Nicola Sharp-Jeffs
Recent posts
Beck Fitzgerald profile features in Gazette
July 28, 2026
Beck Fitzgerald has featured in The Law Society Gazette to mark the firm's 10th anniversary. While we are proud to celebrate this milestone, what matters most is that our commitment…
Beck Fitzgerald celebrates 10 years!
July 22, 2026
Last week, the team celebrated the 10th anniversary of Beck Fitzgerald and all we have achieved both directly for our clients and in our pursuit of systemic change to make…
Jenny speaks to Gazette on LAA cyber-attack
May 14, 2026
Earlier this week, Monidipa Fouzder published her article in The Law Society Gazette, taking an in depth look at the impact of the Legal Aid Agency cyber-attack and the impact…
The Voice of the Child in the Family Justice System: Reimagining possibility
April 23, 2026
Earlier this month, we attended the Amity CIC conference in Sheffield, exploring how conflict between parents affects children’s mental health, development and life chances. There, Jenny delivered her speech, discussing…
Beck Fitzgerald defend appeal setting new precedent on post-adoption contact
April 2, 2026
Late last month, B-A (Placement Order and Contact Order) EWCA Civ 356 was handed down, marking an important development in post-placement contact law in support of arguments for post-adoption contact…
Jessica Aviss memorial event 2026
March 26, 2026
On Tuesday 24 March 2026, friends, family and LSBU students joined us to celebrate our sorely missed colleague, Jess. Just as we did last year, we heard so much about…
Beck Fitzgerald Act in another overturning of ‘Parental Alienation’ findings
February 13, 2026
Beck Fitzgerald are proud to have represented the mother in her unrelenting battle for justice and are delighted that her son has now returned to live with her after six…
Beck Fitzgerald named The Times ‘Best Law Firms’ for fourth straight year
November 20, 2025
We are delighted to have again been named in The Times ‘Best Law Firms’. This is a brilliant achievement for the firm and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of…
Historic win for child safety: Govt to repeal presumption of parental involvement
October 30, 2025
Last week, the government announced their intention to repeal the presumption of parental involvement from the Children Act 1989. The decision comes after new evidence collated in the review of…
Beck Fitzgerald act in Landmark overturning of ‘Parental Alienation’ case
October 30, 2025
The judgment in O v C EWFC has been handed down, in which Justin Ageros, instructed by Jasmine Hollis of Beck Fitzgerald, appeared on behalf of the Applicant. This landmark case…
Domestic Abuse Response Alliance places 300th Case
October 16, 2025
Last week, the multi-award-winning Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA) placed its 300th case. We are delighted that such this fantastic initiative and dedicated team have been able to reach this…
Jenny attends FLOWS report launch alongside Minister for Victims and VAWG
September 25, 2025
Earlier this month, FLOWS (Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors) published the ‘FLOWS Impact Report’, showing the wonderful and widespread influence that their ground-breaking initiative has had for women experiencing…
Beck Fitzgerald act for children in highly publicised case of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon
September 18, 2025
The highly publicised criminal trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon concluded on 15 September 2025 at the Central Criminal Court in London, with both defendants receiving 14-year custodial sentences…
Jenny talks LAA cyber-attack with Minister for Legal Aid
August 14, 2025
Earlier this summer, Jenny Beck KC (Hon) sat on a panel in parliament alongside the Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister for Courts and Legal Services. The event, run by the…
Farhana Speaks at Menopause Legal Aid Network Launch Event
June 19, 2025
Earlier this month, our senior financial and divorce lawyer, Farhana Shahzady, joined Kate Muir and Dr Laura Janes KC (Hon) at the PAMELA (Perimenopausal and Menopausal Legal Aid support network)…
Jessica Aviss Memorial Lecture 2025
May 22, 2025
As recorded in this month's Legal Action Magazine, we recently held a memorial lecture in honour of our dear friend and colleague, Jess. Jess was both a cherished friend and…
Non-Court Dispute Resolution Toolkit launched
May 1, 2025
Last month, the Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) Toolkit was launched. A collaboration between FLANC and FLiP, the toolkit will help practitioners support neurodivergent clients through the NCDR process. Jenny Beck…
Survivors of domestic abuse and the Family Justice System
April 22, 2025
Earlier this year, King's Legal Clinic invited Jenny Beck KC (Hon) to speak at a panel event alongside Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, and Mandip Ghai,…
Are Menopausal Wives Short-Changed on Divorce?
