Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

Roz Lidder handles gunnercooke LLP‘s family law practice in Buckinghamshire and focuses on divorce, matrimonial finance, and private-law child arrangements.

Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 in South East

Barrett & Thomson

Barrett & Thomson is well known throughout the Thames Valley as one of the longest-standing regional firms, notable for its ability to handle highly sensitive and urgent instructions from both domestic and international clients. Complex matrimonial, family and high-net-worth divorce work are among the ‘very professional’ team’s core strengths in this space. Child law and domestic abuse expert Claire Fitzgerald heads the practice group, and is supported by ‘outstanding solicitor’ Tracey Haynes who excels on public law child cases. Sue Scott comes highly recommended by clients for the full suite of family issues.

Practice head(s):

Claire Fitzgerald


Other key lawyers:

Tracey Haynes; Sue Scott; Rizwana Khan


Testimonials

‘Claire Fitzgerald supported and represented our family in a serious family matter. She was a professional, objective and strategic sounding board who showed genuine care for facilitating positive outcomes for our family.’

‘Highly professional staff led by a superb partner Claire Fitzgerald. Her advice is solid and professional. She never makes you feel you are rushed. She acknowledges your problems and provides practical solutions.’

‘Sue Scott and her team helped me to pick up the pieces of my life and rebuild what I thought would never be achievable. Sue and her team work closely together, using each others knowledge and expertise to achieve an end goal. They are a glowing example of what teams ought to be. I cannot recommend Sue and her team enough. Sue is a senior solicitor of exceptional quality.’

‘Rizwana Khan has an unrivalled tenacity and commitment to her clients. Family Law as a whole is fortunate to have such a high caliber, dedicated professional representing clients within this area of law.’

‘Sue Scott is an outstanding solicitor. She is extremely knowledgable, understanding, compassionate and did all that she could to ensure that the best outcomes were achieved. She always went above and beyond. Sue is straight talking, with a no nonsense and realistic approach. She did all that she could to help me through extremely difficult litigation.’

‘Riz Khan is extremely experienced. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and processes and it shines through in her case preparation. She is highly organised and always put in the work. She never shies away from the fight.’

‘Tracey Haynes is very efficient and can put her finger on what is needed for the management of a case and relay it clients effectively. She communicates ably with other professionals and with counsel to ensure hearings are effective on behalf of her clients – she goes the extra mile for them.’

‘Tracey Haynes is an outstanding solicitor with very high standards of client care. Tracey is meticulous, well organised, good at communicating with external parties and her clients and provides them with an excellent service.’

Work highlights


Blandy & Blandy LLP

Blandy & Blandy LLP is adept across the full suite of family law issues, with a robust track record for handling complex, high-net-worth divorce proceedings and sensitive child cases. The Thames Valley-based offering is led by experienced practitioner Claire Dyer; divorce and separation, financial remedy and disputes in relation to children are her core specialisms. Tasha Bevan-Stewart similarly handles a broad range of complex work, but particularly excels on collaborative law. Associate solicitor Rebecca Ledgerwood, whose 'attention to detail is second to none’, is also heavily praised by clients. ‘Brilliant and caring solicitor’ Shashi Sachdeva is another key contact within the group, frequently undertaking complex cases involving trusts, inheritances, and both pre and post separation assets.

Practice head(s):

Claire Dyer


Other key lawyers:

Tasha Bevan-Stewart; Shashi Sachdeva; Rebecca Ledgerwood; Peter Hilton


Testimonials

‘Without a doubt the top family law firm in the Thames Valley area! From the most senior partner to the most junior solicitor, they ooze class throughout their team!’

‘Claire Dyer delivers a first-class service to her clients. Her clients always receive the great advice and can feel safe that they are in the best possible hands. Shashi Sachdeva, like Claire, is at the absolute top of her game! The partners are supported by their excellent team, particularly Rebecca Ledgerwood, although the whole team deserve a mention. First rate from top to bottom!’

‘I have been extremely satisfied with the team at Blandy & Blandy. I have been in a very difficult marriage and they have been supportive on every level. The response was outstanding. They have been very patient and explain everything to me so I can easily understand. They made the process as painless as it possibly be.’

‘I worked with Peter Hilton. I valued Peters knowledge however what I valued the most was his compassion and understanding.I never felt that he is doing his job just to earn money on a contrary I felt that he is doing the job to help me and sort out my messy life. Peter is outstanding professionally and also as a person. Always happy to help and nothing has been a trouble for him.’

