Birkett Long LLP's team spans the Essex region, with the North Essex practice being led by Mel Loxley in Colchester, and the South Essex practice across Chelmsford and Basildon headed by Lisa Collins. Loxley is praised by clients for her ‘approachable, sensitive' manner, often handling complex financial matters involving offshore trusts and family run businesses. Financial remedy proceedings involving intervenors are an area of strength for Collins, while Philip Hoddell, in Colchester, is experienced in handling cross border issues for high-net-worth clients’ matters. In Chelmsford, Farrah Harvey-Nawaz and Francesca Cozens are key names within the team, with Harvey-Nawaz focusing on complex children matters including abuse, while Cozens has a specialism in grandparent work.
Family: Essex in South East
Birkett Long LLP
Praxisleiter:
Lisa Collins; Mel Loxley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Philip Hoddell; Francesca Cozens; Farrah Harvey-Nawaz; Muntech Kaur; Shelley Cumbers; Karen Johnson
Referenzen
‘This practice is unique in the fact that everyone is very approachable, helpful and friendly. Clients are treated with the upmost respect and courtesy, and they provide excellent standards of practice. They are flexible around clients’ needs and adapt to their requests and needs.’
‘Mel Loxley has been a source of sound legal advice, support and very high standard of practice throughout the time she has been representing me. Her manner is very approachable, sensitive to my individual needs, as well as being very efficient and timely in her work which is very much appreciated.’
‘Muntech Kaur is attentive, focused and pragmatic for her clients. She goes the extra mile and they know they are in safe hands. Meticulous preparation for counsel, and counsel are able to work hand in hand which clients appreciate and benefit from.’
Highlight-Mandate
Birketts LLP
The Birketts LLP family team ‘are very hands on and provide excellent client care’, regularly handling issues involving complex corporate assets for business owners. Katie Beaven leads the team from Ipswich, with Emma Brunning taking the lead in Chelmsford. Brunning is experienced in cases involving challenging conduct, and complex child arrangements matters involving substance abuse. Tom Wright is recommended for his knowledge of care proceedings, including cases with international elements, while Dharshica Thanarajasingham handles financial remedy matters and trust issues.
Praxisleiter:
Katie Beaven; Emma Brunning
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tom Wright; Dharshica Thanarajasingham
Referenzen
‘The team are very hands on and provide excellent client care. They offer excellent and careful advice whilst also managing the emotional impact of the proceedings on the client. Whilst sound legal advice is imperative and consistent, what has really impressed me is their client care.’
‘Tom Wright is by far the most exceptional individual I have worked with. He is sensitive, kind and caring. He put my fears at ease during a time of my life that has been very traumatic. His communication and is consideration to myself and my wider family has been and continues to be outstanding! Could not speak more highly of him!’
‘Katie Beaven managed an extremely difficult and anxious client with commendable patience. Where many would have resorted to cold professionalism she resorted to natural kindness and care.’
Highlight-Mandate
Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP
Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP is a key practice in the South East for the full range of family law advice, spanning national and international divorce and finance work, cohabitation and nuptial agreements, and private law children issues. Simon Osborn and Charlotte Knappett lead the practice; Osborn is a family arbitrator and collaborative family law specialist, while Knappett is a specialist in domestic abuse-related mandates. Rachel Earnshaw is also recommended for public children law cases.
Praxisleiter:
Simon Osborn; Charlotte Knappett
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Busby; Andrew Brown; Rachel Earnshaw
Referenzen
‘Simon Osborn was excellent at explaining the law behind dividing matrimonial assets and cut through all the legal jargon which can often be intimidating for those not accustomed to it. His advice and recommendations were invaluable in enabling me to ensure I maintained a strong position.’
‘Charlotte Knappett has been representing me from day 1 and I couldn’t recommend her enough. Her attention to detail and impeccable knowledge on everything has helped me come out with exactly what I’ve wanted.’
‘Strong team all round, knowledgeable, go the extra mile, very professional.’
Highlight-Mandate
Pinney Talfourd LLP
‘Master tactician’ Catherine Polli heads the predominantly Upminster-based practice at Pinney Talfourd LLP, which is noted for its ‘multi-disciplinary' expertise. In Brentwood, deputy head Claire Spurgeon regularly assists with financial remedy and Children Act mandates involving coercive and controlling behaviour, areas in which Michael Sheville has extensive expertise. Catherine Loadman has experience with cohabitation claims, and Louise Eady was promoted to partner in May 2023, and leads the firm’s growing surrogacy and fertility practice. Remyhs Baker is a ‘stand-out divorce solicitor’ who has notable expertise in non-traditional family structures. Lucy Nicholson joined the firm in January 2023, contributing her deep knowledge of private children and domestic abuse matters.
