Firms To Watch: Family: elsewhere in the West Midlands

Bank Solicitors Ltd is a Redditch-based offering that handles financial and child-related cases. Stephen Outhwaite and Sobea Irfan co-head the team.  
Justin Creed at Lodders Solicitors LLP is praised for his ‘advice and counsel which is always insightful, balanced and never adversarial'.

Family: elsewhere in the West Midlands in West Midlands

FBC Manby Bowdler

Based across various locations in the West Midlands, the substantial family law practice at FBC Manby Bowdler is headed by high-value and agricultural financial remedy specialist Philip Cowell. The team has vast experience advising high-net-worth clients with complex assets and businesses, including those overseas or inherited from family. The firm also houses a team of solicitors with notable expertise working on Children Act cases involving serious allegations and safeguarding issues. Sarah Millington handles child-related and matrimonial matters for farming clients, and Elizabeth Harris-Clark specialises in highly sensitive child law cases. Mediator Claire Darley has particular experience handling financial matters involving overseas assets and resources. Collaborative lawyer Emma Smith and well-rounded practitioner Kate Rowley are further key names. Rajpreet Sangha offers a variety of services including the negotiation of wealth protection agreements, and veteran family specialist Anne Thomson supports the group as a consultant. Shelley De’Worringham joined the practice in mid-2025.

Praxisleiter:

Philip Cowell


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sarah Millington; Elizabeth Harris-Clark; Claire Darley; Emma Smith; Kate Rowley; Rajpreet Sangha; Anne Thomson; Chloe Turner; Shelley De’Worringham


Referenzen

‘Anne Thomson has been superb in supporting me over the last few years through a very challenging time. I have had complete confidence in her advice & expertise delivered in a no-nonsense but compassionate way.‘

‘Chloe Turner has been brilliant from day 1. Always available for advice, very quick responses. Anticipated the actions of the respondent before they happened. Was very well prepared and knew the case inside out. Makes you feel like your case is the only one they’re working on even though it’s obviously not! Acted with empathy throughout and gave me the confidence to fight my corner. Can’t thank her enough.’

‘Since I first met Emma Smith, I felt confident that she was the right person to represent me. Emma worked in a very open and honest way. I always knew what was happening and what was going to happen next. She was approachable and always came back to me promptly. Emma took the time to understand my situation in order to best support me. Whenever I had a query, it was dealt with accordingly.’

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Harrison Clark Rickerbys assists a variety of families with the full range of matrimonial and child-related issues, emphasising alternative dispute resolution while remaining active in litigation. Spread across the region, the Worcester office is co-led by Anita Hennessey, an advocate who focuses on highly sensitive child-related cases, and Laura Williams, a mediator and specialist adviser to unmarried couples; the Hereford offering has been headed by Christopher Finch since April 2025. The leads are supported by Wye Valley-based financial remedy and child lawyer Alex Wilson, seasoned litigator James Osborne, and Maxine Reid, who concentrates on financial work involving overseas assets and interests. Lauren Nash and Amy-Marie Vale are both experienced advocates.

Praxisleiter:

Anita Hennessey; Laura Williams; Christopher Finch


Weitere Kernanwälte:

James Osborne; Alex Wilson; Maxine Reid; Lauren Nash; Amy-Marie Vale


Referenzen

‘Harrison Clark Rickerbys took an assertive approach to managing my divorce process and were proactive at every turn. The process was more complicated than expected but, nevertheless, they guided me through the process, putting me in touch with external stakeholders to assist where necessary.’

‘James Osborne – point man, took the time to explain each stage and gave his assessment of the likelihood of success.‘

‘Friendly, helpful staff – everyone takes the time to explain things in easy-to-understand language, there were no delays in dealing with my case, and everyone I dealt with at HCR Law was very knowledgeable in their specialist field.’