‘I would like to thank Shashi Sachdeva most especially for her amazing and kind work and support. She is truly a star. She guided me thoughtfully and thoroughly throughout the entire process, always speaking kindly and directly, every step of the way.’

‘Rebecca Ledgerwood took a personal interest in my position and I could tell she cared. She made the whole experience so much easier and I didn’t at any point feel like “just another client”. Her attention to detail is second to none and she is fantastic at listening to your point of view, adjusting her approach to procedures and explaining why.’

‘Stand-out individuals for me are Shashi Sachdeva and Rebecca Ledgerwood, they are simply a force of nature, incredibly professional and absolutely a pleasure to deal with.’

Work highlights


Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne

The well-established and ‘very experienced’ family law team at Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne sees an exceedingly broad caseload, placing particular emphasis on its work in care proceedings, private child law, surrogacy and finances. Four lawyers comprise the leadership team: Emily Boardman represents parents in complex care and adoption proceedings. Ruth Hawkins is vastly experienced in all aspects of child law cases and undertakes the team’s mediation work in the space. Irena Osborne, whose practice encompasses public and private law children litigation, has further expertise in work involving international element, including abduction cases. Helen Bishop has over 20 years of experience in the space, and now heads the firm’s private matrimonial practice. Stuart Webber joined the firm in 2022, and focuses on private law matters, particularly those concerning finances.

Practice head(s):

Emily Boardman; Ruth Hawkins; Irena Osborne; Helen Bishop


Other key lawyers:

Stuart Webber


Testimonials

‘Their commitment to clients is second to none.’

‘Emily Boardman, Irena Osborne and Ruth Hawkins always go the extra mile and are delight to work with on public and private law children matters.’

‘Stuart Webber is intelligent, assured, and calm – both in instructions to counsel and in his management of the most difficult circumstances for clients.’

Work highlights


Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's Thames Valley contingent is notable for having the bandwidth to handle a broad range 0f highly complex family law matters, especially those with a cross-border element or involving high-net-worth individuals. Co-head of practice Jane Mitchell is a key name for such matters, as a fellow of the International Family Law Association. Divorce specialist and renowned practitioner Kerry Fretwell  serves as fellow co-head, specialising in negotiating financial settlements. Trained collaborative lawyer Ruth James  rounds out the leadership team, focusing her practice on child disputes and high net-worth cases.

Practice head(s):

Jane Mitchell; Kerry Fretwell; Ruth James


Other key lawyers:

Emma Leavesley; Eleanor Moodey; Danielle Bentley


Work highlights


Blake Morgan LLP

Resolving financial issues arising from familial relationship breakdowns is the core currency for Blake Morgan LLP's Thames Valley-based family offering. High-value family litigation is also firmly within the team’s wheelhouse. Team leader James Davies maintains his strong matrimonial finances practice, receiving praise as ‘the very best of Resolution’s code of conduct in practice’. Experienced mediator and former practice head Christine Plews frequently acts on matrimonial finance litigation, whilst legal director Catherine Morgan is another important port of call within the group.

Practice head(s):

James Davies


Other key lawyers:

Christine Plews; Catherine Morgan; Laura Bennett; Amy Maher


Testimonials

‘The team that dealt with my case were extremely professional, has a vast knowledge of the law and helped me all the way through the process. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.’

‘Christine Plews is a practical, hands-on mediator. She is resolution focused and does her best to steer clients away from the court process.’

‘I dealt with Laura Bennett who was a delight to work with. It was nice to deal with someone that took my feelings into consideration. Laura went above and beyond to make me feel at ease and couldn’t have asked more of her. If I ever need help in that department again I will be asking for Laura to be my solicitor.’

‘James Davies is really very strong on the law and very determined to get the right result for his client while always having regard to costs.

‘Amy Maher is wonderful with clients and gives reasoned and clear advice.’

‘Laura Bennett has a measured approach that clients appreciate. She has an excellent manner with clients and is very good at explaining complicated proceedings.’

‘James Davies is a delight to deal with. The very best of Resolution’s code of conduct in practice!’

‘Amy Maher: clever, confident, and a joy to deal with. She has clear strategy from the start of cases and gets great results. Clients like her direct, friendly and empathetic manner.’

