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United Kingdom > South East > Private client > Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

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‘In a different league’, Manches LLP retains a pre-eminent family practice, noted for its ‘rapid, courteous and professional’ approach. The ‘outstanding’ Jane Mitchell advises high-net-worth clients on ancillary relief and child cases. Kerry Fretwell joined the Reading office from Blandy & Blandy LLP and is particularly experienced in cohabitation matters. ‘Brilliant in every way’, Alexandra Lewis provides ‘sound consideration in a crisis’. Senior associate Ruth James is ‘very supportive’.

Blake Lapthorn has ‘high standards and levels of experience in family law’, with ‘proactive, approachable and effective’ partner Christine Plews singled out for her ‘shrewd and thorough advice’ delivered with ‘unflappable calm’. The team has experience in handling pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

A ‘very decent outfit’, Blandy & Blandy LLP is ‘client centred’ and ‘extremely knowledgeable’. ‘Cool under pressure’, Andrew Don has ‘vast experience’, and the ‘extremely professional’ Brenda Long has a ‘down-to-earth approach’. The team lost Kerry Fretwell to Manches LLP in 2010.

The ‘insightful and efficient’ Simon Craddock at Brethertons LLP has a ‘wealth of experience’ in international child abduction cases, and ‘practical knowledge of the Hague Convention’. The ‘exceptional team’ works ‘tirelessly to secure excellent outcomes for clients’.

‘Efficient and highly competent’, Henmans LLP handles high-value ancillary relief cases. The ‘professional, supportive and knowledgeable’ Rachael Oakes offers ‘robust and realistic advice’ and has experience in collaborative law.

Morgan Cole handles ancillary relief and offshore trust work with the ‘utmost professionalism’. Jenni Howard is ‘able to cut through to the essence of a case without sacrificing detail’.

The ‘utterly professional’ Thomas Eggar LLP handles work for high-net-worth individuals, and has experience in cross-border cases. Providing ‘top-dollar service’, Claire Hamilton-Russell has an ‘impeccable bedside manner’.

The ‘very approachable’ team at Clifton Ingram LLP provides ‘quick and effective responses’. It handles pre-nuptial agreements and has experience in cohabitation matters. Marilyn Young leads the team, supported by Kate Grant.

Darbys Solicitors LLP’s team is led by William Selby-Lowndes, who is a ‘calm and safe pair of hands’. Consultant Catherine Eddy has ‘excellent judgement’.

Field Seymour Parkes is ‘technically very strong and able to deliver services in a human way’. With ‘impressive knowledge’, Michelle Mann has a ‘very calming persona’. Susan Baker is recommended.

Theresa Horsey leads the team at Horsey Lightly, which has experience in matrimonial, cohabition and children cases. Lynn Wallis has collaborative law expertise.

Withy King LLP has a ‘high degree of knowledge’ and provides ‘really excellent service’. Simon Bassett is ‘very approachable’, and Mark Phillips is ‘very professional, accessible, courteous and kind’.

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