Suzanne Syme MCIArb

Call: 2004

"Suzanne is technically exceptional and her knowledge of the law is encyclopaedic when it comes to financial remedy."
Chambers UK Bar 2024

Suzanne specialises in financial remedy cases and all aspects of private family law, appearing before all tribunals up to the Court of Appeal. She regularly delivers lectures to professional clients and Chambers on current or topical issues in family law.

Suzanne has a loyal following from her professional clients. She has established a solid reputation for providing sensible, practical, pragmatic and, where necessary, robust advice to clients however complex or difficult the circumstances.

To instruct Suzanne or for more information…

Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk

Practice Areas

Suzanne has specialised in matrimonial finance and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown since her pupillage, including Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. She has extensive experience of cases where complexities arise due to the nature or location of the parties’ assets, the source of their income or where there is intervention by a third party, including trusts.

She has developed a particular interest in pension provision on divorce and regularly represents parties where there is a significant pension provision, both public sector and private sector pensions which require detailed investigation and analysis.

Suzanne has also acted as an expert witness in the field of matrimonial finance when there is an inter-relationship involving personal injury or other civil claim.

Notable Family Finance cases


XO v YO & Anor [2022] EWFC 114

Suzanne was instructed on behalf of the husband for the first year of the proceedings.


HJB & MK [2017] EWFC B25

Declaration as to marital status.


Tracey v Tracey [2006] EWCA Civ 734

Suzanne appeared as junior counsel for the Respondent Wife in this matter. The Husband sought permission to appeal the decision of Bennett J relating to the variation of a school fees component of a consent order for ancillary relief. Bennett J had ordered the Husband to pre-pay the entirety of the school fees for the parties’ two boys until the completion of their secondary education by lump sum provision of £272,771. This is the first example of a substantial capitalisation of a school fees order.

The Husband’s appeal was allowed in part on the basis of fresh evidence adduced by him outlining his deteriorating health. However, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the need for security for the future of the boys’ private education, in particular due to the Husband’s previous bad conduct.

 

What the directories say

"Suzanne is a very resolution-focused advocate who took a pragmatic and sensible approach."
Chambers UK Bar 2024

‘Suzanne is a very grounded and sensible barrister. She prepares her cases thoroughly and carefully and pursues the correct issues entirely and proportionately. Her advocacy is strong, and she is an excellent opponent.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2024

'Suzanne gets to grips with a case quickly and has wonderful bedside manner with clients. She's accessible and utterly professional. Her advocacy is outstanding when she cross-examines, and her written submissions and position statements are always well set out.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2023

"A highly accomplished financial remedy practitioner who quickly establishes rapport with clients."
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2022

‘Has an excellent manner with clients and quickly establishes a rapport and confidence. She is always thoroughly prepared for conferences and hearings alike.’
Legal 500 UK Bar 2021

"An excellent negotiator and fierce litigator when needed."
The Legal 500 UK Bar

Related News

Suzanne Syme and Ben Woolstencroft co-author an article that explores the most recent changes to the Standard Financial Remedy Orders

Suzanne Syme MCIArb and pupil Ben Woolstencroft co-author an article outlining the most recent changes to the Standard Financial Remedy Orders. These Orders, although not mandatory, are universally used.

Harcourt Chambers – a top ranked set by Chambers UK Bar Guide 2024

We are delighted to have been ranked in Band 1 – Family/Matrimonial on the South Eastern circuit in the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2024 where we are described…

Harcourt Chambers Oxford ADR Seminar a marked success

Yesterday evening Harcourt Chambers held their ADR seminar in The Garden Room, Trinity College, Oxford. Various members of our ADR team gave talks on the following topics: 

Early Neutral Evaluation…

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