Work highlights


Brethertons LLP

Brethertons LLP‘s caseload includes public and private child law, financial remedies following divorce, and collaborative law matters. Practice leader Simon Craddock specialises on international child law and was praised as ‘absolutely dedicated to getting the best results for his clients’. Dominic Wisdom deals with financial remedies in divorce proceedings for national and international clients. Gemma Kelsey is a specialist for international child abduction cases, alongside a full spectrum of family law matters.

Practice head(s):

Simon Craddock


Other key lawyers:

Sally Clark; Joanne Stringer; Linda Jones; Dominic Wisdom; Katie Phillips; Bridget Beresford; Gemma Kelsey


Testimonials

‘I have been treated with great compassion and professionalism during the most difficult time of my life. I have been given very clear and consistent legal advice which has allowed me to make choices about what the next steps in the process should be.

‘Katie Phillips has been excellent. She has shown me great compassion and has really listened to me. She has given me clear and consistent advice. She has talked through the different options for action that I have, so that I have been able to make informed choices.’

‘I felt supported across departments and that communication between them was excellent. I had to repeat very little information from solicitor to solicitor as notes were thorough. The transition on completion of one area was seamless when it was time to move to another department and the wrapping up of my case felt complete, with the offer of after care.’

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors acts on behalf of clients in a range of financial cases, including pre and post-nuptial agreements and an increasing amount of work regarding unmarried couples and trustees of land. Rekha Joshi heads the Wokingham-based family team, focusing on complex financial work involving high-net-worth individuals and tax issues. Managing partner and experienced practitioner Anne Deller leads the Reading family contingent, managing a caseload that involves pre and post nuptial arrangements, and child cases.

Practice head(s):

Anne Deller; Rekha Joshi


Other key lawyers:

Lisa Lee


Testimonials

‘I found everyone I encountered to be the perfect mix of professional, knowledgeable and friendly when dealing with an emotionally difficult subject such as divorce this was really reassuring.’

‘I worked with Rekha Joshi and her style of working suited me perfectly. She is kind and gentle yet at the same time straight to the point, pragmatic and solutions focussed. At every step of the way she kept me informed, patiently explained things to me, set out options to consider and guided me through them.’

‘Lisa Lee is an exceptional individual. Her experience is invaluable, her knowledge excellent and she always dealt with any matters with the greatest professionalism. As a person she is warm and shows empathy which was incredibly important and supportive when you are going through the toughest of times in your life.’

‘A firm that really cares. They care about you as an individual, and you are most definitely not just a client. You are treated as part of the family.’

‘Rekha Joshi stood out for me at our initial meeting as having a no-nonsense approach, get the job done and gave me every confidence she would do a good job. Her confidence, knowledge, experience and contacts worked amazingly well together in court and did a brilliant job.’

‘Rekha Joshi was professional, efficient and very knowledgeable, she had excellent professional contacts and her and her barrister colleague worked to great effect to achieve an excellent result in court. She also showed empathy and understanding.’

‘Modern and forward thinking and strong in children and finances work. Down to earth, pragmatic, sensible and very supportive towards their clients.’

‘Anne Deller stands out, in my experience, as a hugely experienced and competent lawyer. She handles every level of complexity with unparalleled competence and ability and is extremely good at holding clients’ hands through difficult periods.’

Work highlights


Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Children act disputes, matrimonial finance and complex financial remedy proceedings are the core specialisms of the Thames Valley-based family team fielded by Field Seymour Parkes LLP. Head of team Bethan Thomas advises on all aspects of relationship breakdowns, whilst Sue Baker handles critical mandates pertaining to mid and high-value financial disputes. The group is also continuing to grow its offering in relation to super injunction proceedings in the High Court.

Practice head(s):

Bethan Thomas


Other key lawyers:

Sue Baker; Lindsay Davies; Hannah Sims


Testimonials

‘The team stands out for its people, knowledge, application of knowledge and retaining humanity through the process.’

‘The service I am receiving is first class. The communication and availability is quick, understandable and easy to manage. The people are friendly, efficient, effective and professional. Highly recommendable.’

‘It is a very strong team lead by Bethan Thomas and Sue Baker, very ably supported by Lindsey Davies and Hannah Sims.’

