Claire joined Chambers in 2018 having undertaken a Family Law pupillage under the supervision of Miss Susan Deas, during which she specialised in financial remedy and private children’s proceedings. Claire became familiar with complex financial matters, including issues around company valuation, farming and property businesses and inherited wealth.

Since being in practice, Claire has undertaken a wide range of ancillary relief work, regularly taking matters from FDA on to FDR and, if required, to Final Hearing. Solicitors appreciate Claire’s hands-on approach, and her focus on negotiating the best deal possible for her client at the earliest opportunity. Claire will represent clients within the forum of Alternative Dispute Resolution, such as Round Table Meetings or Private FDRs, giving advice on offers for settlement at each stage. She has experience of dealing with allegations of non-disclosure; personal, financial and litigation misconduct and disputed business valuations.

Claire also undertakes preliminary applications within matrimonial finance proceedings, for example, Section 37 applications and Notice to Show Cause applications. Claire will act for intervenors within proceedings seeking to protect family assets from a spousal claim. Claire also welcomes instructions on Schedule 1 Children Act applications and she will undertake legally aided money work.

In Private Children’s Act proceedings, Claire deals with complex parental disputes, often with issues arising from allegations of domestic abuse and parental alienation, including where there has been a complete cessation of contact with one parent. Claire has experience of dealing with applications featuring mental health concerns, alcohol and drug misuse, internal relocation, education and vaccination. Confident in handling cases where experts are instructed or the Local Authority involved, Claire’s practical and friendly approach is welcomed by her clients. She also represents children, where a 16.4 Children’s Guardian has been appointed.

In Public Children’s Act proceedings, Claire acts for Local Authorities, parents, and children across Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria. She is regularly instructed in Finding of Fact and Final Hearings, where her forensic and analytical style of advocacy is appreciated. Claire has been instructed on cases involving allegations of inflicted injury, sexual abuse and fabricated illness.

Claire has a busy court-based practice, however, she is also able to provide prompt written advice in all areas of family law. Claire regularly undertakes seminars for Solicitors in aspects of Financial Remedy and Private Children’s law.

Prior to joining Chambers Claire had a professional background in banking and education and she gained a wealth of practical advocacy experience from six years spent leading the largest professional trade union branch in the North-West. As an active trade unionist, Claire had daily involvement in dispute management and resolution, often within long-running, complex situations and this has informed her pragmatic approach to solving her clients’ problems.

Client Testimonials:

"You did a great job for me, I really liked your style and how you worked with me. It was a hard day for all of us but you handled it with great energy, patience and skill. Your presentation to the judge was very informed and even more so when put on the spot with questions you were on it and knowledgeable. I appreciate what you did for me."

"I've got to say how impressed I was with Claire Athis-Schofield in respect of the FDR hearing that she did for me last week. Her preparation and attention to detail was second to none on which was not the easiest case to prepare for. I also loved her approach with the client so please pass on my thanks."