Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Camellia Buckmaster, Payne Hicks Beach

Date: 15 May 2024

Ashleigh John

This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Camellia Buckmaster, Senior Associate at Payne Hicks Beach.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.

I am a Senior Associate in Payne Hicks Beach’s Family Department. We advise on all things family law related (e.g. pre and post-nuptial agreements, co-habitation agreements, divorce, the financial consequences of divorce, child arrangements, the financial consequences of separating non-married parents, non-molestation and occupation orders). 

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no such thing as a typical day which is what makes family law so interesting. A typical week involves lots of drafting (anything from inter solicitor correspondence to a long statement in support of an application), multiple calls with clients / the other side / counsel, a number of face to face meetings with clients both with and without counsel and possibly a court hearing.

Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions you have received.

I was lucky enough to be on the PHB team that achieved a landmark victory in the recent Supreme Court case of Potanina vs Potanin.

What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?

Any disputes in the family sphere are extremely challenging and distressing by their very nature. Payne Hicks Beach and in particular Ben Parry-Smith and our new Head of Department Nick Manners, worked with Dr Jonathan Iliff (Psyke/NHS), Dr Emma Jones (Sheffield University), Sheena Cassidy Hope (Mishcon de Reya) and Jonathan Edgeley (Montrose Health) to put together the Mental Health and Family Breakdown initiative. It provides invaluable guidance and tools for supporting and protecting vulnerable clients.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Working on a case that went all the way up to the Supreme Court was a career highlight.  It is always satisfying to win in court, particularly at that level, but it can be just as fulfilling to settle a case quietly for a client, achieving an outcome that they are happy with and enabling them to move on with their life, without the cost and stress of litigation.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?

High energy levels, being a good strategist and being approachable.

Who do you most admire and why?

Any women who stuck it out in law before my time and my children’s nanny.  Both worked / work unbelievably hard and I wouldn’t get to do the job I love if it weren’t for them.  

Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?

Baltimore (County Cork, not Maryland) for pleasure.  I could not recommend it more.  Deserted beaches, Murphy’s, fresh seafood – it has it all.

If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?

I can’t imagine doing anything else now. I started life as a competition lawyer at a corporate firm so I know that the grass is not greener.

How do you relax after a long day?

I love going to the theatre, especially my local The Bush Theatre, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I am learning bridge although I’m not yet at a level where it’s relaxing!

You can view Camellia’s profile on the Leaders List here.