Higgs LLP

Based in Brierly Hill, Higgs LLP’s family law practice serves a varied and high-net-worth client roster from across the region with complex financial remedy, wealth protection, cohabitation, and child-related matters, both in and out of court. Seasoned practitioner Philip Barnsley heads the operation, supported by Rhian Gray, who has a niche specialism handling cases involving a party who has lost capacity. Ellie Norton takes on instructions centred around a range of sensitive family law issues. Harbinder Gosal joined the firm in January 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Philip Barnsley


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rhian Gray; Ellie Norton; Harbinder Gosal


Referenzen

‘Higgs LLP is a tour de force. This is a firm which is now emerging as one of the Midlands‘ main players. They are attracting very complex HNW cases which is a testament to their ability and profile.’

‘Rhian Gray is one of the solicitors the who is making this firm a major player in the family law arena, by attracting HNW clients and offering them first-rate family law advice and obtaining outstanding results for them. She is a great lawyer and her clients love her. She is hard-working, dedicated, and has excellent judgment.’

‘Communication of the team is always exceptional especially when comparing with other firms. Clients are given the utmost attention which underpins how valued they are.’

MFG Solicitors LLP

Katherine Tippetts, whose caseload primarily consists of high-net-worth wealth protection and financial remedy matters, heads up the family law offering at West Midlands outfit MFG Solicitors LLP. The team is well-versed in the full spectrum of private family law matters, with Elizabeth Tuchener-Ellis taking the helm on complex child-related work involving international complexities, and also offering support to clients in high-net-worth financial remedy cases. Another key figure in the practice is the Worcester-based and ‘tactically astute’ Gurdip Kaur Brring, who specialises in divorces involving family businesses, offshore assets, and farms, as well as cohabitation matters, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Sian Kenkre comes highly recommended for various issues, and ‘one to watch’ Kennedy Langley and Anna Robinson support the group from Kidderminster.

Praxisleiter:

Katherine Tippetts


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gurdip Kaur Brring; Elizabeth Tuchener-Ellis; Sian Kenkre; Kennedy Langley; Anna Robinson


Referenzen

‘The firm is efficient and organised in the delivery of instruction and works in the best interests of the client throughout.’

‘Elizabeth Tuchener-Ellis is dedicated, diligent, and committed to the client whilst remaining entirely focused upon and realistic about the issues involved in any given case. She is straightforward, compassionate, and clear with the client, and is always anxious to ensure where possible a resolution is reached as soon as possible to keep costs to a minimum. High professional standards are maintained at all times.’

‚A really friendly, vastly experienced and dedicated firm of Solicitors. Big-hitters of the West Midlands and beyond!‘

Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd

Spread across the Warwickshire and Coventry region, Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd offers private and public family law counsel. Lisa Blizzard heads up the firm’s public family law offering, often receiving instructions relating to neurodiverse children. Collaboratively trained lawyer Jonathan Miller has notable experience advising cohabiting couples, and Lynne Steptoe specialises in divorce, financial relief, contested child disputes, and injunctive relief proceedings. Also on the team is Alex Butler, whose broad remit includes cases involving local authorities.

Praxisleiter:

Lisa Blizzard


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jonathan Miller; Lynne Steptoe; Alex Butler


Referenzen

‘Jonathan Miller’s attention to detail is excellent. Lynne Steptoe is well prepared and provides detailed advice.’

‘Lynn Steptoe shows enormous dedication to her clients. My impression is that she really invests herself in her clients‘ cases and fights their corner hard.’

‘A standout member of the team is Lynne Steptoe, whose depth of knowledge and compassionate approach makes her a trusted adviser in even the most challenging cases. Lynne is known for her ability to balance a tenacious legal strategy with a genuine understanding of the emotional complexities involved in family disputes.

Lanyon Bowdler

From negotiating pre-nuptial agreements to navigating complex and sensitive child cases, the team at Lanyon Bowdler helps clients before the courts and via ADR under the direction of ‘exceptional’ Sue Hodgson, an expert in complex child-related disputes, including cases with cross-border, safeguarding, and criminal aspects. Philippa Pearson’s practice encompasses managing child law matters and the financial fallout of relationship breakdowns, from marriages to civil partnerships, specialising in advising farming clients. Staci Robinson comes highly recommended for a variety of family law instructions, and Caroline Yorke, Lisa Grimmett, and ‘very strong associate’ Anne Lewis are further key team members.

