Biography
I have practised family law across Yorkshire since 1993, initially at Walker Morris, then as an equity partner in a practice in York, as a Head of Family Departments in two firms in Leeds and more latterly at Silk Family Law which has been acquired by Irwin Mitchell.
I have been described as having a good pedigree in terms of career. I am accredited by the Law Society in Family Law and have Specialist Accreditation by Resolution in Financial Provision. I have spoken on Radio Leeds and Radio York as a family lawyer and have advised about a storyline on a major soap and represented one of the actors.
I have represented clients from all over the country and abroad as ex pats. I specialise in financial cases particularly those with issues relating to third party interests, trusts, businesses or overseas assets and I have an interest in cases where clients are from an agricultural or farming background. I am unafraid of litigation. I care about my clients, and I care about achieving the best possible outcome whether that be in the Court arena or out of Court settlement.
Key highlights
Represented a client throughout proceedings which successfully concluded at private Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing with the adjudicator accepting arguments about non matrimonial trust property (an interest in a landed estate) being taken into account to meet the client's needs in retirement.
Represented a client in a significant farming case of a mixed multi-generational farm that had diversified into holiday lets and commercial letting of barns involving numerous family members and company interests which was compromised by way of settlement with the wife's housing needs being met through the purchase of a modest home.
Represented an intervenor in financial remedy proceedings between a husband and a wife. The wife had persuaded the intervenor to transfer her home to the wife. A fraudulent claim for housing benefit had been submitted on behalf of the intervenor and the wife charged the intervenor rent for living in the house. Detailed evidence was obtained on behalf of the intervenor and the transaction set aside with the house being transferred back to the Intervenor.
Represented an intervenor in financial remedy proceedings between a husband and wife involving a significant arable farm. This was a multi-generational farm that had diversified into haulage and barn conversions for long-term letting. The intervenor prior to divorce had been promised one of the barns to live in prior to divorce of the husband and wife. The adjudicator accepted the Intervenor's position at private Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing and a barn was transferred to her.
Represented an army veteran in the last stages of life with terminal cancer. The soldier sought to ensure that children would benefit from pension/the home upon death and that these would not pass to the spouse who was not the natural parent of the children. A final order was made on an expedited basis before death.
Represented a client in financial remedy proceedings who successfully persuaded the Court she had been the victim of coercive control during the marriage and that her husband had narcissistic personality traits. The husband had locked her out of the house naked, frequently assaulted her, isolated her from friends and family and had refused her access to money/house keys/transport. A generous financial award was made in favour of the wife which included a cost order.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
The breadth of expertise across the family team is exceptional. The team is large, and this ensures cases move forwards quickly with no delay and that costs are blended so that a junior member of the team deals with routine tasks and a senior lawyer deal with strategic or complex issues
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Strategically managing cases to achieve the best outcome possible whilst maintaining a high level of service.
What inspired you to get into law?
I cannot bear injustice, unfairness, unkindness, bullying and coercion.
What do you do away from the office?
I have been married for 30 years and have two grown up children who periodically leave and come back to live at home.
I love the peace and quiet of the countryside.
I live in rural North Yorkshire surrounded by an arable field, a wood and a field of dairy cows on the other. I keep chickens, I have deer visit my back garden daily,
I have a rare breed dog (Tecklegarth Otterhound), a pheasant called Bradley and a British Blue Shorthair cat. I enjoy a disaster movie, a good novel, a trip to London to see a show or a concert and sometime escaping on a boat overseas with friends.
Testimonials
"Dear Gabbie - I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your amazing professionalism and skilled support over the last two years. What an achievement! You have made a horrific process bearable and you are - indeed - worth every penny! Huge thanks from an exceptionally grateful client." - Client feedback
"Dear Gabbie - on behalf of the whole family to you and the whole firm, thank you. From the beginning you have been professional and compassionate, and this has made all of us, especially L, feel listened to, supported and reassured that we are in good hands and that you have L's best interests in mind. Thank you for everything you have done and for providing a worry-free experience. With our heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes. - Client feedback
"Excellent" Gabbie Clasper - Legal 500, 2023
Recommending Head of Family Law Gabbie Clasper "whose knowledge on family law is way above other solicitors" - Legal 500, 2017
