Firms To Watch: Family: Birmingham

The family team at Greens Solicitors Ltd handles private child and financial remedy work. Practice lead Julie Haden focuses on high-net-worth divorces, and Georgina Burrows specialises in cases complicated by domestic and child abuse, and coercive control.
Since opening in December 2023, Hall Brown Family Law‘s Birmingham office has taken on a number of high-net-worth, cross-border financial remedy instructions and child contact disputes. Janine Hobday leads the team, supported by experienced practitioner Andrew Breakwell.

Family: Birmingham in West Midlands

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Noted for its uniquely well-staffed public and private family law practices, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP handles a large volume of work for legal aid and high-net-worth clients across Birmingham. Highly regarded financial remedy litigator, mediator, and arbitrator Christopher Lloyd-Smith co-leads the team alongside Jas Tamber, an expert in representing both parents and children in cases of serious abuse. Also on the team is Elizabeth Wyatt, who tackles high-value financial remedy and private child law matters, and ‘excellent lawyer’ Maria Ramon, a key contact for wealthy divorces, complex nuptial finance litigation, and child-centred mediation. ‘Trusted solicitor’ Madhur Sharma handles issues complicated by issues of radicalisation, non-accidental injury, neglect, contested adoption and multijurisdictional cases, while Charlotte Raybould is recognised for her work on sensitive children’s cases. Andrew Crumpton, Kadie Bennett, and ‘standout associate’ Narinder Singh are further key names.

Praxisleiter:

Christopher Lloyd-Smith; Jas Tamber


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Elizabeth Wyatt; Maria Ramon; Madhur Sharma; Kadie Bennett; Andrew Crumpton; Narinder Singh; Charlotte Raybould; Tom Gregory


Referenzen

‘The team works tirelessly in order to achieve the best outcomes for their clients and are extremely responsive, both to clients and counsel, which leads to an exemplary form of support and communication in all directions. Client care is excellent.‘

‘They are simply the gold standard in Birmingham when it comes to public law children work, and command respect from other firms and the judiciary alike. They have the highest standards when it comes to drafting/advocacy and they have rightly earned an excellent reputation in the region.’

‘Narinder Singh is a standout associate. His work representing children is of the highest quality, and is markedly different in its attention to detail and thoroughness than the vast majority of others. He takes time to get things right for children, and never cuts corners.‘

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Krina Parmar, an experienced specialist in public child law matters involving highly sensitive and culturally complex safeguarding and criminal matters, co-leads the team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors alongside Rupinder Jagdev, whose broad practice includes matters linked with immigration issues, sexual abuse, and more; Julie McNamara, whose focus is on divorce, private child law matters, and issues of international child abduction and domestic abuse; and Sophie Burchett, who pivots across private and public child law matters, handling instructions related to abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and non-accidental injury. Working under their leadership are divorce and child lawyer Adam BloodworthHarriet Phillips, who handles complex child matters; and Oluwatobi Akinwande, who concentrates on domestic abuse cases. Anil Jakhu, Henna Sajid and Arti Maini are further key names.

Praxisleiter:

Krina Parmar; Rupinder Jagdev; Julie McNamara; Sophie Burchett


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Adam Bloodworth; Harriet Phillips; Oluwatobi Akinwande; Anil Jakhu; Arti Maini; Henna Sajid


Referenzen

‘Arti Maini and Rupinder Jagdev were very hard working and doing all they could to assist a very challenging and difficult client. A great amount of time was spent discussing strategies.’

‚Duncan Lewis Solicitors have demonstrated a level of excellence that sets them apart in child matters in the family court system. What makes them unique is their unwavering commitment to their clients – they are compassionate, thorough, and exceptionally fast in their responses. In a system that often feels broken and fraught with injustice, they have been a source of clarity, integrity, and strength.‘

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell remains a go-to choice for significantly wealthy individuals seeking advice on a wide array of complex and acrimonious nuptial finance matters, modern family matters such as surrogacy and assisted reproduction, and complex child issues. Highly reputed family lawyer Mark Hands leads the team, supported by ‘force of nature’ Zahra Pabani, whose remit encompasses high-value financial remedy and pre- and post-nuptial agreements for ultra wealthy clients, and Sarah Balfour, a principal point of contact for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and elderly or vulnerable clients and their families. Marie Kilgallen’s caseload spans child law work, financial remedy, and wealth protection. Also on the team is the ‘truly excellent’ Sabrina Powell, well-versed in advising cohabiting and unmarried couples, and Charlotte Clewes, who is noted for knowledge of issues of capacity and her extensive areas of capability. Dan Moreton is a key contact for LBGTQ+ families, and hybrid mediator Rachel Baker leads the team’s NCDR practice. Sangeeta Kohli, Tara Smith, and Lucy Todd are also recommended.

