Who? Lucy Stewart-Gould, partner, Stewarts, London.
Why is she in the news? The firm represented Clive Standish in a landmark case concerning non-matrimonial property. The Supreme Court this week dismissed an appeal brought by Anna Standish over whether £80m of assets had become matrimonial and should be shared with her on divorce.
Thoughts on the case: ‘While the numbers are big, at its heart Standish is concerned with one simple question – what is the justification for “sharing”? At the end of a marriage, why do we share what we share? We do so because we recognise marriage as a partnership to which each party makes their unique but equal contribution. Accordingly, it is fair to share everything built up during that partnership, indeed to rely simply on title is potentially discriminatory.
‘The Standish decision advances the law, confirming non-marital property (not shared) can become marital (shared) if there is an intention to share and it is treated as such during the marriage, with length of treatment being evidence of settled intention. As lawyers, we tie ourselves in knots, run down rabbit holes and create ever more complex rules. The Supreme Court engaged with all those aspects but did not lose sight of the wider societal context of its decision. While we lawyers will always find something to argue about, I think the simplicity of the principle the Supreme Court has enunciated chimes with what most of the public would regard as right and fair. If the law is not trying to achieve that, I am not sure what we are all doing.’
Dealing with the media: ‘“Big money” family law cases lend themselves to headlines both salacious and erudite. There was media interest in the case from first instance. We were fortunate to have a client who can block out the noise, and a focused and consistent legal strategy. This allowed us to make quick decisions about when it was and was not necessary to engage with the media. When we did engage we had to be clear about what we were saying.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘I did not dream of being a lawyer but in my final year at UCL I realised law is a great mix of intellectual rigour and doing something practical for people. Also, I wanted financial independence quickly; I thought that was important as a woman and my work has proven it to be so.’
Career high: ‘Standish aside… becoming a partner. It felt like the ultimate vote of confidence from people I really respected. It was during the pandemic so the moment itself was not as I had imagined it; no fanfare, just me, knackered, sitting on the sofa with my husband eating fish and chips.’
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