Payne Hicks Beach LLP

Family

Fiona is renowned for her to-level practice advising high profile and ultra-high and high net worth private individuals in relation to complex and confidential divorce proceedings, many of them with an international element.

Most recently, Fiona led the team who achieved a significant victory in the landmark case of Potanin v Potanina, representing Mr Vladimir Potanin. The Judgment achieved substantial change for those seeking to bring applications under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984.

Fiona has earned a variety of accolades over the years and is regularly named amongst the top legal names in the country. She is regarded by industry observers and her peers as Britain’s most feared and revered divorce lawyer. Amongst her peers who work with or against her, Fiona’s honesty and integrity is legendary, and coupled with her acute mastery of the law she is respected as commanding an unparalleled position as the top divorce lawyer in London.

Fiona was appointed to the rank of LVO in the New Year’s Honours List 2006, given an honorary doctorate by Exeter University in 2010 and made a Life Peer that year. Fiona has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Legal Services prize at The Legal 500 UK Awards.

Fiona has used the knowledge garnered from 40 years in the profession to do a research project in human relationships “The Shackleton Project” with a view to educating people in making the right decision for marriage.

Qualified: 1980.  Brecher & Co 1981-84, Partner 1983.  Farrer & Co as a Partner 1984-2000.  Payne Hicks Beach since 2001 as a Partner.