‘The person that I use and her team are outstanding. They respond to all communication instantly. They are knowledgable and act in my best interests. I enjoy being with this team and my personal solicitor is exceptional with clear instruction on moving forward.’

‘The team at FSP are always proactive in helping their clients. They look at the big picture.’

‘I have worked with Bethan Thomas and she goes the extra mile for her clients in exploring all options for them.’

‘Sue Baker is vastly experienced and has great common sense. She is brilliant at getting to the heart of the issue.

‘Lindsay Davies is a brilliant lawyer with a photographic memory. She knows her cases inside and out and is great with figures.’

Work highlights


Freeths LLP

Gavin Scott heads up Freeths LLP family offering out of Oxford, having joined from Stowe Family Law LLP in August 2022. Praised for being ‘exceptionally hardworking and providing a great service to his clients’, Scott’s caseload includes highly complex and cross-border child cases, alongside financial matters. The team is known for its expertise in matters involving overseas assets and pensions, and for particular knowledge in fertility and surrogacy law – Tom Burgess is a key name here. Joanne Thomas is another important port of call for financial remedy work.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Scott


Other key lawyers:

Joanne Thomas; Tom Burgess; Gemma Nicholls-Webber; Heather Jarrold-Taylor; Danielle Beesley; Alexandra Haworth


Testimonials

‘Danielle Beesley was really kind, supportive and professional when dealing with my case. I valued her honesty and ability to clarify all aspects of my case so I was able to easy understand and stay in control of the situation.

‘Gavin Scott is exceptionally hardworking and proves a great service to his clients. He is good with both financial remedies and children act matters. He provides sensible advice and will always go the extra mile.’

‘Tom Burgess is a very capable lawyer who is able to quickly cut to the heart of an issue and provide robust advice.’

‘Joanne Thomas is one of the most dedicated and diligent solicitors I work with, and is always willing to go the extra mile for her clients. Her advice is always practical and sound.’

‘Gavin Scott has an effortless charm to his persona which belies a commanding grasp of his cases and an ability to find a way to achieve the best outcome for his clients. His preparation of cases in the lead up to a hearing is superb and makes my life as a barrister so much easier when representing his clients.’

‘Heather Jarrold-Taylor is wonderful to work with – she is responsive, organised and generally on top of things. She clearly takes a lot of time to ensure she is aware of the client’s aims and wishes, but gives sensible advice.’

‘Freeths LLP is always a reliable firm. You know that you will get good quality representation and sensible advice.’

‘Tom Burgess is kind and understanding with clients, always providing sensible and practical advice. He is organised and reliable when it comes to court documents and deadlines.’

Work highlights


Gardner Leader LLP

Divorce, finances, private children disputes, separation, cohabitation, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreement is the premium work in the Thames Valley for Gardner Leader LLP, frequently seeing work that involves high-net-worth individuals and cross-border elements. Family team leader Simon Fisher is a key contact for financial matters, private law child cases and unmarried disputes. Elsewhere in the group, the ‘professional, hugely experienced and diligent’ Suzy Hamshaw is the go-t0 name for high-value financial disputes in divorce proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Simon Fisher


Other key lawyers:

Suzy Hamshaw; Elizabeth Saunders; Stephanie Buckeridge; Amy Wilson Weymouth


Testimonials

‘The people at Gardner Leader are absolutely fantastic at providing focussed, relevant and perceptive advice to enable effective resolution in Family Court matters. There is excellent sharing of information within the firm so that whomever you speak to understands where your case is at and can pick up in an advisory capacity quickly in the case of needing swift responses to emerging communications.’

‘Suzy Hamshaw has been the most outstanding source of advice and support. She is able to capably manage dominating adversaries with skill and professionalism.’

‘Gardner Leader were great from start to finish through two huge parts of my life which needed legal support. At all times I understood what was going on. I was very pleased with the outcome which I felt was also value for money.’

‘Amy Wilson Weymouth was my solicitor and she was superb. Key phrases to describe her would be; professional, compassionate, understanding, great communicator, highly organised, patient and wise to all situations.’

‘The team are experts in highly acrimonious proceedings both children and financial and provide good advice along the way ensuring that clients are updated regularly. The teams clearly communicated across the various areas, so that I didn’t have to re-explain issues. Gardner Leader is the best firm that I have come across and are always willing to help.’

