Selena Arbe Barnes

Associate, Family/Matrimonial

Selena is an associate at Family Law in Partnership. She advises on a wide range of issues associated with the breakdown of marriage and relationships, including complex children and financial matters. Selena’s children cases often involve multi-layered child arrangement issues, including those where the most serious allegations have been made against parents. On financial matters, she assists clients at all stages of their divorce or separation with an approach tailored to their needs and circumstances – be it engaging in negotiation, alternative dispute resolution or court proceedings.

In her work, Selena is regarded for her client care and emotional intelligence, as well as for her sharp technical skills. She is committed to resolving matters in a proactive and sensitive manner, considering all options to achieve a solution that is both sensible and fair. When this is not possible and court proceedings become unavoidable, Selena will take a robust approach to protect her clients’ interests.

Selena is ranked as a Rising Star by Legal 500 2023, and was named as a Rising Star by Legal 500 UK 2022 and 2021. The 2023 and 2024 editions of the UK Best Lawyers guide have also named Selena as ‘One to Watch’.

Selena is a fluent Spanish and French speaker. She uses her language skills to assist clients going through court proceedings abroad by working closely with local lawyers and liaising with third parties.

Selena studied law with French at the University of Bristol (First Class Honours), going on to achieve a distinction in the Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School.