Ros Bever

I am a Partner in our Manchester office and national head of Irwin Mitchell’s Divorce & Family Law team.

I offer help and advice to people when their relationship comes to an end – or assist them in planning for the potential consequences of that happening. Pre-marital and post-marital agreements may not be the most romantic prospect, but they can be vital to map out next steps for couples and families in the event that things do break down in the future.

I have a particular specialism in financial provision for children, where the parents were never married. I’m a Resolution accredited specialist and in 2016 I was the only divorce lawyer outside London to make The Lawyer’s Hot 100 list. My team has been successfully nominated and short-listed for a number of national legal awards in the past two years, of which we have won several.

I am part of the Private Wealth team and have extensive experience acting in high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth cases, frequently involving complex international issues, high value trust structures and pension arrangements. However, I do not exclusively represent these cases and am always passionate about fighting for a fair outcome for my clients, whatever their situation.

The benefits of working as part of a national family team are tremendous. I am part of one of the largest, if not the largest family team in the country. This facilitates knowledge sharing on a level which cannot be beaten by our competitors. As part of a full-service law firm, I have unrivalled support from the firm’s other teams, across all disciplines and I work particularly closely with our private wealth offering.

In recent years, I have been involved in a number of high profile cases, many of which have been reported. I represented Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil in their successful “landmark” appeals to the Supreme Court, where the seven Supreme Court judges unanimously determined that the orders which had been made in their cases should be set aside, each of the women successfully securing costs orders against their opponents. I also represented Helen Roocroft, in her successful appeal to the Court of Appeal last year, which was said to be another “landmark ruling”.

The law is not one size fits all. I will always work to get the result that is right for each client, whilst also making sure they have a clear understanding of the possible outcomes from the start.

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

In 1993 I met two incredible women. They were family lawyers. They supported me in changing career paths and qualifying as a solicitor.

I love a challenge, and I thrive on it – though I always prefer to reach an agreement wherever possible. Although the family Court is a difficult place for everyone, I believe we have a fair system in this country and can influence decisions and change things for the better.

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

People come to us at what is usually a distressing time in their lives. Helping them work through that and achieve a resolution in the face of adversity is very rewarding.

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

I absolutely love the Archers. I’m also a Kindle convert and make time to read every night. While I’d love to say I have many energetic pursuits, unfortunately it’s not true! I enjoy baking and periodically do go on a baking spree. I have three sons, so life outside work is a bit hectic as they take up most of my time when I’m not working.

Testimonials:

“Her work is outstanding and she has a fabulous reputation for getting results.” – Chambers & Partners, 2017

Ros is “simply brilliant” and is “very caring with an impressive level of attention to detail” – ​Legal 500 2016

She is “very experienced, personable, down to earth and a fighter,” according to interviewees, with a “warm and engaging” approach. – Chambers & Partners 2016

“She oozes empathy and her advice was spot on.” – Chambers & Partners 2015

Highly regarded for her expertise in both complex financial matters and children’s issues. She is highly praised by her clients, with one noting: “Ros Bever was outstanding: intelligent, diligent, willing to go beyond the call of duty – and thoroughly nice with it.” – Chambers & Partners 2014

Ros Bever is “incredibly skilled and delivers excellent client care” – Legal 500 2014

Cases I’ve Been Involved In:

• Sharland v Sharland: [2015] UKSC 60
• Gohil v Gohil: [2015] UKSC 61
• Roocroft v Ball: [2016] EWCA Civ 1009
• M v F [2016] EWHC B12 (Fam) (25 July 2016)
• DB v PB [2016] EWHC 3431 (Fam) (22 December 2016)