Praxisleiter:

Mark Hands


Weitere Kernanwälte:

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


Referenzen

‘Irwin Mitchell’s family team are growing an increasingly impressive reputation for modern families work and children work. They have an impressive and strong team who work collaboratively with counsel and are incredibly bright and ambitious.’

‘Dan Moreton is a rising star and definitely one to watch!’

‘Zahra Pabani – a force of nature! Second to none in her relationship building with clients. I have absolute trust in her skills, abilities, and desire to deliver a fantastic service. A leading partner! Mark Hands leads the Birmingham offering and has a very strong focus on raising the bar when it comes to the city being the centre of excellence for family law.‘

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP‘s family law practice is wide-reaching, with significant experience in instructions complicated by domestic abuse and coercive control, and financial remedy negotiations involving family businesses. Adept across litigation and alternative methods such as private FDR, the team is led by the ‘brilliant’ Rayner Grice, whose expansive practice spans high-value divorce, separation and complex children law matters involving a range of issues including parental alienation and abuse. The bench is strengthened by Adam Maguire, a key contact for wealth protection agreements and financial remedy, and Caroline Young, a lawyer experienced in complex private child law matters related to neglect and abuse.

Praxisleiter:

Rayner Grice


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Adam Maguire; Caroline Young


Referenzen

‘One of the best firms in the region with a reputation for delivering a high-quality service. Real strength in depth and one of the go to firms for HNW individuals. Always well prepared and always willing to go above and beyond for their clients.’

‘Rayner Grice and Adam Maguire are both standout partners. They deliver proactive expert advice for their clients. Both are highly recommended.’

‘The team is led by the brilliant Rayner Grice. It has considerable strength and depth. The team are responsive to client needs, are hardworking, and are realistic in their advice.’

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Offering a host of ADR methods alongside representation in court, Harrison Clark Rickerbys‘ Birmingham office sees a stream of high-net-worth individuals seeking advice on financial remedies, cohabitation matters, child contact issues, and various other private family law matters. The ‘amazing’ Victoria Fellows leads the team, assisting clients with all aspects of matrimonial financial planning and dispute resolution. Mediator Hannah Nicholls offers the firm’s ‘one couple one lawyer’ service, and is well-versed in international child relocation issues. Shereen Chohan has experience advising cohabiting couples on matters such as TOLATA and Schedule 1, and is spearheading the firm’s Sharia law offering.

Praxisleiter:

Victoria Fellows


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Shereen Chohan; Hannah Nicholls


Referenzen

‘Excellent client focus and strategic awareness. Seamless collaboration between partners.’

‘Victoria Fellows is amazing. Superb with clients, incredibly knowledgeable, tactically savvy and exceptional to work with. Hannah Nicholls is wonderful; extremely bright, totally unflappable, and radiates the type of warmth that builds trust with clients effortlessly.’

‘Whosoever instructs from this firm one can rely on excellent client care, superb preparation and ongoing support.’

Lodders Solicitors LLP

Led by non-Hague child relocation expert and ‘outstanding practitioner’ Vivienne Middleton, Lodders Solicitors LLP’s family law practice takes on high-value and high-complexity cases for a wealthy client base, from wealth protection agreements to conflicted child-related disputes. Middleton is supported by Justin Creed, a lawyer notably experienced in financial remedy matters involving farms, large estates, and complex businesses; and Baldish Khatkar, a key contact for clients from minority backgrounds. Another important name is Katie Hurst, whose broad practice encompasses nuptial matters featuring elements of domestic abuse. Former practice head Beverley Morris left the firm for Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ London office, and Caroline Dresden also left the team.