Praxisleiter:

Sue Hodgson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Philippa Pearson; Staci Robinson; Caroline Yorke; Lisa Grimmett; Anne Lewis; Jon Moriarty


Referenzen

‘Lanyon Bowdler is the go-to firm for private family law in Telford and Shrewsbury. Their reputation in the area is unmatched. They attract work of the highest quality and provide a service to match.’

‘Sue Hodgson is exceptional. She is often instructed in the most complex private children law cases such as those involving serious allegations of harm. She provides a steady hand to guide clients through a difficult time. Anne Lewis is a very strong associate. Her cases are always exceptionally well-prepared. She provides clients with realistic advice but is equally prepared to fight her clients‘ corners.’

‘Sue Hodgson is second to none in the client care and support she provides. Her experience shines through everything she does. She always has the client’s confidence and makes life significantly easier. Her preparation and tactical acumen ensure the client has the best advantages going into negotiations and hearing.’

Pickerings Solicitors

Experienced in nuptial finance negotiations, cohabitation agreements, and various child law matters, Pickerings Solicitors’ Tamworth-based family team is led by a duo of experienced names. Co-lead Susan Davies is the firm’s divorce and separation lead, acting for clients in litigation and through collaborative and other alternative means, and fellow co-head Richard Westley handles the practice’s children law caseload and is highly experienced in acting for children directly in public and private law disputes. Joanna Craddock takes on care cases for children, parents, and family members and is also adept at navigating serious cases, an area where Hannah Naughton is similarly well-versed. Seasoned solicitor Jane Hinds focuses on matrimonial instructions.

Praxisleiter:

Susan Davies; Richard Westley


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Joanna Craddock; Hannah Naughton; Jane Hinds


Referenzen

‘Joanna Craddock is a fierce advocate for her clients, when acting for parents and when acting on behalf of children. She is very thorough and always checks the fine details to get the best outcome for her client. She is a strong courtroom advocate and gives good, sensible, clear advice when needed.’

‚Compared to other firms, Pickerings appears to me to be consistent in its approach and demonstrates a solid understanding of both private and public family law matters. The team is dependable.’

‘The individuals at Pickerings Solicitors are professional, well-prepared, and responsive. They communicate clearly flowing into their instructions and discussions with clients during conference for example, which helps ensure a smooth working relationship.‘

Band Hatton Button LLP

As a trained collaborative lawyer and experienced child-inclusive and hybrid mediator, Tracy Cross leads the compact team at Coventry outfit Band Hatton Button LLP, which routinely assists high-net-worth clients engaged in financial remedy proceedings with cross-border aspects, as well as handling complex family matters involving criminal elements, and other matters complicated by abuse, estrangement, and more. Ruth Hayfield supports Cross with the full spectrum of matters and has a particular interest in child work.

Praxisleiter:

Tracy Cross


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ruth Hayfield


Referenzen

‘Band Hatton Button is a well-known, highly respected law firm in Coventry. Clients can be assured of receiving the best possible service, along with realistic, compassionate advice. When I needed legal advice for personal reasons, I had no hesitation in instructing BHB.’

‘I instructed Tracy Cross to assist with my divorce. Through the entire process I felt that I was the only client that Tracy had. Her advice was always realistic, and proved to be extremely accurate!‘

‚The team is compassionate and understands that they are dealing with difficult situations. The team always wants to do the right thing for their clients which is great to see.‘

George Green LLP

Black Country-based George Green LLP is led by Mark Vandaele, who specialises in financial remedy proceedings where complex business structures and challenging company valuation disputes arise. Gemma Fenton leads in Sutton Coldfield, and is knowledgeable in Children Act disputes and relationship breakdown. In Cradley Heath, Richard Port is best known for his work with victims of domestic abuse. Aimee Stokes is experienced in child-related litigation and out-of-court resolution options.

