Areas of Law:
All aspects of family law.
My Approach:
I have a constructive, progressive and pragmatic approach to resolving family disputes and to finding creative ways to overcome obstacles in negotiation. Where necessary, I will use my skills as a family litigator, acquired over many years, to achieve a fair outcome.
My work covers all aspects of family law with particular emphasis on complex financial dispute and pensions (final salary and SIPPS). I also have a particular interest in more complex matters which involve family-owned businesses, offshore assets and trusts.
I also have considerable experience of dealing with issues relating to the future arrangements for children.
I am ranked as a leading family lawyer in the South Coast by Chambers UK (a Client’s Guide to Legal Profession). The current edition states:
"Deborah is held in high regard for her work on complex and high value matrimonial matters. She is a skilled litigator, but also able to settle cases through mediation and collaborative law"
Professional Associations & Qualifications:
- obtained a law degree in 1986
- passed the Solicitors Finals with honours in 1987
- admitted as a solicitor in 1990
- qualified as a family mediator with Resolution in 1996
- gained accreditation (in advanced finance and pensions) through Resolution in 2000.
- trained and qualified as a collaborative family lawyer in 2007.
- Member of Resolution.
My Route to Ellis Jones:
I trained with city firm Bates Wells & Braithwaite from 1987 to 1989 and left in 1990 to travel (India and Nepal) and to teach English in Barcelona for six months. I returned in 1991 and joined the family department of Payne Hicks Beach in Lincoln’s Inn, London becoming an associate in 1994. I remained with Payne Hicks Beach until 1998 when I returned to the family department of Bates Wells & Braithwaite which later formed the niche practice, Hughes Fowler Carruthers in Chancery Lane.
The allure of life by the sea was too irresistible and so I relocated with my family from London to Bournemouth in 2001, joining Ellis Jones as an associate. I became a partner of Ellis Jones in 2004.
Outside Work:
I am an active member of Bournemouth & Poole Collaborative Family Law Group and have a particular interest in putting on seminars and script writing role plays. I also lecture on family law.
I am kept busy by my two sons aged 11 and 14 whose great passion in life is football (playing, watching and endlessly analysing!). Much of my free time is spent on the sidelines, enthusiastically supporting their teams. I also play tennis and have recently discovered the joys of kayaking.