‘Simon Fisher has good judgment and strikes a balance between pragmatism and pushing his client’s case when it’s worth it. Suzy Hamshaw is professional, hugely experienced and diligent. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to a friend or family member.’

Work highlights


  • Representing Mrs C, an intervenor within her parents’ financial proceedings in a case which involves a proprietary estoppel claim worth £6m, relating to a farm. The matter is currently with the Court of Appeal.
  • Acting for a husband in financial proceedings, concerning assets involved a main family home worth over £2million, 4 rental properties, a family limited company and family partnership business.
  • Acting for the wife in relation in relation to financial matters involving complex public sector pensions.

Hedges Law

Nicola Poole leads the family law team at Hedges Law, overseeing the team’s specialist focus on high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth financial remedy cases involving farms, farming businesses, as well as national and international business assets. Zoe Rose handles much of the team’s day-to-day, with her expertise lying in advising clients in the property development sector and dealing with complex pension arrangements. Complex and high-conflict Children Act proceedings, especially cases where abuse is alleged, is another specialism of the team.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Poole


Other key lawyers:

Zoe Rose


Testimonials

‘Hedges provides a modern, bespoke, cost-effective service – now from their smart new offices in North Oxford – and invariably go the extra mile for their clients.’

‘The enormously experienced Nicola Poole leads the practice with great skill and tremendous dedication.’

Work highlights


BDB Pitmans

BDB Pitmans specialises in complicated and multi-jurisdictional child proceedings. Collaborative lawyer Owen Reynolds, who advises across all aspects of family law, is the key name to note.

Other key lawyers:

Owen Reynolds; Annie Wogel


Testimonials

‘Annie Wogel was responsive and had a clear understanding of the case and what I wanted to achieve. She offered a range of solutions and helped me steer the way through. If I ever had any similar work, I would always seek her out.’

‘Everyone I spoke to at the firm was kind and understanding. Their level of knowledge also came across and there was never and pressure to do anything. All points made appeared balanced in order to give me the clearest and most unbiased view possible, which in turn helped me to make informed decisions.’

‘Gave me all the time I needed and demonstrated compassion at all times. Claire Burton and her team were amazing and generally spoke to me like a peer, as opposed to sounding clinical or corporate. This made an extremely stressful process much more bearable.’

‘Claire Burton, Matthew Heyworth and Annie Wogel are excellent lawyers, both legally and strategically. The team is strong and has great capacity to manage even the most demanding of clients, being able to devote time and attention to each despite a heavy workload. The team works closely with counsel, ensuring a collaborative and coherent approach to tricky cases, which is invaluable from the client’s perspective.’

‘Annie Wogel is relatively junior but shows immense promise; she commits herself fully to her clients’ cases and will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of their desired outcome.’

Work highlights


HMG Law LLP

HMG Law LLP handles a diverse range of matters, including high-value asset cases, family businesses and high-value pensions. Practice leader Christina Cree is experienced in all aspects of matrimonial matters and child cases, and is increasingly developing a specialism in dealing with applications for Pension Sharing Orders after foreign divorces. Andy Nellist and Alexandra Smith are key names to note on the team also.

Practice head(s):

Christina Cree


Other key lawyers:

Andy Nellist; Alexandra Smith


Testimonials

‘Christina Cree is adept at advising her clients and has a reassuring manner.’

‘Alexandra Smith is an enthusiastic and friendly lawyer.’

‘Andy Nellist is very knowledgeable about the law and likes drilling onto the details of a case.’

Work highlights


K J Smith Solicitors

K J Smith Solicitors is a specialist boutique that sees a caseload which spans all aspects of family law. Founder Kerry Smith is equally adept in both financial matters and complex child cases. Anna Ferro also comes highly recommended for the full suite of family law issues. Based in the Beaconsfield office, Ferro jointly heads up the team alongside Samantha Archer in Woodley & Henley-on-Thames and Kulbir Rahi, who heads the Ascot and Richmond bases.

Practice head(s):

Kulbir Rahi; Samantha Archer; Anna Ferro


Other key lawyers:

Kerry Smith


Testimonials

‘Strong client engagement. Very quick to respond. Practical and understandable advice given in plain English.’

‘Kulbir Rahi is knowledgeable and expresses details clearly and in a way that is practical and helpful. She is able to explain complexity in a straightforward and digestible manner. I particularly value her support and understanding of my situation – and suggesting options – which helps to clarify my thinking and actions.’

