Experience

Cara is a dual-qualified solicitor and US attorney with combined legal experience spanning over two decades.

Cara first passed the New York Bar Exam in 2003 and went on to qualify as a lawyer in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, initially dealing with multi-million to billion-dollar class action matters involving securities regulation, white collar crime, and Big Pharma defence.

Since commencing a training contract with a boutique international family law firm in the heart of London in 2008 Cara has specialised solely in family law and has successfully represented clients in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, as well as in the High Court and County Courts.

Cara maintains a diverse and innovative practice, boasting an enviable track record of success in both complex and nuanced matters, she is known for representing the ‘underdog’ and is often referred to by colleagues and peers as “fierce” and a “maverick”.

Cara’s sharp knowledge of the law, emotional intelligence and force of character places her head and shoulders above so many others leading her to receive multiple awards and accolades alike for her relentless drive to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients and empower them to reframe and re-envisage their futures a place of strength and potential.

Creator and Co-Founder of The Divorce Studio – a workshop/seminar hybrid bringing together barristers, divorce and domestic abuse coaches, mediators, litigation loan funders, Our Family Wizard, wellness coaches, IFAs and more to educate and empower women considering or going through separation and divorce – by women, for women. https://divorcestudio.co.uk

Published cases:

Successful appeal on behalf of the Mother to the Supreme Court in the matter of Re S-B (Children) (perpetrator: non-accidental injuries) [2009] UKSC 17; [2010] 1 All ER 705.

Advising the successful Applicant Mother in NJ v OV [2014] EWHC 4130, upheld on appeal (Re B (Child)(Relocation: Sweden)[2015] EWCA Civ 286.

Represented the non-party witness “D” through the disclosure process, at the final hearing and handing down of the judgment in the highly publicised matter of Chai v Peng & Others [2017] EWHC 792 (Fam).

Successfully represented the Maternal Aunt in making her minor nephew, a Spanish resident, a Ward of the English court with orders for his retention in this jurisdiction to secure his safety against the wishes and representations of his Mother (publication of judgment awaited).

 

What they say about Cara

“Chrissie took up my case with short notice and went above and beyond to get up to speed within a minimal period of time. She was thorough, professional and supportive during a very difficult period. I’ve very appreciative of her hard work and commitment to getting an excellent result.”

AF

“Thank you for your support across the separation and divorce process. I don’t think we would have reached this conclusion without your empathy, professionalism and humour. Thank you for taking me with you when you moved to Keystones. You have had the patience of a St. steering me through whilst I managed my mental health and expectations of others.”

NB

“Having researched several Solicitor’s to deal with my difficult case I chose Chrissie and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the first consultation Chrissie clarified my position so I began to a see a way forward. My case turned out to be more complex and emotionally draining than I imagined but throughout she was my rock …professional, accessible and completely reliable. Her knowledge, skill and at times her New York litigator experience led to a much better conclusion than I ever expected for which I’ll always be grateful.”

CS

“Chrissie’s knowledgeable, prompt and professional manner, coupled with her clear guidance and resounding commitment to my case won the day and has secured my future. I would recommend her to anyone.”

SK

“I came to Chrissie Cuming Walters at a deeply disturbing time of my life when facing a divorce. Her professional, no-nonsense attitude helped me navigate that difficult time. I very much appreciated her professionalism and timely and accessible advice, and would definitely recommend her to anyone seeking legal representation in marital matters.”

AK

“I found Chrissie to be thoughtful, insightful and not afraid to challenge my ideas and understanding, or, rather lack of understanding of the process and the conventions.
Chrissie was always very conscious of cost and constantly referred back to me before proceeding with actions, as a result I felt in financial control at all times. As divorce is a stressful journey, it was a relief that Chrissie managed to help me find occasional humour along the way.”

CW

“I am unfailingly grateful to [Cara] for all [she has] done and [is] doing. I couldn’t have had a better lawyer. [Cara] is top tier.”

AP

“Thank you so much for all your hard work, since I’ve contacted you I feel for the first time that I can really do this and move on to a batter and happier life.”

MC

“A Treasure”

Danielle Dax

“Chrissie has the advantage of a rare combination: she has an easy manner, whilst being bright and tenacious. A formidable civil litigator both in and out of court I have had the pleasure of seeing her work on high value and complex cases and would readily recommend her.”

Barrister, 29 Bedford Row

“Chrissie’s dedication and vigour pervade all the work that she does. She pursues her clients’ cases with drive and determination, whilst still exercising her own charming brand of pragmatic realism. Whether settling or fighting a case, Chrissie applies great attention to detail and her knowledge of procedure means that costs are only incurred effectively. She gets results. Her clients feel thoroughly supported by Chrissie, and it is no surprise that so much of her work comes about through referrals.”

Barrister, 29 Bedford Row

“Only [Cara’s] brain would’ve come up with that solution!”

Barrister, 1 GC Family

Admitted as:

• Solicitor of England & Wales 2010
• Attorney-at-Law, Sate of Pennsylvania 2005
• Attorney-at-Law, State of New York 2004
• Attorney-at-Law, State of New Jersey 2004

Qualifications:

• Solicitor
• Attorney

Publications and appearances include:

Appeared in Spears Magazine, 2nd May 2019: ‘Innovative and modern’ – Keystone Law’s personal approach to family law

‘Conflicting views – Chrissie Cuming Walters highlights the dichotomy of modern family law on financial provision: autonomy versus paternalism’ [2018] 180 Family Law Journal 19

Chrissie Cuming Walters, ‘A marriage of necessity? Chrissie Cuming Walters explores the interrelationship between costs allowances and legal services orders’ [2015] 148 Family Law Journal 19

Chrissie Cuming Walters, ‘Leave to remove: a storm in a tea cup? Chrissie Cuming Walters contemplates Re K one year on and recent government proposals on parental rights’ [2012] 118 Family Law Journal 22 ‘Brilliant article’. – Geraldine Morris, Editor (via Twitter)

Chrissie Cuming Walters interviews Alan Mak MP of Clifford Chance (now MP) for Legal Business magazine, March 2012 edition, ‘The last word: Alan Mak, Future perfect’.

Chrissie Cuming Walters, ‘If you like it, then you should’ve…’, Round & About Magazine, 1 June 2019.

Chrissie Cuming Walters, ‘Every new beginning…’, Round & About Magazine, 1 Jan 2019.

Chrissie Cuming Walters, ‘Do’s and Don’ts for Surviving Christmas during Relationship Breakdown’, Lexology, 28 Nov 2018 (first appearance) https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e80d9f13-b3b1-4572-a90a-0d8c2cefd687 ; and Chrissie Cuming Walters, ‘Surviving Christmas’, Round & About Magazine, 1 Dec 2018 (second appearance).

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/special-features/divorce-studio-new-much-needed-26176318

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/introducing-the-divorce-studio/id1477972831?i=1000627203335

How to Choose Your Divorce Lawyer https://divorcegoddess.libsyn.com › 2020/10

Chrissie Cuming Walters on Brooklands Radio’s Just Women, 6 Nov 2018 JustWomen181106.mp3

‘Navigating the Complexities of Divorce? A Family Lawyer Shares Valuable Advice’, Angry Ex Wife, 6 Feb 2025 https://www.angryexwife.com/chrissie-cuming-walters/

Regaining Control from Financial Abuse, ‘Lila and the roll of cookie dough: a relocation and financial remedies success story…’, The Group Hug, 22 Jan 2020

Presenter, InvestIN law clinic (2022)

Speaker, London LegalTech Talk 2026

Speaker/Presenter, London Divorce Fair, 2022

Presenter and Speaker, The Divorce Studio, 2024