Praxisleiter:

Vivienne Middleton


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Justin Creed; Baldish Khatkar; Katie Hurst


Referenzen

‘Lodders were extremely professional and responsive in advice given, processes followed and back office efficiency. I felt totally confident that Lodders understood exactly what my needs were and how they should be best represented. Lodders listened and provided excellent advice and guidance. I would highly recommend their family practice to others.’

‘I dealt with Vivienne Middleton at Lodders. Vivienne is an exceptional lawyer with a complete grasp of her brief. Her technical skill is augmented by excellent people skills, especially her ability to distill complex problems into clearly articulated options and advice given.‘

‘Lodders is rightly recognised for its dynamic representation and expert support for clients. The wide range of expertise in all aspects of family law provides a comprehensive service for clients and a considerable resource for counsel.’

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP houses a comprehensive private family law practice poised to assist clients with various matters, from multijurisdictional financial remedy issues to assisted reproduction matters. Practice lead Katherine Kennedy focuses on high-net-worth clients negotiating settlements involving complex businesses, trusts, and high-profile individuals. Kennedy is supported by a team, which includes Matthew Saunderson, who focuses on TOLATA, Schedule 1, and surrogacy cases, among other family law instructions, and Stephanie Hawthorn, a key litigator of complex child and financial matters. Victoria Potts specialises in surrogacy work.

Praxisleiter:

Katherine Kennedy


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Matthew Saunderson; Stephanie Hawthorn; Victoria Potts


Referenzen

‘The family team at Mills & Reeve are highly thought of in the local market. They have a great deal of experience and are known to provide an excellent service.’

‘Katherine Kennedy – technically very good and highly respected. Matthew Saunderson – already very well known across the region and very personable. Victoria Potts is a rising star – one to watch for the future.‘

‘Aside of being one of the major players regionally throughout the Midlands, Mills & Reeve are known as a national firm within the family world. Katherine Kennedy heads the team and is renowned as an astute, first rate practitioner within the financial remedy area. She is also a trained mediator.‘

Stowe Family Law LLP

Rebecca Calden-Storr, who advises clients in regard to high-value financial remedy and delicate child-related issues, leads the team at boutique firm Stowe Family Law LLP, which deals with complex, multijurisdictional work across the full gamut of family law matters. Seasoned practitioner Claire Cleary specialises in high-net-worth financial remedy work, and Sara Morton is recommended for complex financial cases involving business assets, pensions, and overseas assets. Alice Price advises on a wide range of matters, including complex pension issues, and Emma Gibson focuses on private children law cases. TOLATA work is led by barrister Ethan Connor, who joined the firm in February 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Rebecca Calden-Storr


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Claire Cleary; Sara Morton; Alice Price; Emma Gibson; Ethan Connor


Referenzen

‘A solid, hard-working team.’

‘Stowe’s Birmingham team is a hard-working, client-focused team. It has the benefit of extensive local knowledge whilst having the infrastructure of a national firm. The team collaborate well to ensure that clients‘ needs are met and there is a breadth of expertise both in financial remedy and private law children matters.’

‘The team is led well by Rebecca Calden-Storr who has extensive experience in both high net worth financial remedy and complex children matters. She is solutions-focused and her client care is excellent. Sara Morton’s attention to detail is a particular strength. Emma Gibson’s work in private law children is excellent both in terms of client care, and in considering the overall strategy of a case and a client’s needs and aims.’

Sydney Mitchell LLP

With notable experience navigating matters involving abuse, Sydney Mitchell LLP‘s family offering runs the gamut of mandates. Co-leading the practice is Karen Moores, whose remit spans matrimonial finance, complex pension issues and children issues. She is joined by fellow co-head Mauro Vinti, who handles a variety of financial matters, including those involving businesses, complex commercial aspects, and international assets. The ‘thorough, honest, and supportive’ Gemma Whitchurch focuses on financial remedy issues and cases complicated by abuse; trained collaborative lawyer Teresa Mannion bolsters the firm’s ADR offering; and Claire Sargant and Emma Gray come highly recommended by clients.

Praxisleiter:

Karen Moores; Mauro Vinti


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Teresa Mannion; Gemma Whitchurch; Claire Sargant; Emma Gray


Referenzen

‘Gemma Whitchurch has handled my case from start to finish over the last couple of years and has been exceptional. She has been thorough, honest, and supportive throughout. Her communication was outstanding and she was very accessible to contact in times of need. I cannot recommend her enough.’

