With ‘a fantastic set of family law barristers’, 1GC | Family Law boasts expertise in representing ultra-high-net-worth individuals, as well as less resource-heavy cases. Penelope Clapham, whose ‘advocacy is laser sharp’, has significant experience in matrimonial finance matters surrounding businesses, trusts, and farms. ‘A master of complex financial matters’, Philip Perrins is well-equipped to handle cases with international elements, such as disputed divorce jurisdiction and marital status cases. Claire Heppenstall is lauded as ‘an invaluable asset in family law proceedings’, especially those concerning the financial provision for children in Schedule 1 cases. David Burles, ‘an exceptionally persuasive and strategic advocate’, has a strong grounding in TOLATA and inheritance-related matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Phone
020 7797 7900
Email
Profile

Profile

Position

Penny specialises in family finance matters, both as an advocate and as a qualified Arbitrator.

She regularly accepts instructions on a wide array of financial disputes both between married and unmarried couples, in an international context including under Part III of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, and in respect of children under Schedule 1 of the Child Act 1989. Penny is equally comfortable representing vulnerable clients in which there is a concurrent Court of Protection issue.

Penny’s international practice extends outside this jurisdiction and she has advised and represented clients in Jersey, where she maintains a particular interest.

Many of Penny’s cases involve high net worth claims or celebrity clients where both skill and discretion are required. Her work regularly involves complex business structures, trusts, farming disputes, offshore assets and international property. She appears at all Court levels and against opponents often many years senior to her (including KC’s), both with and without a leader.

Career

Year of Call: 2007, Inner Temple.
Qualified Arbitrator (Family Financial Scheme): 2021 

Publications:
Guide to the 2007 Hague Maintenance Convention (Thomson Reuters- Practical Family Law)- of renewed importance to international child maintenance disputes following Brexit.
Co-author of ‘A Guide to Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989’ and "DIY Divorce & Separation: The Expert Guide to Representing Yourself" 

Memberships
MCIArb FLBA
Education

MA (Hons) Jurisprudence, Oxford University
BVC Inns of Court School of Law
Inner Temple prize winner: Duke of Edinburgh Scholarship, Streuben Prize, Exhibition

Content supplied by 1GC | Family Law