Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Family: Birmingham

At Cartwright King, Fiona Bowen is ‘always clear, calm and authoritative when needed, I particularly value her representation of children in both private law and children proceedings’. Bowen is a member of the Children Panel.
The ‘clever and astuteHayley McCormack leads the newly-formed family team at Roythornes Solicitors in Birmingham. McCormack, who joined the firm from Mills & Reeve LLP in May 2023, deals with a broad range of family issues, with particular expertise in complex financial work.

Family: Birmingham in West Midlands

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP fields a team which ‘works very hard, and has excellent knowledge’. They are ‘great advocates, who always work in the best way for their clients’, under the excellent leadership of Christopher Lloyd-SmithJas Tamber and Elizabeth Wyatt. Areas of focus include providing matrimonial advice to professionals, as well as helping vulnerable members of society. The firm excels in diverse matters such as advising on prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, domestic violence and forced marriages. The practice also has an excellent reputation for its work in public law/care proceedings. Maria Ramon, Madhur Sharma, associate Kadie Bennett and legal director Andrew Crumpton all play a pivotal role in the department.

Praxisleiter:

Christopher Lloyd-Smith; Jas Tamber; Elizabeth Wyatt


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Maria Ramon; Andrew Crumpton; Kadie Bennett; Narinder Singh; Charlotte Raybould; Madhur Sharma; Tom Gregory; Kelly Brown


Referenzen

‘Team of highly skilled and committed solicitors who are on the Law Society’s Children’s Panel. Each solicitor is dedicated to achieving safe and positive outcomes for children and provide child-focused legal advice to children’s guardians. Jas Tamber, Andrew Crumpton, Narinder Singh.’

‘They are professional, and always available. They work very hard and they have excellent knowledge of the law.’

‘An experienced team with a wealth of experience in all areas of family law. Maria Ramon is exceptional. Fierce yet friendly. Pragmatic throughout even with the trickiest of cases!’

Irwin Mitchell

Spearheaded by Mark Hands, Irwin Mitchell is ‘as good, if not better, than the magic circle firms in London’. Its ‘client service is outstanding, with a strong and talented group of lawyers at all levels’. Other key members of the ‘friendly and supportive team’ include Zahra Pabani and Sarah Balfour. The group works nationally with wealthy clients on areas such as wealth protection, financial remedy proceedings and children matters. Clients include entrepreneurs, professionals and CEOs. Marie Kilgallen, senior associate Sabrina Powell and associate Lucy Todd are among the other highly regarded members of the department, which also excels in children and finance matters with a cross-border dimension.

Praxisleiter:

Mark Hands


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Zahra Pabani; Sarah Balfour; Sabrina Powell; Marie Kilgallen; Lucy Todd; Rachel Baker; Charlotte Clewes; Tara Smith; Grace Mullis; Sangeeta Kohli; Shannon Park; Saffron Burgess


Referenzen

‘Sabrina Powell is a first-class solicitor with excellent instincts for matrimonial finance and cohabitation disputes. She is well-connected, on top of the law and always impeccably prepared.’

‘Sarah Balfour was fantastic. She is committed, hard working with an acutely sharp clear-thinking brain. She is also kind and caring. She dealt with a particularly difficult situation with diplomacy but also strength.’ 

Mark Hands is a pragmatic individual, who set the strategy at our first meeting. He took the emotion and rhetoric away, and conducted our responses and arguments on a non-combative basis. Lucy Todd again a pragmatic and considered individual.’

Lodders Solicitors LLP

Beverley Morris at Lodders Solicitors LLP has been described as ‘probably the most outstanding individual family law solicitor working in Birmingham and [the] surrounding area today’. Morris’ focus is on financial remedy work – she continues to advise trustees where they are intervening or being joined in proceedings. The practice deftly covers many areas such as divorce and judicial separation, as well as children law and same-sex relationship issues. Vivienne Middleton is equally adept at resolving complex financial and children cases, and has conducted cases at all levels, including the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Legal director Caroline Dresden regularly acts for clients with very substantial assets, and is a collaborative lawyer.

Praxisleiter:

Beverley Morris


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Vivienne Middleton; Caroline Dresden; Baldish Khatkar


Referenzen

‘Lodders’ team in Birmingham excels in client care and knowledgeable, pragmatic advice given to clients. In terms of case management, they are always right on the button and their documentation is crisp and precise.’

