Payne Hicks Beach LLP

Family Department

Harriet is a Partner in the Family department.

She is at equally home in London or Lahore, with children or money, with homemakers or breadwinners. She has a busy, broad practice tackling all areas of private family law with aplomb. She elegantly and creatively settles cases wherever possible; equally she fights hard in court if agreement cannot be reached.

Harriet is described as "a savvy litigator", "steely in her resolve to get the best possible outcome", and "one of the smartest lawyers I have ever met."

Harriet's practice encompasses divorce and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, children matters and financial claims made in England following an overseas divorce (under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984) . Harriet has particular expertise in complex financial disputes involving both ultra-high and high net worth individuals, often with an international element.

Harriet also specialises in advising clients on private children law matters such as disputes regarding the arrangements for the children upon their parents' separation. She has particular expertise in international leave to remove and child abduction cases and modern family law.

Harriet has "a real talent for jurisdictional work," with extensive expertise in complex international divorce cases and jurisdiction disputes. Harriet's clients often have complicated asset structures across multiple jurisdictions and she is adept at navigating the jurisdictional challenges inherent in these cases. Harriet is experienced in Sharia law and has acted for some of the wealthiest and most influential families in the UK, the Middle East, Europe and the US. Harriet is an adept settlement negotiator, prioritising securing her clients the most favourable outcome in a discrete and efficient manner.

Harriet has been recognised in particular for her work in complex cases regarding the arrangements for children. Harriet has extensive experience in cases regarding parental alienation, acting for victims of coercive and controlling behaviour and cases involving serious allegations of abuse. Harriet has particular expertise in acting for parents of children with special needs, including Autism and ADHD, and is familiar with the complications and burdens associated with such diagnoses. She has extensive expertise in international children work, including relocation proceedings (both within the UK and internationally), and frequently works with lawyers across multiple jurisdictions to secure the best outcome for her clients.

Harriet has particular expertise in drafting and negotiating pre-nuptial agreement and post-nuptial agreements, often with an international element and often in collaboration with lawyers in multiple jurisdictions. She recognises the sensitive nature of discussions regarding pre- and post-nuptial agreements and accordingly she adopts a practical and pragmatic approach to her work, striving to ensure that such agreements are clearly and concisely drafted in a discrete yet practical and far sighted manner.

Harriet has been recognised for her work by leading counsel and clients. She is listed in all of the major directories for her work.

Harriet is a leading commentator in her field and has a significant and growing national and international profile. She has written academic articles including for the International Arbitration Journal, New Law Journal and STEP Journal, as well as having contributed to Tolley's Estate Planning. Harriet is regularly asked to contribute to both mass-media publications and thought-leadership articles, including The Times, The Telegraph, The FT, CityAM, Spears and The Law Society Gazette. Harriet also appears on TV and radio to speak about family law related issues, including BBC News, LBC, BBC Radio and Times Radio.

Work Highlights:

TI v LI [2024] EWFC 163 (B) (contested divorce proceedings)

KA v MA [2018] EWHC 499 (successful challenge to a pre-nuptial agreement on divorce)

Iqbal v Iqbal [2017] EWCA Civ 19 (appeal against a financial remedy order)

AB v CB [2014] EWHC 2998 (variation of a nuptial settlement on divorce)

Harriet qualified at Boodle Hatfield in 2009 and was made partner in 2020. She moved to Payne Hicks Beach in 2024.

Harriet is a member of Resolution.

Harriet is from a Scottish farming family but now lives in London with her Italian husband and two young children. She fits in active involvement with her community and school, along with being a charitable trustee and mentoring at work.