Introduction
Emma joined St Philips in April 2023, having previously practised in London.
Emma specialises in all aspects of financial remedies, regularly being instructed by all type of client in matrimonial finance, Schedule 1 and Trusts of Land cases from pre-proceeding advice through to enforcement proceedings. Her practice includes cases involving considerable assets including companies, shares and pensions.
Additionally, she undertakes a range of private family law matters involving issues of domestic abuse, child arrangements and relocation which compliments her main practice.
She is thorough and meticulous in her preparation, having an ability to quickly cut to the key issues in the case. She is empathetic and has excellent client care skills, being particularly good in dealing with clients in stressful proceedings whilst maintaining a robust, no-nonsense but holistic approach to the case.
Emma is a strong negotiator, recognising the benefits of compromise and achieving favourable agreements for her clients whether by means of round table, court hearing or private non court dispute resolution. Equally, she adept in running contested hearings and appeals with effective results.
Emma regularly provides educational seminars and workshops to other members of the legal profession.
Notable Cases
- F v F (2024) – successfully defended the husband’s application for permission to appeal an unless order as a final financial remedy order and his application to stay proceedings in the interim, whereby the husband had repeatedly failed to provide disclosure or comply with court orders in a case which involved a large investment property portfolio. Additional orders and full legal costs were secured to assist the wife in implementing the final order.
- G v G (2024) – secured a favourable indication and negotiated a pleasing settlement at FDR for a husband who suffered with his mental health and a gambling addiction and whose wife sought to raise conduct and ‘addback’ arguments as a result of his expenditure of the matrimonial assets post separation.
- B v B (2024) – represented the wife in a 2 day final hearing dealing with the dissipation of her inheritance funds which included arguments over matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets and needs. A favourable outcome was obtained for the wife on the basis of need.
- S v S (2024) – Notice to Show Cause application on behalf of the wife 7 years following a final hearing in circumstances whereby the final order had not been effectively drafted or sealed by the court. The matter involved a further appeal by the husband which fairly settled the issues following a round table meeting, saving the risk of costs to both parties.
- B v B (2025) – represented the wife in a case involving the husband’s considerable shareholding in a business which he attempted to obfuscate. Expert evidence was obtained and successfully used to show the true value and liquidity of such shares to achieve a much more favourable settlement at FDR for the wife.
- J v J (2025) – represented the husband in a 2 day final hearing concerning issues of the wife’s failure to disclose property abroad and a business which provided her with additional undisclosed income. Expert evidence from lawyers abroad and independent witnesses were relied upon at the hearing and which ultimately assisted the husband in achieving a fairer final order made by the court.
- H v H (2025) – as a result of the husband’s failure to provided full and frank disclosure or properly complete his Form E, an application for contempt of court was made on behalf of the wife which resulted in a suspended prison sentence being ordered against him along with costs. Such order achieved the desired result with the husband finally disclosing the necessary financial information.
- A v A (2025) – represented the wife at a private FDR whereby the husband sought to rely on a separation agreement signed by the parties many years before. A favourable settlement was obtained for the wife notwithstanding the previous agreement.
- B v P (2025) – represented the husband in a TOLATA application to secure the transfer of his legal and beneficial interest in the family home in his favour which reflected part of an informal financial agreement made between the husband and wife several years before but which was never formalised and to which the wife opposed.
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
West Midlands Family Law Bar Association
Resolution
Testimonials
“I am always pleased to hear from my Counsel prior to a hearing as it shows interest in a matter and those instructing her. On receiving a phone call from Emma prior to an FDR hearing it was very helpful to chat through the issues and when it became apparent that Emma had taken the time to understand the relevant facts of the case which is always reassuring. Emma was found to be a capable pair of hands and engaged with the client and her needs in a very patient and caring manner particularly important concerning a case with some obvious mental and emotional exploits from the other party. Emma focused on the relevant issues and was able to steer the matter to a beneficial outcome which brought finality to a matter that had become unreasonably protracted. A steady and calm advocate, Emma’s assistance in the matter was appreciated. I found Emma’s prompt feedback from the hearing most helpful and found the working relationship between instructing solicitor and Counsel very easy.”
Mrs Rhonda Bradshaw
Associate of Moseleys Solicitors
Head of Matrimonial Finance & Collaborative Law Department
“Emma has an ability found only in the best family law practitioners to absorb vast amounts of information under time pressure, to distil that information into an accurate overview of any case and then to communicate her resultant advice to the lay client clearly, succinctly, and compassionately. She is an excellent negotiator and advocate, and pro-active and efficient with paperwork.”
Alan Markham
Solicitor Johns Gilbert & Frankton LLP
“Emma is a highly competent barrister with technical knowledge of the law, both in the field of financial remedy proceedings and children act proceedings. Emma understands the practical issues faced in the case presented to her very quickly and will work with you and your clients to explore every possible option available to resolve matters. Emma was very empathetic with my client and delivered a personal service that was much beyond legal representation, there was a moment of human connection and Emma would be a brilliant match for anybody requiring strong legal representation that is also delivered with compassion. Emma is well prepared for her cases. She is kind in the conference room and strong in the court room – the perfect qualities that you need when instructing a family law barrister.”
Aimee Stokes
Associate Solicitor, George Green
Education
University of Hull and Universitaire de Robert Schuman, Strasbourg – LLB Law with French
Nottingham Law School – Bar Vocational Course
