Biography
I am a partner practising as a solicitor and mediator in the family law team at Irwin Mitchell, based in the London office and advising clients nationally across England and Wales. I qualified as a solicitor in 2004, initially specialising in both private client and family law work before practising exclusively in family law since 2009.
I have a broad experience in many areas of family law, particularly divorce and civil partnership dissolution, disputes arising between cohabiting couples, financial matters arising from the breakdown of those relationships and private law children work. I specialise in cases involving complex business assets and trusts having completed the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Diploma to complement my family work at the beginning of my career.
I am often instructed on and am developing a growing expertise in pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements particularly acting for those who wish to protect gifted or inherited wealth for future generations.
In my traditional solicitor role, I have always focused on helping my clients to reach a resolution consensually wherever possible. This can involve issuing proceedings where necessary, while striking that balance with robustly fighting their corner where needed in a commercial, principled, and intelligent way. This approach feeds into my practise as a mediator where I can act for both clients in suitable cases to help them resolve their dispute together.
What inspired you to get into law?
My degree was in the slightly dusty sounding Ancient and Medieval History, and I originally wanted to be a museum curator or archaeologist, but that all changed when I converted to law and fell in love with a subject that satisfied my intellectual curiosity and introduced me to a tremendously fulfilling career.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
As many family lawyers will attest to, we often see clients when they are experiencing one of the most difficult times of their lives. They are often confused and unsure about the next stages. I find it very rewarding to help them through that time (often taking some flack which is part of the job!) and seeing them emerge out of the other side.
What do you do away from the office?
I am often to be found alongside a rugby or a football pitch supporting my sons. Occasionally, if I am allowed a moment to myself, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and long walks.
Testimonials
"A very caring and professional firm. Special thanks to Claire Filer for her pragmatic and realistic advice - she knows this area better than any other professional and is strongly focused on the right result for clients with minimum cost." - 5* Trustpilot review
“Claire Filer is exceptionally bright and a really standout solicitor. She has great attention to detail, works swiftly and promptly, and has very good judgment. She is also a pleasure to work with” - Legal 500 2022 (Next Generation Partner)
“Claire Filer is a reliable and dependable solicitor with a vast amount of knowledge and experience in family and private client issues." - Legal 500 2022
“Claire Filer advises clients on divorce, complex financial matters and cross-border cases involving children” - Legal 500 2022
“I have felt fully supported throughout what is undoubtedly one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through in their lifetime. At all times Claire and her team have been warm and kind, sensitive to my changing feelings, while always remaining professional and focussed on ensuring I got the best future outcome for me and my children. Her knowledge of the law and calm yet dogged tenacity have been very impressive” - Client
“Fantastic – efficient and very supportive” - Chambers UK
Recommended Lawyers 2021 - Spears 500
