Ros Bever has had yet another successful year since the landmark Supreme Court decision of Sharland and Gohil, the 2015 case which saw wives winning against dishonest husbands. Enquiries have streamed in ever since, many from clients of rival law firms seeking second opinions.

One recent case involved a client who was writing off a ‘substantial debt of millions’ to her husband, represented by Withers’ Diana Parker on the other side, which might set a precedent for future cases involving changing the terms of a loan. ‘It’s interesting as it ties in with Brexit and reduction in property values in the South East and stamp duty as a consequence,’ says Bever.

The head of Irwin Mitchell’s national family department is one for creative solutions. She’s seen a recent hike in arbitrations and says the efficiency of such alternative resolutions can sometimes trump the fees. She adds that clients have the advantage of choosing from a healthy crop of experienced FDR judges who can ‘align objective with reality’.

Manchester and London-based Bever has two Supreme Court cases and a Citywealth ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ award under her belt. The firm’s recent ‘one-stop shop’ offering under private wealth has been the year’s highlight. ‘We’ve probably got the broadest geographical reach for a specialist family team,’ she enthuses.