Expertise

Jenny has expertise in all areas of contentious private family law including financial disputes and child arrangements (both practical, and financial) on family breakdown – whether that’s divorce, dissolution or separation.

On the non-contentious side Jenny also advises on nuptial agreements, cohabitation and parenting plans.

Jenny’s cases often include trust assets, business assets and inherited wealth and overlap with various other jurisdictions. She works closely with professionals in other industries where required and utilises alternative dispute resolution where possible.

Jenny’s client base is not restricted to the North of England and she acts for individuals both across the UK and overseas, running her own cases independently and also working along with partners in the firms’ Leeds and London offices.

Through her work within the department’s Professional Practices Group, Jenny has particular expertise in acting for professional clients (and their spouses) and resolving the complex issues that frequently arise.

Experience

  • JC v PC [2021] – Acted for the successful applicant father in High Court proceedings brought to determine the habitual residence of his two children following their wrongful retention abroad by the respondent mother.
  • HC v FW [2017] – Acted for the applicant wife through her litigation friend in this unusual case in which we secured >£15,000,000 for our client (and a worldwide injunction) notwithstanding the primary source of the wealth was the husband’s pre-matrimonial assets.
  • DR v UG [2023] – acting for the respondent husband where the case involved arguments about his ‘special contribution’ and post separation endeavour where the main asset increased in value by a multiple of more than seven, after the date of separation.

Recognition

Jenny has been ranked in Chambers UK for the last 5 years and is consistently recognised in Legal 500 as a key lawyer in the team.

  • The Legal 500: “Jenny Bowden is a true rising star who stands shoulder to shoulder with the region’s leading individuals. Jenny has built an outstanding reputation for advising on complex, high value nuptial agreements. Her advice is sensible and her manner is collaborative.”
  • The Legal 500: “Jenny Bowden is an excellent solicitor who goes above and beyond for clients. She is very good at handling difficult situations and you very much want her in your corner.”
  • Chambers UK: “Jenny is knowledgeable, thinks outside the box and is a rising star in the world of family law.”
  • Chambers UK: “Jenny is very determined, focused and bright. Her attention to detail is of a very high standard, she is intellectually engaged with the law and she is committed to her clients.”

Career

Jenny graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2009. Following qualification in 2013, she joined Stewarts as a solicitor in 2016, before being promoted to associate in 2018 and then senior associate in 2021.

Accreditations and Memberships

Jenny sits on the committee for Resolution (West & North Yorkshire) and is an accredited specialist (in complex financial remedies and private children matters).

Publications and Media

Jenny is one of the founding members and co-hosts of the Stewarts Divorce and Family podcast.

Personal

Jenny enjoys spending time with her two young children and her two cavapoo dogs. She has recently joined a climbing group in the guise of professional networking and is enjoying challenging herself physically. She also loves to travel and explore different cultures and cuisines.

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