March 7, 2025
FARHANA SHAHZADY As a woman of a certain age and family lawyer at Beck Fitzgerald, I’ve been following closely the menopause movement and in particular the brilliant work being…
Beck Fitzgerald ushers in a new era: Welcoming Molly Ashcroft & Rebecca Pantelli as shareholding directors
February 12, 2025
Beck Fitzgerald is delighted to announce that Molly Ashcroft and Rebecca Pantelli have become shareholding directors in the company. Their appointment represents the beginning of an exciting new phase for…
Family Justice Council Publishes Key Guidance on Neurodiversity
January 30, 2025
Family Justice Council Publishes Key Guidance on Neurodiversity in the Family Justice System Today, the Family Justice Council has published essential new guidance for practitioners on neurodiversity within the Family…
Resolution podcast, reluctance, resistance and refusal
January 29, 2025
Listen to the latest Resolution podcast featuring Jenny, Jaime Craig, and Zoe Fleetwood as they explore the complex dynamics of children who exhibit reluctance, resistance, or refusal to spend time…
New guidance around parental alienation a significant step forward
December 11, 2024
New guidance from the Family Justice Council represents a significant step forward when dealing with cases involving allegations of ‘alienating behaviour’. I am pleased to have contributed to this important…
Sir Andrew MacFarlane congratulates FLANC on innovation award
December 3, 2024
“Described by Sir Andrew MacFarlane as ‘one of those ideas which is so good you wonder why we hadn’t thought of it sooner’ FLANC has picked up its second…
Farhana Shahzady joins as consultant solicitor
November 26, 2024
Beck Fitzgerald is delighted to announce that Farhana Shahzady has joined the firm as a consultant solicitor. Farhana is an exceptional family lawyer and mediator. Farhana is a national expert…
Celebrating recognition as one of Times Best Law Firms 2025
November 8, 2024
At Beck Fitzgerald Family Law, we are thrilled and honoured to be recognised as one of The Times Best Law Firms for 2025. This prestigious accolade represents not only a…
FLANC wins Resolution innovation award
October 29, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community (FLANC) has won the Innovation Champion Award at the esteemed Resolution Awards 2024. This award celebrates…
Remembering Jess
October 10, 2024
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the news of the loss of our dear colleague and friend Jessica Aviss. Jess was a wonderful colleague, a caring and compassionate…
“50 women have been killed in the UK this year, allegedly all by men”
September 4, 2024
50 women have been killed in the UK so far this year, allegedly at the hands of men. The number is shocking, but those working to protect women and girls…
Family Lawyers join forces to support neurodivergent community
April 8, 2024
Family lawyers from different firms and chambers have joined forces to set up a specialist group dedicated to ensuring the neurodivergent community has equal access to justice. FLANC (Family Law…
Beck Fitzgerald team news
April 2, 2024
We are delighted to announce that we have invited Molly Ashcroft and Rebecca Pantelli to become Directors of Beck Fitzgerald with immediate effect. Both Molly and Rebecca have made an…
Reluctance, resistance, and refusal – let’s lose the pseudo-science.
March 15, 2024
Taking a constructive and collaborative approach to problem solving in an area which is complex is always a challenge. The polarising debates surrounding the complex area of parental alienation are…
Current legal aid regime puts victims at risk
March 8, 2024
Punched in the face. Strangled. Stalked. Expected to always cook homemade meals. Kicked in front of the children. Over the threshold to qualify for legal aid to protect herself. Had…
Jenny Beck new Chair of Nuffield Family Justice Observatory board
December 6, 2023
Nuffield Foundation has appointed Jenny Beck as Chair of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory’s board. Jenny Beck is a family lawyer, founding partner and Director of Beck Fitzgerald, committed to…
Domestic abuse awareness…much to be done
October 11, 2023
Two days ago, we saw the announcement that, under Jade’s law, parental responsibility will now be automatically suspended for parents who have been sentenced for killing someone they shared parental…
Transparency in the family courts
July 27, 2023
It has been a long standing debate whether there should be more transparency in the family court. Until now, family court proceedings have been a strictly private and confidential process.…
Transgender and the Family Courts
July 18, 2023
More than 250,000 people in England and Wales identify as transgender, according to the Census 2021 data which gave us the first true picture of gender identity in Britain. Awareness…
Mediation – how can it help you?
