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David Gray Solicitors has an ‘unparalleled reputation for excellence’ in both public and private family law. Collaborative lawyer and practice head Mary Shaw is a ‘formidable solicitor who exudes an air of quiet confidence’; Nicky Hunter is a ‘superb advocate’; and Lucy Mead is ‘unflappably calm and enthusiastic’. The firm also has a growing ancillary relief practice.

Major Family Law is ‘at the top of the tree’ in the field of ancillary relief matters arising from high-net-worth divorce and separation cases, and is also active in children law matters. The specialist team is headed by the highly esteemed Joanne Major, who is ‘a force to be reckoned with’, and includes Anna Hunter and Rebecca Tarn. It was bolstered by the addition of ‘star in the making’ Jo Hall, from David Gray Solicitors.

Silk Family Law has quickly established itself as a market-leading specialist family law firm, with a focus on high-value divorce cases. The team is ‘incisive, and the quality of work extremely high’. Key figures include barrister Ian Kennerley (a ‘master of his art);’ Margaret Simpson (‘straightforward and sensitive’) Kim Fellowes (‘superb’); and Siobhan Jeffels (‘exceptional in her field’). The ‘extremely knowledgable’ Amanda Baker joined from Jacksons Law.

Hay & Kilner handles publicly funded work and advises high-net-worth private clients Collaboratively trained lawyer Nicola Matthews is ‘one of the Newcastle’s best financial relief lawyers’, and higher rights advocate Robert Hart is ‘one of the top practitioners in children work’.

Lowthian Gray is ‘first class in the field of family law, particularly in financial matters on marital breakdown’. Clients praise the personalised nature of the service provided, and name partner Katharine Lowthian is ‘outstanding’. The three-fee-earner group is also strong in children law matters.

Mincoff Solicitors LLP’s Mike Smith is noted for his matrimonial expertise, with ancillary relief matters a particular area of strength.

Jonathan Dunkley is recommended at Muckle LLP. His focus includes high-value cases, and he has recently been retained by a media personality with substantial assets.

Samuel Phillips Law Firm has a strong team of fee-earners which includes Jennifer Goldstein, Elizabeth Gallagher and Ailsa Gilhespy. The group advises on all family law matters, with a focus on ancillary relief and pensions issues within divorces.

Sintons LLP’s team includes the highly rated Tim Gray and Jo Whitfield. Their expertise extends to ancillary relief matters.

Ward Hadaway’s ‘first-class’ family law team has a strong offering in matrimonial matters, particularly high-value and multi-jurisdictional divorce work. Jonathan Flower leads the team, which includes ‘unflappable’ and ‘diligent’ associate Sarah Crilly.

Collaborative lawyer Ann Pope is the key partner at the ‘excellent’ Archers Law LLP. Pope assists high-net-worth individuals in domestic and cross-border divorce and ancillary relief matters, and handles Children Act proceedings.

BHP Law acts in high-net-worth divorce cases. Terry Hamer has recently been advising in relation to non-accidental injuries of children, and Andrea Hewitson has been handling a number of high-value ancillary relief cases.

Beecham Peacock’s team is led by Sophia Yau-Rosher, and acts in both high-value ancillary relief cases and complex children matters. Lucinda Connell, Fiona Ryans and Charlotte Walker are ‘tenacious but realistic lawyers’.

At Burnetts, practice head and collaborative lawyer Simon Mortimer has ‘the right balance of experience and knowledge’. The team has specialist experience in farming divorces.

Colette Stroud Solicitors’ name partner offers collaborative law and mediation services to private clients in ancillary relief matters.

DWF LLP’s Christine Blount handles a mix of private client matters including divorce, separation and disputes involving children.

Hayton Winkley handles ancillary relief and children law matters for private clients. John Olroyd is the key figure.

Jacksons Law lost Amanda Baker and Wendy Beacom to Silk Family Law. Stephen Duffy is now the key contact, with experience including ancillary relief cases.

Niche family law practice McDaniel & Co. is led by matrimonial specialist Rozanna Head-Rapson. The firm recently hired Lyn Rutherford, who is ‘exceptional, and has an outstanding knowledge of all aspect of family law’, and was previously head of family at Dickinson Dees LLP.

McKeag & Co’s Sue McArthur and Victoria Newton advise private clients on matrimonial, ancillary relief and children law matters.

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