‘Vivienne Middleton has great legal skills and is excellent in advising and managing the expectations of clients. Her preparation and papers are always excellent, and her instructions clear and to the point.’

‘Beverley Morris is utterly committed to her clients and their outcomes and her client care is excellent. Very highly skilled and knowledgeable solicitors: much more so than is normal in the sector.’

Clarke Willmott LLP

Rayner Grice leads an ‘exceptionally talented’ team at Clarke Willmott LLP. It has a particular focus on complex financial and private law children matters. The group is also well-regarded for its handling of cases involving domestic abuse, as well as controlling and coercive behaviour. In addition, it has particular expertise in dealing with cases involving family businesses. Adam Maguire has considerable experience of dealing with complex financial issues arising out of divorce. Senior associate Caroline Young is best known for her advice on difficult private law children matters.

Praxisleiter:

Rayner Grice


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Adam Maguire; Caroline Young


Referenzen

‘Rayner Grice, partner, has been outstanding. She has gone the extra mile, oozes competence and has delivered a flawless client service.’

‘Rayner is an exceptional family solicitor and goes above and beyond. Her fountain of knowledge and attention to detail is immeasurable.’

‘Rayner Grice, the head of the family team, provides an exceptional bespoke service, giving practical, focused advice, guiding her clients through the choppy waters of litigation.’

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors fields an ‘incredibly experienced’ team which specialises in representing clients who are facing emergencies, such as the removal of children, matters involving sexual harm, or safeguarding children. Other areas of focus include advising on female genital mutilation and domestic abuse. It also has a solid reputation for its work on private family/children law matters. The group frequently assists clients with significant vulnerabilities such as those with mental health difficulties or exposure to drug or alcohol abuse. Krina ParmarJasbir RaindiRupinder Jagdev and Julie McNamara are the practice heads. Former co-practice head Ravi Kaur Mahey joined TV Edwards Solicitors.

Praxisleiter:

Krina Parmar; Jabir Raindi; Rupinder Jagdev; Julie McNamara


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Henna Sajid; Adam Bloodworth


Referenzen

‘Rupinder Jagdev is a standout practitioner – not only is she seriously good at her job but her client care is exceptional. My experience of her working on complex public law cases is excellent.’ 

‘Henna Sajid – I have been very impressed by her knowledgeable and communicative approach to her work on family law matters.’

‘Henna Sajid, in particular, responds promptly to my emails and constantly keeps me up to date with how things are going.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing wife in financial remedy proceedings.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Victoria Fellows heads the practice at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, which handles a variety of complex and high-value financial cases. It also receives a regular flow of work for domestic and international children cases. Fellows is skilled at handling matters involving complex wealth, corporate and trust structures. Legal director and mediator Hannah Nicholls, who joined the team from Thursfields Solicitors in October 2023, is particularly recommended for her specialist advice on cases involving children. Senior associate Shereen Chohan covers complex financial remedy proceedings, including those with an international aspect. Georgina Burrows joined Greens Solicitors Ltd in March 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Victoria Fellows


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hannah Nicholls; Shereen Chohan


Referenzen

‘A very established team in the Midlands with strength in depth.’

‘Hannah Nicholls is spearheading ADR work. She is an extremely diligent solicitor who makes clients feel reassured.’

‘Team with wide range of expertise and skills. Very thorough and always well prepared.’

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP is a ‘team that is going from strength to strength’, under the able leadership of the ‘stellarKatherine Kennedy. Kennedy often works on wealth protection matters, and routinely deals with high-net-worth financial remedy cases. She also continues to build her mediation practice. The group deftly handles a variety of complex cases with issues such as complicated business and trust structures, and highly conflicted children proceedings. Associate Stephanie Hawthorn handles complex financial and children matters, while in a ‘very good move’ associate Matthew Saunderson joined from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP in August 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Katherine Kennedy


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Matthew Saunderson; Victoria Potts; Stephanie Hawthorn


Referenzen

‘Katherine Kennedy is an exceptional family law practitioner. As a client you always feel that she is fully engaged with your case. Striking a perfect balance of advocacy on urgent and critical issues and guiding clients how not to expend time and resources on matters.’

‘It is very clear from my interactions with her juniors that Katherine coaches them very effectively. Stephanie Hawthorn was very good. I was completely comfortable with her work. She demonstrated a wonderful level of empathy whilst remaining professional.’

