Biography
I am a Senior Associate in the Family Team at Irwin Mitchell specialising in all areas of private family law. I advise both married and cohabiting individuals on a broad range of issues following the breakdown of a relationship, including financial settlements and arrangements for children.
I have extensive experience advising on complex and high net worth financial cases, including those where there are significant business, pension, trust or farming assets. I also advise on wealth planning, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and financial applications for children, such as disputes in relation to child maintenance. I also deal with disputes involving children, such as where and with who they will live, or which school they will attend. I advise on the enforcement of agreements and orders.
I deal regularly with cases with an international element, for example, where there is a jurisdictional dispute, assets owned abroad or parties living overseas. I’ve also made applications in England following a foreign divorce and dealt with international children cases, including where one party wishes to relocate overseas. I have experience of getting injunctions, both freezing assets worldwide. I also got non-molestation injunctions to protect clients where there’s been inappropriate behaviour or domestic abuse.
I work with clients locally in the South West, nationally (including London) and also those with an international connection.
I aim to tailor my approach in a pragmatic and cost effective way to achieve the best outcome for each individual client. I’m a trained Collaborative Lawyer and look to resolve matters outside of Court where possible. I’ve worked with the use of mediation, arbitration, private FDRs and round table meetings. I have extensive experience in dealing with court applications and can take a robust approach to litigation where necessary to get my client the best possible outcome.
I am a Resolution accredited specialist in complex financial remedies and international family law. I am listed as an 'Associate to Watch' in the Chambers and Partners legal directory.
What inspired you to get into law?
I wanted a career that would challenge me academically and at the same time allow me to deal with real people and their problems. Family law is a complex area in which to practice, encompassing a wide range of disciplines. As such, it requires family lawyers to take a multidisciplinary approach, which keeps us on our toes.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
I thoroughly enjoy helping people solve problems, often at difficult times in their lives, so that they can move on in a positive way and feel better about themselves and their families
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell is an excellent law firm providing top level legal advice and service to a wide range of clients. As well as offering legal excellence, the firm is hugely supportive and friendly, which allows its lawyers to thrive.
What do you do away from the office?
I live in Somerset and enjoy walks in the country and by the sea, particularly those with a country pub or tearoom at the end of them.
I studied music at university, and so enjoy listening to live music or performing whenever possible. I can also regularly be found at a weekly local pub quiz. My other interests include theatre, going to the gym and tennis.
Publications
Testimonials
"Lizzie Smith is a brilliant solicitor – interested in clients and cases, efficient, thoughtful, good value and level-headed." - Legal 500, 2023
"She is extremely good at managing clients, has a good grasp of overall case management and a broader perspective of the case. Her communication is very strong." - Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Lizzie Smith is experienced in handling complex financial remedy matters and regularly acts for high net worth clients.” – Chambers and Partners, 2022
“Lizzie Smith is an absolute joy to work with, she is excellent in her preparation and has the ability to see a case from multiple angles.” - Chambers and Partners, 2022
“I found her approachable and supportive at every twist and turn of what was a very difficult time.” - Chambers and Partners, 2022
“You were so kind and filled me with positivity and confidence” – Mrs S, Client
“Wow Lizzie! That’s amazing, blimey you mean business… thank you very much” – Mrs V, Client
“Thank you for your very professional help” – Mr M, Client
