Karina qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and worked in several central London firms before setting up her own practice, Karina Leapman & Co in 1992, with a vision of providing a modern, accessible law firm with high standards and affordable charges. While originally a civil and family law solicitor Karina found her niche as a family lawyer and over the following years handled cases across the family law spectrum, from disputes concerning children, pre and post nuptial agreements, domestic abuse cases, arrangements for couples living together, divorce and the consequent financial issues arising from the breakdown of a marriage. Karina welcomed the opportunity in 2022 to merge with Collins & Hoy solicitors who, like Karina and her team at Karina Leapman & Co both share a deep desire to provide clients with the highest quality legal advice.
Karina predominantly focusses on the financial aspects of relationship breakdown and enjoys dealing with both high net worth and more modest cases, especially where she feels that she can resolve difficult issues. She will discuss the range of options available to her clients and explore whether there are safe and suitable approaches which will keep the family away from combative and costly court proceedings. She regularly advises and supports clients during family mediation, resolves cases collaboratively and considers other routes such as arbitration and choosing a privately selected judge. Karina will get know her client, find out what they want to achieve and look at the bigger picture with a practical and experienced perspective. Where a case has to go to court Karina will have a robust, no-nonsense approach and aims to drive the case forward to a positive conclusion. Whatever route is chosen Karina will be committed to supporting her client and placing the welfare and protection of children at the heart of what she does.
Law Society of England & Wales
Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers
Family Dispute Solutions
The International Association of Practising Lawyers (former president)
The West London Law Society (former chair of the family law group).
Karina obtained a law degree at Exeter University and completed her studies to become a solicitor at Guildford College of Law. She has undertaken the Resolution training to practice as a Family Collaborative Lawyer
Karina is firmly committed to a non-confrontational approach to resolving family arrangements on relationship breakdown whenever possible, in accordance with her membership of Resolution. In her family collaborative cases Karina has successfully helped couples reach their own tailor made arrangements for their children and their finances in a safe and non-conflictual environment. She also regularly supports and advises clients who are attending family mediation.
Karina also has vast experience in contested cases as follows:
“Many thanks for concluding my case so successfully. Without your expertise and professionalism this simply would not have been possible”
“I’m not sure I have the words really to thank you for today. It’s just all the little things that are so utterly priceless and meaningful. Truly thank you. You have been amazingly professional and I value your advice. I appreciate everything you have done and are continuing to do for me”
“I just wanted to thank you both for your help over the last couple of years. I’m really grateful for your patience with me. I’m sure I must have been quite an annoying client – dithering over everything! It’s a great feeling for me to be starting next year with my legal problems resolved, which certainly wouldn’t have happened without your help”
“Thank you for your wonderful assistance and service. I’m happy that it was you Karina who helped me. You are a wonderful person I wish you the very best for the future”