Member Profile
Carina Smith
Partner (International Family Law) | Weightmans
Office Location: England and Wales
Professional Biography
Carina is a Partner within Weightmans award winning family law team. With over 17 years’ experience practising exclusively in family law, Carina spearheads the international family teams work in London and has developed a strong international practice with her bespoke and strategic approach. She advises both domestic and overseas clients on divorce, civil partnership dissolution and all areas of matrimonial finance and private law children work including child arrangements and applications for leave to relocate with a child. She regularly advises on pre and post-nuptial agreements and other wealth planning strategies to protect against future divorce. Carina regularly advises clients with assets all over the world including, for example, Europe, Asia and the UAE. Notable recent successes include: 1. Overturning a multi-million pound High Court worldwide freezing order on behalf of a client by arguing that it was improperly obtained. 2. Upholding a multi-million pound pre-nuptial agreement in the High Court where it was challenged by the client's husband. 3. Overturning an international pre-nuptial agreement in the Central Family Court for a client by arguing that it was entered into in unfair circumstances. 4. Preserving her international client's shareholding in a family business when under attack from his brother's wife in UK divorce proceedings. 5. Securing an order that my international client's child return to live with her in Hong Kong As a member of Resolution, Carina is committed to resolving matters amicably where possible.
Question : What drew you to specialise in private client law/ wealth advisory?
Answer: The human aspect. Dealing with separation and everything it entails is one of the most challenging processes a client will go through. I find it hugely rewarding to spend time getting to know my clients and what they want to achieve and helping them move
Question : For lawyers entering private client law, what are key skills you think are essential?
Answer: 1. Strategic thinking 2. compassion 3. resilience
Question : With the evolving landscape of the private client world, what are recent trends or shifts you are excited to explore?
Answer: I am excited to see what, if anything happens with regard to the shift towards pre-nuptial agreements becoming legally binding and also whether the new government will push forward the much needed reforms to cohabitation laws in England & Wales
Question : Where is your favourite place to take a peer for a cocktail or coffee?
Answer: Balthazar in Covent Garden does a mean 'Old Fashioned'