‘The family team at Mills and Reeve stand out for their reputation as a first-class outfit. Katherine Kennedy leads the team. The addition of Matthew Saunderson gives them greater depth and bolsters their reputation in the market.’

Stowe Family Law LLP

The ‘hugely impressiveRebecca Calden-Storr is at the helm at Stowe Family Law LLP. The group covers all aspects of private family law cases including divorce, separation, private law children matters and financial settlements. It is also well-placed to advise on cases for same-sex and cohabiting couples. Claire Cleary frequently advises individuals who have substantial incomes, overseas assets and trusts. Sara Morton is another notable member of the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Rebecca Calden-Storr


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alice Price; Chelcie Evans; Claire Cleary; Hannah Stubbs; Sara Morton


Referenzen

‘Stowe Family Law often seem to go the extra mile for their clients. They will make their clients feel as comfortable as possible with approaching court hearings by arranging conferences with counsel and by attending the hearings with counsel to provide the clients with additional reassurance. Bundles are well put together.’

‘Alice Price is extremely experienced, knowledgeable, efficient and capable. Clients feel very assured that they are in the best hands when Alice is handling their case.’

‘Chelcie Evans is an associate who stands out for her excellent client care. ’

Sydney Mitchell LLP

The ‘very professional and attentive’ team at Sydney Mitchell LLP is co-led by Karen Moores and Mauro Vinti. It frequently advises on areas such as divorce and the dissolution of civil partnerships, financial remedies, protective injunctions and child arrangements. The group is well-placed to advise on asset protection by way of pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Moores often advises on matrimonial finance, the management of substantial assets and complex children’s issues. Senior associate Gemma Whitchurch plays a pivotal role in the department too.

Praxisleiter:

Karen Moores; Mauro Vinti


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gemma Whitchurch; Claire Sargant


Referenzen

‘Karen and Gemma were always on the ball, any concerns I brought to their attention were dealt with swiftly and correspondence from my ex-husband’s solicitor was always passed on to me promptly.’

‘I received fantastic personal service with great advice. My solicitor went above and beyond when dealing with the other party and pension providers. This took a great deal of stress away from me. Gemma Whitchurch.’

‘Very thorough and trained very well. They are very sensitive to personal situations in people’s lives.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing a highly successful dentist in respect of financial remedy proceedings.
  • Advice and preparation of pre-nuptial agreement for a high-net-worth couple.
  • Acting successfully for a father in defeating a mother’s application for internal relocation of the children.

The Wilkes Partnership

Aaron Keene spearheads the ‘friendly, knowledgeable and experienced’ team at The Wilkes Partnership. It advises people from all backgrounds such as bankers, dentists and members of the armed forces, as well as managers and owners of businesses and their spouses. The ‘always approachable‘ Keene is a collaborative lawyer. Ruth Harrison-Byrne leads the public law team and is a well-respected childcare lawyer. Chris Allen-Jones deals with many of the firm’s higher-value and complex contentious matters. Sian Kenkre is now at MFG Solicitors LLP.

Praxisleiter:

Aaron Keene


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Chris Allen-Jones; Ruth Harrison-Byrne; Jackie Lee


Referenzen

‘They are thorough, knowledgeable, ethical. Aaron was professional and proficient. He acted in the best interest of my child in child arrangement matters.’

‘The family finance team at The Wilkes Partnership is excellent. There is a breadth of legal knowledge and expertise which enables them to advise clients clearly and pragmatically at all stages of the litigation, yet a willingness to seek expert advice when called for.’

‘Aaron Keene is vastly experienced in family finance matters and has excellent client-handling skills. His advice is always clear and pragmatic and he manages clients’ expectations really well. His instructions are always clear and comprehensive and his case management top notch.’

Weightmans LLP

Weightmans LLP fields a ‘reliable and professional’ team, with Manchester-based Emma Collins at the helm. Locally, Tania Derrett-Smith and associate Rupa Parekh are well-regarded. Areas of expertise include advising on divorce, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and arrangements for children. Derrett-Smith is known for her work on matters involving family businesses and properties in the UK and abroad. She is also adept at overseeing cases where there are complicated pensions issues. Parekh is skilled at handling an array of financial issues that arise on divorce and separation.