Praxisleiter:
Catherine Polli; Claire Spurgeon
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Louise Eady; Catherine Loadman; Michael Sheville; Surjit Verdi; Lucy Nicholson; Remyhs Baker; Kiren Dhillon; Jennifer Herbert
Referenzen
‘Pinney Talfourd LLP are a well regarded family practice in Essex. They offer multi-disciplinary expertise and so clients can have all elements of their legal issues dealt with within the firm, and advice taken promptly on any cross-over issues. They have an very good reputation for family matters and any client could be confident of getting a excellent service with a real focus on client care and achieving the best possible outcome.’
‘Louise Eady is exceptional, she works tirelessly for her clients and I would not hesitate to recommend her.’
‘Remyhs Baker is a stand-out divorce solicitor, very passionate about her work assisting LQBTQ+, solo, separated and blended families.’
Highlight-Mandate
Holmes & Hills
Holmes & Hills' family department is noted for its broad expertise, spanning high-net worth financial remedy proceedings and complex children matters. Team lead Carol Toulson in Marks Tey is recommended for her ability to be ‘professional yet compassionate and understanding', regularly handling sensitive matters involving mental health issues, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Alexander Garrett heads the recently established Witham team, which notably handles high value, complex financial matters.
Praxisleiter:
Carol Toulson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alexander Garrett; Sarah Russell; Alexandra Jury
Referenzen
‘The staff at this firm are professional and compassionate. They are always there to listen to any concerns you have and are very prompt with updating you and informing you on any changes of any on going issues. They have excellent communication.’
‘Carol Toulson has been wonderful since the very first time she worked with me. She is professional yet compassionate and understanding, reassuring especially when I’m anxious. Carol goes above and beyond to support me. She is an exceptional member of the firm in my opinion. She is knowledgeable, professional and understanding.’
‘Alex Garrett has been extremely helpful and easy to work with. My case was dealt with in a very professional manner. He was respectful to all parties involved and reassured everyone where needed. ’
Highlight-Mandate
Sternberg Reed LLP
Sternberg Reed LLP‘s family team leverages its significant bench strength to represent both private and legal aid clients. Soulla Kokkinos heads the wider family department from Barking, while Rebecca Viola leads the private family team in Romford. Viola often handles international cases, utilising her broad experience in off-shore trusts, corporate structures and jurisdictional issues, in addition to being qualified in the Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model. Francesca Clay is an ‘excellent advocate' who specialises in child law, often acting in care proceedings.
Praxisleiter:
Soulla Kokkinos; Rebecca Viola
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Julian Beard; Andrew Crossley; Francesca Clay; Jonathan Knowles; Angela Kwokori; Aimee Jones
Referenzen
‘Rebecca Viola has a great bedside manner with clients, especially vulnerable ones, who appreciate her straight-forward attitude and approachability, but can be tough when needs require and will always go the extra mile for her clients.’
‘Aimee Jones is an absolute star for the future. One to keep an eye on!’
‘I cannot praise Sternberg Reed enough. They are passionate about client care and make sure that every client is given clear and consistent, high quality legal advice.’
Highlight-Mandate
Tees Law
The team at Tees Law handles the full spectrum of family law issues, is jointly led by Sally Powell in Bishop’s Stortford, the ‘thorough, hard working‘ Joshua Coombe in Chelmsford, and Caroline Andrews in Brentwood. Coombe often advises on high value financial remedy claims, and Andrews is a ‘stand out lawyer’ in the area of surrogacy and fertility law. Lisa Honey is a key name for complex Children Act cases, including those which involve competing allegations of abuse.
Praxisleiter:
Joshua Coombe; Caroline Andrews; Sally Powell
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lisa Honey; Alexandra Drew
Referenzen
‘Lisa Honey has been outstanding. Her advice was always given with excellent explanations, so I felt I totally understood everything. Her guidance has simply been invaluable to me, and I felt looked after during the whole process. She was forward thinking including all of the elements I was having to deal with which where a lot.’
