Meet Sally Fitzherbert, our award-winning law specialist

Based in CJCH’s Cardiff City Centre office, Sally brings over 30 years of experience in family law. She’s not only a highly regarded legal professional but clients also feel truly comfortable opening up to her during what is often one of the most emotional periods of their lives.

“No two days – and no two people – are ever the same,” Sally says. “Family law is incredibly personal. You’re not just dealing with paperwork – you’re dealing with real lives, raw emotion, and often, someone’s most vulnerable moment.”

Sally’s journey into law started at just 16, when she began working as a trainee legal executive while continuing her studies. After qualifying in 2000, she went on to gain her Family Advocacy qualification.

Over the years, she’s worked in multiple respected firms across South Wales, gaining a deep understanding of the local community’s legal needs. She’s known not just for her legal skill but for the way she listens, supports, and fiercely advocates for her clients.

In 2018, Sally was honoured with the Family Law Chartered Legal Executive of the Year Award, a national recognition voted for by her peers.

“I hadn’t realised quite how much the award would mean until it happened. I’m incredibly proud of it – although I’ll admit, it’s a bit of a nightmare to dust!”

Sally’s expertise spans divorce, child arrangement disputes, pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements.

For more difficult cases, Sally also assists clients experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control, securing urgent injunctions or child arrangement orders when needed. “These are the cases that stay with you. But I’ve been doing this long enough to stay calm and get things done quickly when it matters most.”

Sally’s up-to-date knowledge of legal reforms ensures her clients are represented at every key stage with insight and empathy.

Meet Matthew Johnson, specialist family solicitor with a niche for high-net-worth financial settlement cases

“Rarely do I see this level of diligence from a solicitor.” – Council/Judiciary

Qualifying in 1998, Matthew joined CJCH in 2022 bringing with him over 25 years of experience working for firms large and small across the country, including as a consultant. “This has provided real insight into how things work well and how they don’t – and an understanding of how lawyers and law firms can best serve their clients.”

His career has included time as a Collaborative Family Lawyer and as a member of the Law Society Children Act Panel.

Having spent over 15 years directing business networking groups in Cardiff and Newport, he has built a wide-reaching professional network to bring into relevant legal matters and now has a depth of knowledge and resources to hand at CJCH.

Matthew handles everything from High Court divorce financial settlement cases to child arrangements and relocation, pre/post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, to unmarried couple separations. He’s acted for sports professionals, entrepreneurs, and even lottery winners. But despite the high stakes, his focus remains the same: avoiding court wherever possible and empowering clients through clear, pragmatic advice.

Why clients trust CJCH Solicitors

What sets Sally and Matthew apart is their ability to connect with their clients through empathy, discretion, and professionalism. Whether it’s representing clients in court or helping them find peaceful resolutions outside of it.

At CJCH, they are supported by a multi-disciplinary team, meaning clients can access comprehensive legal support across property, wills, finance, and more all under one roof.

“What I love about CJCH is the collaboration,” Sally says. “I can focus on helping my clients through the emotional side of family law, knowing they’ll be taken care of with everything else too.” Matthew adds, “Your initial meeting with your solicitor is so important. You need to know they understand your matter and provide clear advice, options, and cost estimates. Crucially, you need to feel comfortable with your lawyer too – and I strive to achieve this.”

If you’re facing a family legal issue, or just need someone to listen and help you make sense of your options, Sally, Matthew and the team at CJCH Solicitors are here for you. With a wealth of experience, a human approach, and the backing of a full-service firm, you’re in safe hands.