July 17, 2023
We are using this opportunity to shine a light on mediation and how it can help resolve financial disputes or arrangements for children in a cooperative and non-adversarial manner. What…
LASPOA – 10 years on
June 2, 2023
Ten years have passed since the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPOA) devastated access to justice. A staggering 80% of family law cases were removed from scope…
The Times best law firms
June 2, 2023
The Times Best Law Firms Beck Fitzgerald are delighted to have been named in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2023’ publication for family law. This is a brilliant achievement for…
Until we have a level playing field justice will remain a challenge
February 21, 2023
‘Until we have a level playing field justice in the family courts will remain a challenge. The system needs proper funding and we need fast action to implement ctitical changes…
Beck Fitzgerald appoints two new Directors and five Associates
August 24, 2022
We are delighted to announce that we have invited Amy Woolfenden and Sarah Stace to become Directors of Beck Fitzgerald with immediate effect. Sarah will continue to lead and mentor…
The Problem with the nuts and bolts…
February 8, 2022
How process and procedure mitigate against fairness in cases involving coercive and controlling behaviour in the family courts. I want to take a few moments to give you my thoughts…
The Domestic Abuse Act
June 4, 2021
The Domestic Abuse Bill received royal ascent on the 29th April 2021 and will be implemented later this year. The Act brings in important changes, many of which have been…
Society needs zero tolerance for abuse of women and girls
March 16, 2021
Society needs zero tolerance for abuse of women and girls both on the streets and at home. Without hardwiring a change of attitude into education and putting proper resource into…
Beck Fitzgerald in the Court of Appeal
February 16, 2021
Beck Fitzgerald are proud to be representing two of the Appellants in the seminal case before the Court of Appeal, where the court are considering important issues concerning the treatment of…
Jenny Beck to become Honorary Queens Counsel (QC)
February 10, 2021
We are proud to announce that Jenny is to become an Honorary Queens Counsel (QC Honoris Causa) commencing March 2021. She has been awarded this honour to reflect her enormous…
Two major breakthroughs for access to justice
February 9, 2021
Clients from Beck Fitzgerald have put themselves forward to help us challenge two particularly unfair rules in the application of the legal aid ‘means test’. Trapped capital The brilliant Public…
Improving access to justice for survivors of domestic violence
November 25, 2020
Today, ‘Claire’ a single parent and domestic abuse survivor, has overturned the rules that prevented her from accessing legal aid. It is already widely acknowledged that today’s ruling will improve…
The current landscape of domestic abuse podcast
August 28, 2020
The start of lockdown saw a significant spike in domestic abuse across the country. Jenny recently featured in a podcast for the Law Society discussing the landscape of domestic abuse…
Jenny Beck honoured for legal aid efforts during lockdown
July 6, 2020
Two Law Society committee members have been honoured for their efforts during the Covid-19 lockdown ahead of the first virtual legal aid ‘oscars’ ceremony. Winners of this year’s Legal Aid…
Challenging the means rules preventing women accessing legal aid
June 23, 2020
Season 3 of the Family Law Week podcast is here - listen to the latest podcast with myself and Rachel Cooper from Coram Chambers. We discuss the current high court…
Legal Challenge to the Legal aid DA means test
June 10, 2020
Yesterday the Public Law Project and Beck Fitzgerald Solicitors went to the high court to challenge the financial eligibility, or means rules that prevent so many women getting access to…
Domestic violence victim denied legal aid seeks judicial review
June 9, 2020
A victim of domestic violence, who is surviving on universal credit but has been denied legal aid in a battle to hold on to her home, is challenging strict regulations…
Improving access to justice for victims of abuse
April 30, 2020
We have actively been involved in improving access to justice by widening the gateway criteria for victims of abuse to secure legal aid. We are actively working with government during Covid-19…
Solicitor spends hours on a call for update on abuse injunctions
April 22, 2020
Solicitor spends hours in call queue for update on abuse injunctions Taken from the Law Society Gazette 22 April 2020 By Monidipa Fouzder A solicitor spent a total of two-and-a-half hours…
Better protection for those at most risk
April 22, 2020
The reality is that domestic abuse during lockdown is reaching terrifying proportions. Murders have doubles and calls to helplines are up by over 700%. This will be the tip of…
Extended hours service for those most at risk
March 30, 2020
We remain deeply concerned about women who may be trapped at home in light of Covid-19 and may be at risk. We are offering extended hours so that we can…
Corona virus/COVID-19 update
March 24, 2020