Praxisleiter:

Mark Vandaele


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gemma Fenton; Richard Port; Aimee Stokes


Referenzen

‘I found everyone I dealt with at George Green LLP to be extremely knowledgeable and prompt to respond to any questions or information needed.‘

‘I found the people who worked on my case to be professional but also very much felt like they had my best interests at heart. They could see beyond the legal aspects of my case, and were warm and delivered a personal touch. Gemma Fenton was brilliant and was always available to talk things through.‘

‘Gemma Fenton has been absolutely fantastic in every way, she is a true professional and people person. Gemma has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, shows integrity and maintains high standards throughout. Gemma can articulate accurately what the issues are and supports the client with ways moving forward that are suited to the client’s needs.‘

Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for a client in a reported decision of a successful appeal made to a Circuit Judge at the High Court in London against a Financial Remedy Order made by a District Judge in Birmingham County Family Court on 27.06.2023.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Experienced in Children Act proceedings as well as matrimonial finance work, handling financial remedy disputes involving international assets, trusts, businesses and large pensions, and negotiating wealth protection agreements, the team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises a wealthy client base. Helen Bowns heads up the team from the Stratford-upon-Avon office, acting for high-net-worth clients. Deanna Phillips-Mills’ broad practice covers relationship breakdown and matters involving domestic abuse.

Praxisleiter:

Helen Bowns


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Deanna Phillips-Mills


Referenzen

‚Deanna Phillips-Mills stands out for her dedication to client care and depth of expertise in private law children cases. She has a reputation for being thorough, approachable, and highly skilled in resolving disputes relating to child arrangements and parental responsibility. Her ability to engage sensitively with clients while maintaining a firm, results-driven approach makes her an invaluable asset to the team.‘

‚The whole SM team recognised how difficult I was during the process and took time to explain each step and were always available for any questions, however minor. While technically very capable it was their obvious care for how I was coping and feeling. That was their clear point of difference for me.’

‘The staff were incredibly supportive, going the extra mile by attentively hearing my entire story. They took the time to understand my personal feelings and provided insightful advice that helped me maintain my composure. Their empathy and understanding were truly remarkable.’

Talbots Law

Advising a client base of high-net-worth business owners, professionals, and their families, Talbots Law is notably experienced in handling the financial side of relationship breakdowns, whether in court or through ADR. James Wright leads the team, specialising in various matrimonial finance matters, including separation and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Katie Wager specialises in relationship breakdown and financial remedy work; trained collaborative lawyer Kelly Perks and ‘one to watch’ Ellesse Wilson are also key contacts.

Praxisleiter:

James Wright


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Katie Wager; Kelly Perks; Ellesse Wilson; Samantha Kirkwood; Claudia Sketchley


Referenzen

‘Talbots are a large, multidisciplinary firm that have the resources that come with a large firm and the collaboration between teams to deal with any and all issues one might experience in family litigation, in particular financial remedy litigation.‘

‘Kelly Perks is a very experienced, collaborative lawyer who has an excellent bedside manner.’

‘This team is phenomenal – the depth and quality of the team is unmatched.‘

Wright Hassall LLP

Under the leadership of new practice head Karen Brennan, the team at Wright Hassall LLP assists clients, often with business and agricultural assets, regarding financial remedy matters and wealth protection and cohabitation agreements. The team also handles private child law cases, an area where Laura Stocks focuses.

Praxisleiter:

Karen Brennan


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Laura Stocks


Referenzen

‘It has a good reputation.’

‘Staff that I have dealt with seem very competent and capable.’

‚Laura Stocks has a wealth of experience and I have appreciated her professionalism at all times, she has been firm and sensitive in her approach in this highly emotive and at times distressing arena.‘

Mercy Messenger

As a boutique family firm, Mercy Messenger's practice is led by name partner Mercy Messenger, who handles the full range of family work with particular expertise in mandates involving complex business structures and ultra-high-net-worth proceedings. Sehra Tabasum also contributes to the practice across financial remedy and children cases.

Praxisleiter:

Mercy Messenger


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sehra Tabasum


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