‘Caroline Andrews works extremely closely with clients to provide realistic advice. Caroline is thorough and has an in-depth understanding of the approach a court is likely to take to a case. Caroline is extremely approachable and has an excellent working relationship with clients.’
‘Joshua Coombe is thorough, hard working and a master tactician. He is deservedly the head of the department. He deals effortlessly with the most complex of family law disputes. He strives to find solutions in a very pragmatic way which supports the client’s needs and wishes. ’
Highlight-Mandate
Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors
Noted for the breadth of its practice, Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors runs the gamut of divorce, financial settlement, children, and cohabitation agreement related mandates. Practice head Belinda Strange often handles both living-together and prenuptial agreements, and consultant Joyti Henchie is noted for providing a ‘first class service', displaying deep knowledge of both private and public children proceedings.
Praxisleiter:
Belinda Strange
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Joyti Henchie; Stephanie Holmes
Referenzen
‘Joyti Henchie is simply amazing. I have never known a more complete lawyer. She literally has everything you would want. Massive intelligence, a first class command of the law, and you really feel she is working with you, not for you. I could not recommend her highly enough, and have in fact referred anyone that has asked me, to her.’
‘Belinda Strange is excellent.’
‘Attwaters are a small but significant firm in Essex, well known for their ability to deal with the most complex of cases with ease. Their client care, and attention to detail makes them stand out from their competitors. ’
Highlight-Mandate
Mullis & Peake LLP
Noted for its ‘client centric, sensitive approach', the family team at Mullis & Peake LLP exhibits growing strength in private financial dispute resolution processes. ‘Stand out' practice head Roisin McCorry is particularly well-versed in prenuptial agreements, while Jessica Thrower maintains a cohabitation disputes and domestic abuse focused practice, alongside her work as a family mediator. Sally Ward left the team in January 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Roisin McCorry
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jessica Thrower; Alison Brotherton; Jaspreet Pannu
Referenzen
‘What makes this practice so unique is their ability to understand and believe in their clients and to make their clients feel validated.’
‘Roisin McCorry was the stand out person for me. Always having the time to talk and help me with my anxiety regarding my court case.’
‘The firm have that personal touch. They listen, inform and advise. The professionalism was high, and they also had high expectations for my case. I knew I was in good hands.’
Highlight-Mandate
Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP
Chris Wall heads the practice at Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP in Billericay. Highlighted as being ‘so experienced that no case causes him difficulties', Wall regularly handles financial disputes involving businesses cross-border elements, in addition to private children matters. The family team includes a specialist children department spanning Westcliff-on-Sea, Billericay and Benfleet, in which Annette Lowen is a key name. Melanie Steeples is a key name within the Westcliff-on-Sea group, while Lauren Larkin works out of the Billericay office.
Praxisleiter:
Christopher Wall
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Annette Lowen; Melanie Steeples; Lauren Larkin; Lorraine George
Referenzen
‘Top-rated lawyers who know their market and their specialties.’
‘Chris Wall is so experienced that no case causes him difficulties. He is incredibly hardworking and adept at settling tricky cases but equally happy running cases to trial if the other side won’t see sense. His main area is matrimonial finance at which he excels.’
‘Lauren Larkin leaves no stone unturned in her fight for client’s cases. She can do finance as well as children work; a highly knowledgeable lawyer. Highly recommended.’
Highlight-Mandate
Rayden Solicitors
The ‘diverse team of first rate lawyers’ at Rayden Solicitors in Essex is led by Stuart Clark and Nazia Rashid from Epping. Clark often handles complex, international financial dispute resolution matters, while Rashid is sought after for children matters involving domestic abuse or where religion or culture are complicating factors, including issues related to Shariah personal family law. Beth Duffy is a key name within the group who is recommended by clients for her ‘empathy and knowledge'.
Praxisleiter:
Stuart Clark; Nazia Rashid
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sara Roddis; Mehnaz Zanil; Beth Duffy
Referenzen
‘Rayden were absolutely brilliant during my divorce. They steered me through the process efficiently, always kept me informed and set out my options clearly. I had absolute confidence in their advice and it meant I could reach a fair settlement for me and my child as we embarked on the next phase of our lives.’
‘Stuart Clark steered me through the financial settlement process and I was able to reach an agreed settlement despite significant initial resistance to the process from my former spouse. He helped to reduce conflict while protecting my interests and ensured steady progress towards agreement. Divorce is a stressful time but I am so very grateful to have had Stuart to guide me through it to reach a fair outcome.’
