Catherine Bedford

Spear’s Review

Catherine Bedford took her entire team with her when she moved from the family department at Lee & Thompson – that she established – to Harbottle & Lewis in 2017.

She has been called a ‘future Queen Bee’ by one KC, but told Spear’s she would rather be known for elevating those who work with her. Bedford is recognised for her deep knowledge of all areas of family law, her ability to avoid the courts when required and tough litigating style when called upon, and her emotional intelligence when it comes to dealing with clients. But that doesn’t mean she’s unafraid to tell hard truths: ‘I’m not a lawyer who tells the client what they want to hear.’

Awarded Lawyer of the Year – Family Law at the 2022 Spear’s Awards, Bedford is a go-to choice for UHNWs who wish to get through a divorce cleanly. ‘It is a privilege to lead a team like this, which is now at the forefront of family law’, Bedford said.

Notable Cases

Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum v Princess Haya [2021] EWHC 3480 (Fam) (22 December 2021)

Adviser Profile

Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most revered family lawyers, Catherine has established her reputation at the pinnacle of family law and leads Harbottle & Lewis’s family team. In April 2024 she was elected as the firm’s first female senior partner. 

Her practice encompasses the full spectrum of family law in instances of relationship breakdown, and she advises on the highest-profile, highest-value and most complex cases in the family courts. Her clients typically face significant public and media scrutiny; Catherine resolves their most personal issues with empathy, sensitivity, determination and discretion. 

She’s described as having an “incredibly impressive strategic approach” and “unparalleled” client care skills.