At Beck Fitzgerald we remain completely committed to delivering services to all of our clients during this difficult and uncertain time. Our priority is the health and safety of…
Judges’ outdated views cause serious concern in the family court
January 31, 2020
Listen to Jenny Beck’s interview on Women’s Hour discussing how outdated practice in the family court fails women's justice and what should happen next. The interview takes place 14.19 minutes…
Appeal judge lambasts outdated judge’s view
January 23, 2020
Words fail me. This is completely shameful. We need to shape up and ensure that all those involved in the Family Justice system understand abuse and use the powers we…
Jenny Beck appointed to the Family Justice Council
January 6, 2020
We are pleased to announce that Jenny has been appointed as the new Private Law Solicitor member for the Family Justice Council. The appointment is un-remunerated and will run for…
Protecting victims of domestic abuse and their children
November 7, 2019
The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP The Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP Jo Swinson MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA 05 November 2019 Dear Party Leaders, Re: Protect victims…
Update: Urgent call for inquiry into domestic abuse in family courts
July 12, 2019
Jenny Beck and Cris McCurley of Ben Hoare Bell have been at the forefront of the campaign for an independent inquiry into the failure of the family courts to protect…
Urgent call for inquiry into domestic abuse in family courts
June 25, 2019
A total of 125 cross party MP’s led by Labour’s Louise Haigh wrote to the Ministry of Justice demanding an independent inquiry into the failure of the family courts to…
Letter to the Rt Hon David Gauke MP
May 31, 2019
To the Rt Hon David Gauke MP, We are a group of concerned family and human rights lawyers, working in-house in women’s organisations, in private practice and at the Bar,…
Contact at all costs?
May 21, 2019
More than 120 MPs led by Louise Haig MP have written to the government asking for an inquiry into how family courts in England and Wales treat victims of domestic…
Ending the blame game: no fault divorce
April 11, 2019
The government’s proposals to reform divorce law are a welcome and long awaited change. The prospect of a ‘no fault divorce’ means that couples will finally be allowed to end…
Fighting custody battles with no legal representation
February 4, 2019
Exclusive: Campaigners warn 'huge injustices' are taking place and children’s best interests are being 'obscured' as figures show 134 per cent rise in parents fighting cases alone. Article from independent.co.uk Lawyers and politicians said…
Manipulating a partner’s finance to be treated as domestic abuse
January 18, 2019
Reproduced from the Telegraph article https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/controlling-partners-money-recognised-domestic-abuse-first-time/ Manipulating a partner’s finances is to be treated as a form of domestic abuse for the first time, Telegraph Money has learned, but…
Lawyers in the Family Courts – Are they worth it?
January 15, 2019
Legal aid was removed for 80% of family law cases following the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act back in 2013. This means that less people have been able…
Legal aid cuts forcing parents to give up fight for children
December 28, 2018
The Guardian today has revealed. Deep cuts to legal aid have inflicted such disarray in family courts that parents are abandoning efforts to maintain contact with their children, the…
Legal aid cuts…false economy?
December 17, 2018
Jenny Beck comments on breaches of professional code and best practice guidance in the new BBC drama Legal aid cuts...false economy? Legal aid for family law matters is in…
Beck Fitzgerald – raising money for Refuge
August 10, 2018
Beck Fitzgerald help families experiencing domestic abuse on a daily basis. Our specially trained emergency response team work nationally and can apply for an emergency protection order on the same…
News and views
April 30, 2018
If you would like more information about our services or our wider work on making the law fairer then please call us on 020 7101 3090 or email us on contact@beckfitzgerald.co.uk
The Split – New BBC drama, sharp, smart and inaccurate!
April 30, 2018
Jenny Beck comments on breaches of professional code and best practice guidance in the new BBC drama I grew up in a household of doctors. We could never watch any…
Advice and support for victims of domestic violence
January 19, 2018
The government has taken steps to enable more victims of domestic abuse to access legal help so they can get the advice and legal support they need for themselves and…
Born Fighter – Jenny Beck
August 8, 2017
This excerpt is taken from the article originally published August 2017. https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/features/born-fighter-jenny-beck/5062330.article I never tire of the fight. I’m probably the most tenacious person you’ll ever meet.’ So declares Jenny…
Discussing Legal aid with DfID
October 5, 2016
Until the Legal Aid Act 1949 there was no legal aid available in civil cases, the majority of the population had no option but to rely on pro bono services…