avrio Advocati’s International Lawyer Exchange Programme is such an important initiative.
Earlier this summer, Terri McLaughlin, a Child and Family Law solicitor at Irish and Northern Irish law firm Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors, travelled to Tartu to spend time with colleagues at fellow Avrio Advocati member Estonian law firm Advokaadibüroo Lillo & Lõhmus.
While the programme provided an opportunity to compare legal systems and share professional knowledge, it also reinforced a relationship that has been developing for many years.
The exchange also celebrated the longstanding relationship between Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors and Advokaadibüroo Lillo & Lõhmus. Over many years, the two firms have worked together on a range of cross-border family law matters and, alongside CSA – Sociedade de Advogados in Portugal, collaborated on the development of an international family law guide. Authored by Karen O’Leary of Caldwell & Robinson, Ana Rita Relógio of CSA and Karina Lõhmus-Ein of Advokaadibüroo Lillo & Lõhmus, the much valued guide brings together contributions from Avrio Advocati member firms and provides practical insight into family law procedures and legal frameworks across the network.
Reflecting on her visit, Terri said:
“Two things stood out for me: the first was the warmth and openness of everyone at Advokaadibüroo Lillo & Lõhmus. From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel part of the team. Beyond the legal discussions, it was the informal conversations, the willingness to share experiences and the opportunity to understand Estonian culture that made the visit so memorable. It reminded me that the strongest professional relationships are built through personal connections. The second thing is just how different common law and civil law legal systems are in the field of family law, and how important it is that we family lawyers understand that in order to service our increasingly internationally mobile client base. I was very fortunate to have this experience for that reason alone.
For Karen O’Leary, the exchange represented the next step in an already successful partnership.
“Strong international relationships don’t happen overnight. They are built through collaboration, shared expertise and mutual trust. Working closely with colleagues across the Avrio network means we can provide clients with informed, practical advice when legal issues extend beyond one jurisdiction. Terri’s visit to Estonia has strengthened those relationships even further.”
For Karina Lõhmus-Ein, welcoming international colleagues is one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of Avrio Advocati.
“Meeting in person allows us to exchange ideas that simply aren’t possible over email or video calls. We were delighted to welcome Terri to Tartu, to discuss the practical challenges we each face in family law and continue building a relationship that has already delivered real value for our firms and our clients.”
Throughout the visit, Terri gained valuable insight into Estonian family law, explored how digital innovation is transforming legal practice and spent time with colleagues discussing the similarities and differences between their respective legal systems. Beyond the office, the visit also provided the opportunity to experience Estonia’s rich history and culture, from the cobbled streets of Tallinn’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town to the country’s reputation as one of Europe’s most digitally advanced societies.
For Avrio Advocati, exchanges like these represent far more than professional development.
They demonstrate the strength of an international network where lawyers know one another personally, understand each other’s legal systems and can work together with confidence when clients need trusted advice across borders.
As Bruce Bowden, Chair of Avrio Advocati, explains:
“The greatest strength of our network is not simply that we have member firms in different countries – it is that our members genuinely know and trust one another. The International Lawyer Exchange Programme helps build those relationships, creating lasting connections that ultimately benefit every client who relies on our network for cross-border legal advice.”
As international legal matters continue to grow in complexity, initiatives such as the Avrio Advocati International Lawyer Exchange Programme ensure that collaboration remains at the heart of the network – bringing lawyers together, sharing expertise and strengthening the relationships that make exceptional international client service possible.