Straight talking Zoë Bloom is known for acting for people locked in conflict where personalities are difficult. Personality disorders are extremely difficult as opponents often exaggerate, coerce, manipulate and bully to influence a case. ‘They see the court as a stage,’ she says. ‘You have to go through four or five hearings before the same judge before you get the recognition that what your client is describing is a real problem’. Bloom’s caseload comprises some of the most complex issues separating families face and she is not afraid to take matters in the middle of proceedings, to drive them through to a settlement.