"I got into the law quite by chance when I was due to return to a job in construction post-university. In 1993, I went on a summer placement at a small practice in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where I fell in love with family law.
With the support of two incredible women, I qualified as a solicitor five years later. I never looked back. I also met my amazing friend, Samantha Hillas QC, as a paralegal at the practice I started in.
It was the five year anniversary this month of a high profile divorce case I won at the Supreme Court, which was a career highlight of mine. Two women challenged their divorce settlements after their husbands were found to have misled them over their wealth.
Both women asked the court to set aside their divorce settlements on the basis that their husbands were dishonest and deliberately misled them and the courts during the original hearings.
Their cases were heard at a three-day hearing and then seven Supreme Court judges unanimously ruled in the ex-wives’ favour.
It was the first time in a generation that the highest court in the land had heard cases on the issue of non-disclosure in divorce proceedings, and I was proud to say that I represented both women. The judgments handed down sent out a clear message that dishonesty will not be tolerated.
The cases were about a matter of principle and justice, and the issues raised in the Supreme Court have had implications in many other cases.
I am passionate about fighting hard to achieve justice. I am equally passionate about women and men having opportunities to progress their career, in whichever field, regardless of social background, career path, and personal commitments and responsibilities. Flexibility is key.
I think we have an incredible legal system in this country, even if it is under pressure and we sometimes see the strain.
Using alternative methods of dispute resolution is a welcome change and one which my colleagues and I embrace. However, when the chips are down and you cannot reach an agreement, then you have to rely on the court system to deliver justice. Ultimately, the truth will out.”
Ros Bever is head of our Divorce & Family Law team and has extensive experience high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth cases, often involving complex international issues. Read more of Ros' reflections on the Sharland and Gohil cases.
Read more about Divorce & Family Law
More litigation stories
