Lucie Alhadeff, a solicitor at Withers, is part of the team acting for Stuart Crossley, in a multimilion-pound divorce case where the Court of Appeal in a landmark ruling held that judges had a duty to look at ways to shorten the trial process, including evaluating the prenuptial agreement.

What were the main challenges in this case, and the possible implications?
The main challenge is that it is a new area of law - namely the enforceability of prenuptial agreements. The marriage broke down after 14 months - there were no children from the marriage, and his wife had independent wealth.

Late last month the Court of Appeal found that the case could be decided in an abbreviated one-day hearing. Previously, my client would have had to endure a court procedure that could have involved three hearings and a delay of up to 18 months. This decision means that in similar cases, it is possible to short-circuit normal court procedures where a financial claim in a divorce appears to be hopeless and there is a prenuptial agreement, saving a great deal of time, money and emotional distress for all those involved.

The outcome of the case is a very significant step towards the recognition of prenuptial agreements by the English courts, as it was suggested that where there is a short, childless marriage, a prenuptial agreement can be a knock-out blow in ruling out any financial claims on divorce.

What was your worse day as a lawyer?
Work experience at age 15 - my first taste of the law and also my first day in high heels. As I rushed to court, my shoe flew down the corridor to be greeted by a senior barrister who boomed “less haste - more speed”.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?
Going to the House of Lords to hear the judgment in the leading family law case of Miller where I was part of the team who acted for the successful wife, Melissa Miller. She was awarded £5 million after a marriage of just under three years. I loved the pomp, the ceremony and the paparazzi - and of course the excellent result for my client.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
My late Italian grandfather who taught me to work hard for what I want and always to buy good pasta. Professionally, my supervisor as a family law trainee who helped me to cut my teeth as a litigator.

Why did you become a lawyer?
I wanted a career that was intellectually challenging, but with a strong focus on people.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?
To pick an area of law that you are passionate about.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Continuing to push the boundaries of family law - and hopefully with a second home in Andalusia.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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