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At DFA Law, trained mediator Alan Kiddle continues to operate in the area of privately funded divorce. For publicly funded work, including care and children, new partner Prester Coleman has replaced Mike Saunders, who has retired.

Freeth Cartwright LLP is noted for its partner-led approach, and has recently advised on matters involving serious assault of a wife, and assets in Holland and South Africa. Judith Speed is a chair of the region’s Resolution group.

John Hooper & Co’s name partner has ‘lots of experience, good instincts, sound judgment, and will only fight a point if it is worth it but will then fight hard’. The five-strong team advises on complex matters involving international issues, trusts and offshore bank accounts.

Rupert Bear Murray Davies is widely recognised for its work on complex divorces, separations and children matters.

Flint Bishop LLP has significant experience at the higher end of ancillary relief proceedings involving business and trusts interests. Fiona Lazenby is ‘pragmatic, astute and sensible in her negotiations’.

Harvey Ingram LLP’s family practice was boosted in 2010 by the hire of new head Andrew Breakwell and two assistants from Clarke Willmott LLP in Birmingham, and the merger with South East firm Borneos. Sonia Bachu is the key figure in Leicester.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited’s team is led by the ‘excellent’ Caroline Elliott. In Leicester, ‘star in the making’ Lisa-Marie Darby works alongside two specialist childcare solicitors. The firm ‘has all the benefits of a large practice, but has successfully maintained the personal and individual touch’.

Rothera Dowson adopts a ‘top-quality’ collaborative approach to separation and divorce, and specialist children matters. Paul Cobb provides a ‘top-drawer service and is an understated, reassuring presence’; Lorna Sear deals with ancillary relief and is ‘sensitive but practical’; and Ann-Marie Bowman is ‘excellent for children matters: forceful but with a gentle touch.’

‘Helpful, diligent, competent and tenacious’, FILEX Nick Ingrey at Roythornes LLP is ‘every bit as capable as a number of smart London solicitors’.

Smith Partnership is distinguished by its holistic practice, offering a range of separation advice to public or privately funded clients, together with a specialist childcare department. Peter Dadswell is a ‘lovely knight in shining armour’, and Muctar Johal’s ‘commitment to his clients is outstanding’.

Wilkin Chapman’s team, headed by Lisa Boileau, handles mid to high-value matters, and includes qualified mediators and a collaborative lawyer.

Senior practitioner Michael Spencer at Actons operates at the higher end of ancillary relief claims, as well as children matters, and has a growing practice advising on pre-nuptial agreements.

‘Intelligent, professional and responsive’, Brigid Turner at Brigid Turner & Co provides a cost-effective alternative to City firms, handling complex, high-value matters.

Chattertons has several highly experienced practitioners, including practice head Eleanor Thornton.

Well-respected Leicester practitioner Jane Cowley joined Howes Percival LLP in 2010 to build up a family practice at the firm.

‘Highly experienced niche practice’ Prince Family Law has expanded its partner quotient to handle a growing volume of high-value instructions.

Fiona Apthorp at Robinsons is a seasoned practitioner.

Spearing Waite LLP has two partners experienced in ancillary relief requiring forensic financial investigations; and complex childcare matters. The firm was instructed on some 120 new matters in 2010.

Tollers LLP’ Sally Smith is recommended for divorce work involving complex financial issues; she can provide ‘a straightforward and clear assessment of what is possible and reasonable without wasting time and money’. Katie Herrod is ‘always responsive, very knowledgeable’.

Wilson Browne’s team provides comprehensive advice across the region.

Woodford Robinson is recognised for its legal aid practice.

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