Previously a Partner at a top 100 law firm, I joined Porter Dodson in 2015. I have been involved in training other lawyers for many years.

    I advise on complex financial claims, and disputes regarding children, arising on divorce or relationship breakdown, usually for high net worth individuals, including CEOs, farmers, lawyers, members of the medical and other professions, as well as members of the armed forces. I am an expert on pensions on divorce, particularly NHS and Armed Forces pensions, and pre and postnuptial settlements. I regularly act for clients based overseas.

    Relationship breakdown is invariably challenging. Clients deserve support and truly expert advice, which they can actually understand, and which allows them to remain in control and able to make informed choices about their future. My role is not to tell people what to do, but to work in partnership with them so that they know what to do. I am a committed member of Resolution and their local Press Officer.

    I am rated in the Legal 500 and have been rated in Chambers both as a family lawyer and defamation expert.

    I enjoy spending time with family, friends or dog, ideally, on a beach with a glass of wine and a good meal in relatively close proximity. I'm a fair (hot) weather sailor and swimmer and also enjoy curling up with a good book.

    Cathryn Smith image 1 Cathryn Smith image 2

    Testimonials

    She is a no-nonsense practitioner, a hard-nosed tactician and very commercially minded.

    Chambers UK 2024
    Under a very stressful time, Cathryn Smith was a fantastic divorce solicitor. I highly recommend her to anyone going through the same situation.
    Ms R Coventry
    Cathryn is a highly professional, supremely knowledgeable, formidable and no-nonsense advocate, and yet approachable, empathic and fiercely client-centric. Her fluency in 'legalese' provides her with the ability to translate complex legal matters into clear and digestible key messages.
    Chambers UK 2023
    Her extensive knowledge of family law provides provides her with a diverse and well-stocked tool box to deal with complex cases effectively and efficiently. Cathryn demonstrates a proactive approach to advocacy and always seems to be several steps ahead of the opposition.
    Chambers UK 2023

    Cathryn Smith is a no-nonsense, tough practitioner who fights hard for her clients and seeks to resolve cases as swiftly and economically as possible for them; she is a very astute lawyer who comes up with practical and pragmatic solutions for clients.

    Legal 500 2021

    Contact Cathryn Smith