Claire O’Flinn

Spear’s Review

Keystone Law partner Claire O’Flinn specialises in HNW and UHNW financial settlements on relationship breakdown, as well as private children law, often with an international element.

A niche within her practice is advising clients who have experienced coercive and controlling behaviour – including narcissism and DARVO (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) tactics; or where they have been accused of such.

When dealing with such sensitive cases, O’Flinn says, listening ‘is paramount.’ She tells Spear’s: ‘It’s important to listen to what they’re saying, and to listen to what they’re not saying. Clients like my honesty, my empathy and my realism. We will advise clients on the law, naturally, but we also treat them as a whole. And if we can’t advise, we’ve got a fantastic network of people that can do it alongside us.’

Notable case

• SP v AL [2024] EWFC 72 (B)

Adviser Profile

Family law specialist Claire O’Flinn, partner, joined Keystone Law in 2013 and has since grown her team to seven members.

To her clients she simply is the fourth emergency service. Her clients call when they need urgent help. Whether it be a legal emergency or an emotional one, Claire is always ready to pull out all the stops, achieving outstanding results often in very difficult circumstances.

Claire’s client base is mostly made up of ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals who often have very complex financial and family situations. Claire’s years of experience and technical know-how, compassion and determination to achieve the best outcome are of great comfort to her clients.

Claire has also been witnessing the continued effect of Brexit first-hand. She recently achieved a substantial settlement for a wife who jointly owned an agricultural company and properties with her husband. During the divorce he tried to claim she was a partner in name only in the business. This was something Claire disputed successfully and also managed to locate a pension that the husband had failed to disclose.

Known among her peers for her calm yet diligent approach, and for being hugely capable and really adding value to her cases, Claire is also highly appreciated by clients. ‘Words that come to mind are patient, persistent and generous with her time,’ enthuses one, while another praises her for ‘making a difficult process much more bearable’.

‘For me, realising that I’m a trusted adviser probably came years after I actually was one,’ admits O’Flinn. ‘When you realise that the great settlements are reached because of your skill, your knowledge and your capability, it begins to dawn on you that maybe you have the knack!’