‘Anna Ferro handled the divorce very well when the other sides solicitors where coming in very aggressively – would recommend.’

‘Very helpful, down to earth and professional. Always got back to me quickly and gave me all the support I needed. This is a highly tuned firm with a delicate and supportive approach in regards to the difficult matters of family law. Knowledgeable and helpful at all times.’

‘They seem genuinely concerned with the case and are very supportive of me as a client.’

‘Several offices in the local area. Easily contactable and pleasant to deal with. Knowledgeable staff.’

‘I am very pleased to be represented by this firm – all members I have dealt with have been consistently professional and efficient. I feel I am in safe hands and can trust the firm to push things forward in spite of significant court delays.’

Work highlights


Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers Ltd (LGFL Ltd)

Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers Ltd (LGFL Ltd), a boutique firm operating out of Swallowfield in Berkshire and has carved out a niche specialism in cases regarding SEN children and post-separation abuse. Director Rita Gupta is experienced in child law cases and leads alongside fellow director Anne Leiper. The pair come recommended for ‘leading a dedicated team that enables this small boutique firm that truly punches above its perceived weight’.

Practice head(s):

Rita Gupta; Anne Leiper


Testimonials

‘Having worked with them for years now I can honestly say it is the best set of solicitors I have worked with. They are dedicated to their clients, colleagues and associates. A highly personable boutique firm. Both directors are always on hand to deal with the problems ahead.’

‘LGFL have a unique approach to family law that is both holistic and personalised, pragmatic yet determined, considered and contemporary. The directors are very much in touch with the latest national news and developments likely to impact on families, separating parents and those considering divorce. As a result, their clients benefit from an empathetic and informed approach to each and every case, which focuses on the emotional as well as the financial and legal aspects of divorce.’

‘LGFL has an increasing reputation for complex cases involving SEN children, which in itself is an indication of how their personal and in-depth approach helps those for whom divorce is potentially both highly emotional and complicated.’

‘Rita Gupta is a real live-wire, always crackling with new ideas, innovative approaches and fuelled by a deep-felt passion for the welfare of children caught up in separation and divorce. She is the driving force behind LGFL’s wide-ranging marketing and outreach activity, from blogs addressing key subjects and concerns to thought-provoking and practical articles for both legal and popular press.’

‘Director Anne Leiper is a veritable powerhouse of information especially on financial matters. She is tenacious and determined, and very much the lawyer you want on your side in a divorce’

‘Together, Rita Gupta and Anne Leiper lead a dedicated team that enables this small boutique firm to truly punch above its weight. LGFL regularly take on major city law firms in the courtroom and achieve the right outcome for their clients.’

‘LGFL are a boutique law firm who specialise in, among other areas family law where domestic abuse and children with special educational needs are involved. Their knowledge of these areas are outstanding and this is a real strength when offering appropriate and realistic advice to their clients.’

Work highlights


Lightfoots Solicitors

Lightfoots Solicitors is home to a diverse family practice, having the bandwidth to handle divorce, mediation, child arrangements and Inheritance Act claims, among others. Head of department Petrova Caldecourt comes recommended by clients as ‘hard-working and dedicated’. Gill Wright is another key contact as an experienced mediator in the space.

Practice head(s):

Petrova Caldecourt


Other key lawyers:

Gill Wright


Testimonials

‘Lightfoots Solicitors is a respected firm in the local area, offering exceptional and comprehensive advice across a wide range of legal disputes. They are a ‘go-to’ firm.’

‘Petrova Caldecourt is definitively the most hard-working and dedicated individual lawyer I have ever worked with. Her passion, knowledge and eye for detail is unmatched. She provides supportive and realistic advice. A dream to work with.’

‘Lightfoots are resolution focused with a key emphasis on steering cases away from court. It feels as though they genuinely have the best interests of their clients at the heart of what they do.’

‘Gill Wright is able to pick up the phone on a case, to talk through how to resolve matters on a practical level, without escalating matters to court. Gill’s approach is refreshing and forward thinking, it really feels as though she has the client’s future at the forefront of her mind.

‘The team is known for personal service and really caring about their clients, alongside availability and speed of response. They also go above and beyond for their clients.’

‘Petrova Caldecourt is an angel sent from above. She has supported me and my family through one of the hardest challenges in our life so far. Words cannot express how grateful I am to this lady and how I would recommend her to anyone. She is amazing and treats her clients how you would wish everyone to be treated, exceptional!’

