Abigail joined JMW in October 2018 as Partner and in-house Barrister in the Family Department.
Abigail is a specialist in matrimonial finance. She is regularly instructed in applications involving complex high value assets, pension sharing and inherited wealth. She has extensive experience of dealing with cases that involve trusts and companies.
Abigail also acts regularly in applications for provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, and disputes between co-habitees including applications pursuant to the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.
Abigail has a wealth of experience in drafting and advising in relation to pre and post marital agreements.
Abigail was appointed a Deputy District Judge in 2010.
Abigail is recognised as a leader in her field by the Legal Directories Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners:
Most recently Abigail has been described as 'a formidable advocate and strategist' and recognised as 'a proficient negotiator who instils confidence in her clients’ by Legal 500. ‘Quickly grasps the issues and is confident in managing client expectations’
Chambers and Partners 2019 recognises Abigail as: ‘meticulously well prepared, legally excellent and robust, persuasive advocate’ whilst further commenting that ‘She is very clear in explaining matters to the client and is fantastic to watch in Court’. In the 2024 edition of Chambers and Partners Abigail was commended for excellent reputation for family work with a source describing her as 'a very personable and excellent lawyer.'
Abigail graduated from the University of Sheffield with a 2:1 in law in 1997, and completed her Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law in 1998. Abigail was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in October 1998, and undertook pupillage at 3, Dr Johnson’s Buildings, Temple, London, securing a tenancy there in 1999. Abigail practised as a family barrister at Dr Johnson’s Buildings until 2010 when she returned to her native Wirral, initially practising from Atlantic Chambers, Liverpool, before moving to St John’s Buildings, Manchester where she was a member of the matrimonial finance team.