‘We dealt with Claire Sargant and Karen Moores. They were really helpful and very supportive. They gave guidance where required at all times. They were very reliable and trustworthy and had very strong legal expertise. The advice they gave was clear and anything I didn’t understand would be broken down and explained so I had full understanding.’

‘From the start, the team were very proactive, quickly establishing the details of my case and reassuring me about my numerous concerns. Whenever I had a question, there was a swift response and patient, supportive guidance. Truly, I could not have gotten through it all without their help and I can not recommend Sydney Mitchell highly enough – they are just fantastic.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for husband in the enforcement of a financial remedy order which included an unusual application for the wife to deliver up vacant possession of the family home.
  • Advising the wife in resolving financial remedy issues where the husband had significant pre-acquired wealth.
  • Advising husband/father in non-molestation proceedings and Children Act proceedings involving a 4-day finding of fact hearing and police disclosure relating to serious allegations of violence and coercive control.

The Wilkes Partnership

With lawyers dedicated to private and public family law work, The Wilkes Partnership assists a broad client base with the full spectrum of nuptial and child law-related matters. Veteran Aaron Keene leads the private family law team, which includes highly recommended mediator Jackie Lee, and well-rounded practitioners Shabina Bi and Grace Hallam. The public law group, led by complex childcare expert Ruth Harrison-Byrne, consists of Samantha Hodson, who handles highly sensitive matters involving children and vulnerable people, as well as seasoned specialist Gail Hope. Hayley McCormack joined the practice in June 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Aaron Keene; Ruth Harrison-Byrne


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jackie Lee; Gail Hope; Shabina Bi; Grace Hallam; Samantha Hodson; Hayley McCormack


Referenzen

‘Aaron Keene was very child-focused and even when the other party’s solicitor was using scare tactics, Aaron dealt with it using legal principles.‘

‘Ruth Harrison-Byrne is an exceptional solicitor who has extensive knowledge of public children law and outstanding client care skills. Samantha Hodson is an outstanding legal executive with exceptional organisational skills, legal knowledge and client care skills.’

‘Jackie Lee provided a client focused service and was knowledgeable, easy to deal with, and fought her client’s corner!’

Weightmans LLP

Tania Derrett-Smith, who handles the financial aspects of relationship breakdowns and disputes over child arrangements, leads Weightmans LLP’s Birmingham-based family offering, supported by Rupa Parekh, whose broad remit encompasses high-net-worth financial remedy and wealth protection agreements. Trained in collaborative law and other ADR methods and well-versed across the full spectrum of private family law matters, the team is equipped to handle disputes involving cross-border assets as well as issues of capacity, abuse, and coercive control. Mike Follis arrived in November of 2024, bringing over 40 years of experience to the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Tania Derrett-Smith


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rupa Parekh; Mike Follis


Referenzen

‘Tania Derrett-Smith is a knowledgeable and collaborative lawyer who wants the best for her clients without unnecessary conflict. She is responsive and a delight to work with.‘

‘Tania Derrett-Smith is a standout partner here. I would not hesitate to refer clients to Tania who will be tenacious when she has to be and maintains a focus on pragmatic and commercial resolution of matters. She will stand up for her clients in litigation – her experience gives confidence in her judgment of outcomes.’

‘The team offers a professional service. All of the members of the team I have dealt with have been knowledgeable and committed to getting the best result for the client.‘

Brendan Fleming Limited

‘Outstanding lawyerSamantha Gallett and the ‘highly committed’ Rebecca Ward lead the team at Brendan Fleming Limited, which handles private and public family law work, specialising in legal aid cases centred around allegations of non-accidental child injury. Other key team members include Ellie Satterthwaite and Natasha Satterthwaite, who each come highly recommended by clients.

Praxisleiter:

Rebecca Ward; Samantha Gallett


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ellie Satterthwaite; Natasha Satterthwaite


Referenzen

‘Rebecca Ward is an excellent solicitor who is always on top of the detail of her cases: she approaches every case strategically, which means it is set up properly from the off.‘

‚Samantha Gallett has clearly learnt from the best. She works tirelessly on behalf of vulnerable lay parties and gives every client the best possible chance in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.’