Praxisleiter:

Emma Collins


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Tania Derrett-Smith; Rupa Parekh


Referenzen

‘Rupa Parekh is a very approachable and enthusiastic solicitor who has a bright future in the industry.’

Tanya Derrett-Smith is always calm under pressure and exceptional knowledge.’

‘Tania Derrett-Smith – highly experienced and robust when she needs to be – she understands the wider commercial imperatives for clients – she is efficient and responsive with an excellent knowledge of the law.’

Benussi & Co Limited

Diane Benussi plays a pivotal role at Benussi & Co Limited, along with Helen Jane Arnold and senior associate Denise McKenna. The team usually acts in cases involving net assets of between £3m – £30m, typically involving complicated business structures and trusts. Lucy Johnston has considerable experience of dealing with intractable contact disputes and parental alienation matters.

Praxisleiter:

Diane Benussi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Helen Jane Arnold; Denise McKenna; Lucy Johnston; Emma Gibson


Referenzen

‘Denise McKenna keeps both counsel and client fully involved with the details of the case at all stages and is a pragmatist.’

‘Helen Jane Arnold. I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that the client would have fallen apart without Helen Jane’s enormous input into her case.’

‘Benussi’s are fantastic at looking after the client both professionally and personally. It is a combination of looking after the client as well as the case which sets them apart. There is also always an eye kept firmly on the tactical and strategic steps that need to be taken to advance the client’s case.’ 

Rayden Solicitors

At Rayden Solicitors practice head Mary Kaye is a ‘well-respected family practitioner known throughout the Midlands’. Kaye is experienced in all areas of family law and frequently advises on financial matters as well as cohabitation agreements and divorce. She also has a particular specialism in serious children cases. Senior associate Lauren Parton and solicitor Patrice Coughlin are among the other key members of the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Mary Kaye


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lauren Parton; Patrice Coughlin


Referenzen

‘Lauren Parton and Patrice Coughlin have been excellent to deal with. I cannot fault any of their services/compassion/knowledge and cannot recommend them highly enough.’

‘Lauren has dealt with my divorce and she has been fantastic! She consistently put me at ease and explained everything thoroughly throughout the process. She has been very supportive, approachable and personable.’ 

‘Mary Kaye and Lauren Parton were very understanding, calm and responsive. I felt their approach wasn’t commercially driven and they genuinely cared for the best possible outcome with the least amount of funds being wasted.’ 

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Headed by Aasha Choudhary, an ‘exceptionally insightful and forward-thinking individual’, the team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP has particular strength in high-value financial remedy proceedings and complex children matters. Its range of clients includes wealthy families, rural land owners, entrepreneurs and leading members of the Asian community. Legal director Monica Ghai is another notable member of the department.

Praxisleiter:

Aasha Choudhary


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Monica Ghai; Robert Norris


Referenzen

‘Monica Ghai is a pleasure to work with – she is helpful, client orientated, and the brief and bundle is always impeccable. She is a support in and out of the courtroom.’

‘Aasha Choudhary’s leadership and expertise are truly exceptional. She brings a wealth of experience to the table, demonstrating a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of legal intricacies. Aasha’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for clients, coupled with her effective communication and leadership skills, set a high standard within the firm.’

Monica Ghai – her commitment to continuous learning, attention to detail, and proactive approach in handling legal matters showcase her potential for future leadership roles. Monica’s dedication to client success is commendable.’

VWV

The ‘bright and diligentLucy Barr heads the Birmingham offering at VWV, which benefits from a close collaboration with its Bristol team. Barr is recommended for her work on complex financial matters. The team regularly works on divorce and separation cases for high-net-worth couples. It also has a well-regarded children practice, often advising on disputes about child arrangements and issues relating to child maintenance.

Praxisleiter:

Samantha Hickman (overall head of department, based in Bristol); Lucy Barr (head of Birmingham family department)


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Amy Parker


Referenzen

‘Lucy Barr: knowledgeable. Clear advice. Listens to clients and responds. Good availability when needed. Just very good in all respects.’

‘My solicitor Amy was extremely supportive throughout my case and went above and beyond to reach a positive outcome. This sometimes involved challenging my requests and seeking to put the children at the heart of the case, which when I look back now, can see that this was the correct way to act.’ 

‘VWV have a strong reputation for excellent client service. They will be absolutely committed in each case to achieving the best possible outcome. They will carefully consider complex issues well in advance of the hearing in order to properly refine their approach.’