‘Lightfoots offer an extremely high level of service and go above and beyond for their clients.’

‘Gill Wright and Petrova Caldecourt are excellent. Gill is well respected, knowledgeable and has a strong mediation practice. Petrova is pragmatic and sensible.’

Work highlights


SE-Solicitors

Under the stewardship of head of team Patrick Mulcare, SE-Solicitors has developed a specialism in acting for agricultural business owners, proprietors of landed estates and overseas clients engaged in cross-border separations and matters with international assets. Mulcare is also a specialist in financial remedies, and is supported on key mandates by ‘extremely experienced and talented solicitor’ Deborah Davies.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Mulcare


 


Other key lawyers:

Deborah Davies; Madeleine Harrington


Testimonials

‘The stand-out solicitor for me is Madeleine Harrington. The quality of her instructions, her support for the client and her communication skills are excellent.’

‘Spratt Endicott have a growing team, that can handle anything that comes their way. Small enough to care so everyone in the team knows what is going on, but big enough and experienced enough to provide first-tier advice in relation to all Private Law and Financial Remedy matters.’

‘For a regional firm of their size, they undertake work of quality and value. They are instructed in all Remits of Financial Remedy and Private Law Cases and have first-class knowledge base across their team. Over time they have developed great experience at all levels.’

‘Deborah Davies is an extremely experienced and talented solicitor. She is very thorough, wholeheartedly committed to supporting the client needs and provides excellent advice in an efficient, effective manner.’

‘Madeleine Harrington is a perfect blend of warm, compassionate, competent, realistic and efficient. She puts clients at ease, and it’s clear to see that they trust her. Her instructions are always very clear and she takes guidance and advice on strategy without being over-reliant.’

‘Deborah Davies provides an outstanding service for her clients and counsel. She is thoroughly prepared and has an excellent grip on the facts in the case.’

‘Patrick Mulcare is a calm, collaborative but tough solicitor with a keen eye for the bigger picture every case. Deborah Davies adding experience and steel to a well-balanced team.’

‘The family team at Spratt Endicott is excellent in all respects. Clients speak highly of the service they receive from both solicitors and supporting staff. The team stands out because it really does function as a team – there are always several people involved in any one case, meaning that nothing gets missed and clients are properly supported.’

Work highlights


Stowe Family Law LLP

Stowe Family Law LLP sees a varied caseload that covers complex Children Act matters, alongside high-net worth individuals and all aspects of matrimonial work, including Islamic divorce and fertility law. Amanda Phillips-Wylds heads up the Thames Valley offering, focusing on financial disputes in divorce proceedings. Mediator and collaborative Gemma Davison is another name to note, excelling on challenging mandates covering children, high net-worth divorces, alongside surrogacy and fertility law matters.

Practice head(s):

Amanda Phillips-Wylds


Other key lawyers:

Gemma Davison


Testimonials

‘A very large team of many highly experienced solicitors in both children and finances all over the country.’

‘Gemma Davison is excellent with clients and has a thorough knowledge of the law and practicalities of the matter, offering clients a rolls royce of a service.’

‘Stowe Family Law have rapidly grown and are well recognised and respected within family law. To complement the firm’s reputation, practitioners are knowledgeable.’

‘A well-regarded team which puts clients needs first and strives to explain the process fully to avoid confusion or unexpected occurrences.’

‘Gemma Davison is approachable and effective. She is sensible and gives practical advice. I would always recommend her.’

‘This is an exclusive family law firm with expert family lawyers covering all family law issues including niche areas eg. surrogacy. They are accessible and professional in their dealing with other solicitors. They have a strong mediation presence and work with clients and other professionals in a friendly and professional manner.’

‘Gemma Davison is a dynamic and passionate family law solicitor and an empathetic and excellent family mediator. She is down to earth and realistic in her advice and assistance to clients, listening to their needs and working out in mediation realistic outcomes. Gemma is also an expert in surrogacy.’

‘Amanda Phillips-Wylds runs the team with great skill. What she doesnt know about family law isn’t worth knowing. She is unflappable in even the most pressured situation. Solution driven, Amanda is always eager to reach a negotiated settlement for her clients if possible. However, she’ll never shy away from a fight in court if it’s needed.’

Work highlights