Elizabeth Hicks 

About My Role

I am a partner in the firm and head up the London Family Team of six lawyers. I have been specialising in family law since 1995. My role is to unravel the legal, financial and practical ties when a relationship breaks down. This often involves dealing with complex financial matters such as offshore trusts and corporate structures.

I also act for parents when there is a dispute about their children. In addition I help clients who require pre marital agreements, pre civil partnership agreements and living together contracts. I have considerable experience in dealing with international cases when it is essential to obtain expert advice at an early stage. I am a fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and an accredited family lawyer with the Law Society.  I am a trained collaborative lawyer which is a way of resolving disputes without going to court.

"Insightful and flawless".
The Legal 500, 2011

"making waves in the market"
"she is strategically astute and handles her cases in a sensible and proportionate way"
- Chambers & Partners Directory, 2011

Memberships

• Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Accredited family lawyer with the Law Society
• Member of the Skills Committee of Resolution
• Member of the Media Committee of Resolution
• Member of the Skills and Support Committee of Resolution
• Chair of the Parenting After Parting London Steering Committee

Publications

• The Law Journal of Scotland April 2009 - "Variations on a theme" -article on Variation of Orders and the differences between Scotland, Ireland and England
• New Law Journal June 2007 - "shared intentions" - article examining the case of Stack -v- Dowden and the impact for cohabiting couples
• Child Rights Magazine September 2006 - "To stay or not to Stay" -article on the case law when one parent wishes to move to another country with their child
• Family Law Journal August 2006 -"When parents say no" - article dealing with the extent to which family resources are taken into account on divorce

More About Me

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

I wanted to be in a career where I could make a difference. The way in which the break up of someone's relationship is handled can have a huge impact on them, their ex and their children for the rest of their lives. Being a Family lawyer involves a mixture of empathy and support while offering a practical solution. I enjoy the challenge of trying to offer a way forward in what are often very difficult circumstances. I try and make a positive difference to what is usually the most emotional time in someone's life.

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

I am passionate about what I do. The most rewarding aspect of my role is to have a client come through a difficult emotional journey and know that I have helped them. I also enjoy the forensic investigation into someone's finances and helping uncover undisclosed assets and income - which can often make a real difference to the financial outcome for my client.

What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?

There is great team spirit at Irwin Mitchell. Working with lawyers from different areas of law is very rewarding. The diversity of lawyers mean that there is always an interesting or challenging case. Being part of a large national firm means that the administrative support is first class which makes my job a lot easier - and the clients benefit too.

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

I enjoy riding, sailing and also going to the theatre and ballet. I am a fervent Welsh rugby fan and am often found screaming at the television during the Six Nations.