Areas of Practice
Track Record
Acting with Katie Male for the wife in the case of KA v MA (prenuptial agreement: needs) [2018] EWHC 499 (Fam), [2018] All ER (D) 92 (Apr) concerning the extent to which a court should uphold the terms of a pre-nuptial agreement which the wife sought to disregard. Taking into account all of the circumstances of the case the court largely overturned the pre-nuptial agreement, on the basis that it failed to meet the wife’s reasonable needs, and provided the wife with an award of £2.73 million, well in excess of the provision in the pre-nuptial agreement
Acting for the HNW fund manager husband in his financial remedy proceedings following his divorce (B v B (2013) EWHC 1232 (Fam)in a two week trial in the High Court, which is now the lead authority on how valuable private equity funds are to be treated in HNW financial remedy proceedings following a divorce
Acting for Mr Don Gallagher, a male civil partner in the case of Lawrence v Gallagher [2012] EWCA Civ 394 which was the first civil partnership financial relief case to reach the High Court and subsequently the Court of Appeal. The case was widely reported in the media, being the first of its kind
Awards & Rankings
Legal 500, Leading Partner, 2025 & 2026
Chambers UK, Ranked Individual, 2017 – 2020, 2022 – 2026
Chambers HNW, Ranked Individual, 2017 – 2025
Legal 500, Leading Individual, 2018, 2020 – 2024
Tatler HNW Address Book 2020 – 2023, Specialist in Family Law and Founding Partner
Education & Qualification
University of Nottingham
Qualified as a solicitor in 1983
Recommended by James
Is divorce always a battle requiring two separate lawyers? Family Partner, William Rollin explores why that common assumption isn’t always true and how Resolution Together offers couples a calmer, more constructive route when separating. This joint‑advice model allows one specially trained solicitor to support both parties with clear, consistent legal guidance, helping them reach fair and informed decisions without unnecessary conflict.
Read more 8 min read 15 Oct 2025 PFDRs putting clients first – Alexandra Hirst writes in TL4 HNW Divorce Magazine
What makes a Private Financial Dispute Resolution (PFDR) hearing such an effective and flexible way to settle financial matters? Family Senior Associate, Alexandra Hirst, explains PFDR and outlines how preparation, clear communication and a tailored approach can help clients navigate the process confidently without proceeding to a final court hearing.
Read more 2 min read 09 Oct 2025 Standish v Standish: where does the Supreme Court stand?What does the Supreme Court’s ruling in Standish v Standish mean for tax planning and the treatment of inter-spousal transfers? In STEP Journal, Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand, analyses how the judgment confirms that assets transferred between spouses for tax efficiency are unlikely to be treated as matrimonial property. The decision offers reassurance to both family and tax practitioners and emphasises the importance of maintaining clear documentation to protect non-matrimonial assets.
Read more 2 min read 24 Sep 2025 Katie O’Callaghan speaks at the 5th Family Business Disputes Forum 2025Family businesses face unique challenges when dealing with divorce. Family Partner and Mediator, Katie O’Callaghan will offer her insights at the Family Business Disputes Forum 2025. She will be joined by Frederick Tatham, Paul Hardman and Camilla Baldwin to discuss strategies to safeguard businesses, navigate divorce without disruption and share practical lessons from real-life cases.
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