‘Rebecca Ward is a highly committed, diligent, hard-working and very capable solicitor with expertise in complex cases involving complex medical situations. Samantha Gallett is an intelligent and highly capable solicitor with expertise in a variety of public law areas including human rights violations.’

Cartwright King

Cartwright King is known for its work handling highly sensitive child abuse and neglect matters involving FGM, forced marriage, issues of mental health and housing instability, and more. Practice co-head Fiona Bowen concentrates on complex childcare proceedings, often involving issues of abuse, capacity, and Court of Protection matters. Other co-lead Matthew Cannan is a public law specialist experienced in a range of high-risk and cross-border care matters, and is well-practiced in acting before the Family Drug and Alcohol Court. Daniel Maiden is well-versed in representing children.

Praxisleiter:

Fiona Bowen; Matthew Cannan


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Daniel Maiden


Referenzen

‘The team is exceptional; the depth and quality is unprecedented in the West Midlands in my view. The level of legal talent is unprecedented.’

‘Matthew Cannan is a phenomenal children’s solicitor. Daniel Maiden is one to watch; he is acting at a level well beyond his years. He will go far. Fiona Bowen is considered and well-regarded.‘

‘Cartwright King is a firm synonymous with excellence. They have a stable of capable and effective solicitors, all passionate about the work they do in the field of family justice.’

Rayden Solicitors

Rayden Solicitors is engaged by a diverse client base on a variety of financial remedy proceedings and children work. ‘Absolute stalwart’ Mary Kaye, whose practice centres around highly sensitive child cases, wealth protection agreements, and other nuptial finance matters, leads the team, which includes Lauren Parton, a key contact for unmarried and married couples alike. Patrice Coughlin specialises in children matters and the breakdown of cohabitee relationships.

Praxisleiter:

Mary Kaye


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lauren Parton; Patrice Coughlin


Referenzen

‘A great niche firm.’

‘Mary Kaye is a true pro. She is massively experienced, clever and caring. Lauren Parton is also first class.’

‘The team is led by Mary Kaye who is experienced in all areas of family law. She is very well respected and leaves no stone unturned in being a strong representative for her clients.’

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP’s Birmingham-based family offering is well-rehearsed in the negotiation of complex, high-value, acrimonious, and often multijurisdictional financial remedies and other instructions related to the finances and children of married and cohabiting couples. The group is led by ‘genuine force’ Aasha Choudhary, and includes Monica Ghai, who handles child and financial remedy matters with culturally complex elements, and ‘skillful technician’ Robert Norris, who comes highly recommended for high-risk child law issues, high-net-worth divorce, and wealth protection agreements. Deanna Phillips-Mills is another key team member.

Praxisleiter:

Aasha Choudhary


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Monica Ghai; Robert Norris; Deanna Phillips-Mills


Referenzen

‘Aasha Choudhary is excellent. A true professional who will fight tooth and nail for her clients, but is also approachable, calm, and measured in all exchanges. I also find the whole team excellent to deal with.’

‚Aasha Choudhary is a brilliant communicator and extremely hard working. She is lovely to work with. Monica Ghai leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of the right outcome for her clients.’

‘Rob Norris is a skillful technician with a fantastic eye for detail. Monica Ghai is an up and coming star with great skills in both financial remedy and children act work.’

VWV

Led by Lucy Barr, VWV’s family offering in Birmingham is engaged by high-net-worth clients to handle the complex financial side of divorce through contentious and alternative means, as well as to draw up pre- and post-nuptial agreements for individuals with significant assets to protect. The group, which includes Amy Parker, is also experienced in matters involving children.

Praxisleiter:

Lucy Barr


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Amy Parker


Referenzen

‘The team in Birmingham work cohesively to provide a service with a high level of specialism, responsiveness and excellent client care.‘

‘Lucy Barr is approachable and goes the extra mile to understand a client’s motivations and aims. Her technical knowledge and ability to consider the strategy of a case is second to none.’

‘Lucy Barr is a highly respected and formidable practitioner. Lucy is known for her exceptional handling of complex financial settlements and her ability to negotiate robustly while maintaining a strategic, solutions-focused approach. Her meticulous attention to detail and commercial awareness make her a trusted adviser in high-net-worth cases.‘