QEB acts for Cheryl and Ashley as the Coles head to divorce courts

QEB silk Lucy Stone QC has been instructed by Joyce Smyth of Smyth Barkham to represent Cheryl.

Cheryl’s soon-to-be ex-husband has brought in Berwin Leighton Paisner partner Graham Shear, who has instructed Jennifer Roberts QC, also of QEB.

Cheryl’s lawyers filed divorce proceedings on Tuesday, citing Ashley’s “unreasonable behaviour”. She has reportedly offered him possession of their £6m marital home in Surrey and has not asked for any support from his income, which is estimated at £6m a year.

The couple’s relationship disintegrated after tabloid newspapers revealed details of Ashley Cole’s infidelity.

Smyth, whose firm is home to just four partners, has represented a number of high profile celebrities in divorce proceeding including. These include Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, who was divorced by wife Jo Wood last year, and his band mate Mick Jagger, who split from Jerry Hall in 1999.

Shear, who moved to BLP from Teacher Stern in August last year (6 August 2009), has represented a number of top footballers across a range of areas, including Carlos Tevez in his transfer to Manchester City FC from Manchester United.