‘Beth Duffy is incredible, her advice, empathy and knowledge have been very reassuring in such a stressful time. I have never felt unheard and everything I have raised Beth has answered with reassurance. Beth’s correspondence is always clear and easy to understand.’
Highlight-Mandate
Family Law Partners
Louise Buttery leads the Essex-based team at Family Law Partners, which is led nationally by Robert Williams in Brighton. The team stands out for its dispute resolution offering, exemplified by Buttery’s qualification as a mediator. The firm exhibits a great deal of expertise in complex child arrangements involving grandparents, and international matters.
Praxisleiter:
Robert Williams; Louise Buttery
Referenzen
‘I have found working with FLP to be a highly positive experience. The calibre of the service offered, and the knowledge of intricate areas of family law, is to be commended.’
‘Louise Buttery is a true asset to the company. She is diligent, conscientious and has an amazing rapport with clients. Her cases are prepared to the highest standard and she gives sound, pragmatic advice to client. I would have no hesitation recommending her to any client.’
‘This is a large countrywide but highly specialised practice. They have a wealth of experience across family law and great internal support. They are visible, market aware, forward looking and ahead of the curve on many of the hot topic issues. ’
Highlight-Mandate
Jefferies Essex LLP
Jefferies Essex LLP's family team is headed by the ‘compassionate yet pragmatic' Anne-Marie Rainsford, who often represents children in complex High Court matters. The group contains both matrimonial and children teams in Southend, with the latter standing out for its ability to ‘keep the children at the heart’ of work. Brooke Robdrup-Kilgour is recommended for her work with vulnerable clients, while Sian Jenkins has notable experience in handling cases involving domestic abuse and international issues.
Praxisleiter:
Anne-Marie Rainsford
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sian Jenkins; Brooke Robdrup-Kilgour; Shannon Tomkins; Mohammed Mahboob; Sydney Widow
Referenzen
‘Jefferies are a team of conscientious, focused, professional and highly skilled staff. They are sensitive to the needs of people and the cases they deal with.’
‘Anne Marie Rainsford is a compassionate yet pragmatic solicitor. She is a formidable opponent in court with a tenacious cross examination style and yet at the same time a warm and reassuring presence to her own clients. She has an in-depth knowledge of family proceedings and comes up with innovative and well thought out solutions to problems.’
‘Brooke Robdrup-Kilgour is a passionate solicitor who will fight for her clients even in the most difficult of circumstances. She is methodical, meticulous and is always available for her clients.’
Highlight-Mandate
Palmers
Palmers' family team handles a broad range mandates involving separation and divorce, financial claims, children’s matters, cohabitation disputes, and nuptial agreements. Practice head Karen Bishop joined the firm in September 2023 and works out of the South Woodham Ferrers office, contributing her deep knowledge of financial disputes involving pensions and overseas assets. Sarah Dowie is a key name in the Rayleigh practice.
Praxisleiter:
Karen Bishop
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sarah Dowie; Rumi Begum
Referenzen
‘Exceptionally good case management and preparation for clients with attention to detail. ’
‘They make you feel like your case is the most important and don’t make you feel like just another client.’
‘Sarah Dowie gives very robust advice and manages expectations well which means that when representing the client at court they are aware of the likely outcome. Very personable to clients.’
Highlight-Mandate
Thompson Smith and Puxon
‘Outstanding family solicitor’ Louise Margiotta heads the team at Thompson Smith and Puxon, combining her strength as a mediator, hybrid mediator, and parenting coordinator with her accreditation in the Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model. Margiotta specialises in complex financial issues, particularly in relation to family businesses and trusts, in addition to complex children issues. Karen Weiner joined the team in December 2023.
Praxisleiter:
Louise Margiotta
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Karen Weiner
Referenzen
‘Louisa was kind and helpful and explained many legalities to me in a clear concise and empathetic way, which was helpful emotionally for me to deal with and understand.’
‘Louise Margiotta stands out as an individual due to her ability to demonstrate compassion alongside providing her professional advice in a caring but firm manner. She does not shy away from the hard facts but delivers it with consideration for her clients feelings and needs.’
‘TSP are approachable, professional and local. Three qualities that are particularly important to me. I went to them to support me through a difficult family issue and they handled the situation with tact and professionalism.’