The first-rate team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP concentrates on providing matrimonial advice to professional and business owners, as well as representing children and family members in complex care and private law proceedings. Elizabeth Wyatt ’s main area of expertise is advising people in divorce proceedings where their financial claims are high-value and complex while Jas Tamber is a known name for his expertise in complex children law cases. Christopher Lloyd-Smith is experienced in preparing pre- and post-nuptial agreements and is also an accredited mediator and Resolution-accredited specialist, for both financial matters and those involving children.
Family: Birmingham in West Midlands
Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Sally Jones; Maria Ramon; Kadie Bennett; Kelly Brown; Samantha Woolley; Narinder Singh; Andrew Crumpton
Testimonials
‘This is a firm with an ethical approach to family law that is rooted in its excellent moral values. I deal with the public law family team and I rate it as one of the best nationwide. Great knowledge of the law, excellent judgment and a willingness to go above and beyond. Jas Tamber is immensely impressive’.
‘The team is at the forefront of family law in the region. From knowledge of the law to client care and support they are second to none! Chris Lloyd-Smith is a standout partner. He is highly knowledgable but also develops a great rapport with clients. Liz Wyatt is exceptional. Very well respected in her field. Kadie Bennett always strikes the right balance between fighting hard and finding a pragmatic resolution’.
‘I consider Anthony Collins solicitors to be one of the strongest firms of solicitors in the Midlands. The quality of its solicitors is exceptional, highly knowledgeable, efficient and tenacious. The client feedback is always very positive. The briefs to counsel are well put together and sent out in good time. I always recommend Anthony Collins solicitors. Kadie Bennett, Jas Tamber and Kelly Brown are exceptional’.
‘The AC team has a big team full of very competent solicitors at all levels. AC consistently is instructed on the most complex of cases and is by all accounts one of the leading family law firms in the Midlands. Jas Tamber is meticulous and unflappable’.
‘My go-to recommendation for private law and financial remedy work. The team has strength and breadth. The lawyers are approachable and whilst determined to work in the best interests of their clients, have a great manner with solicitors on the other side of cases. Chris Lloyd-Smith and Elizabeth (Liz) Wyatt lead by example. I highly rate both individuals for their pragmatic approaches in cases. They are both seen to be highly approachable to the younger members in their team, this was particularly key during the pandemic. Both combine exceptional client care with a impressive knowledge of the law‘.
‘Maria Ramon attracts really good work, big money cases from in and around the Birmingham area. Her advice is always sensible and she produces clear, helpful documents of a high standard which stand out’.
‘The mediation department is thriving and sets this firm apart from others in offering a different solution to family problems. The team is individually and collectively strong. Members of the firm are approachable, knowledgeable, experienced and effective. This firm is a clear market leader. Samantha Woolley provides straightforward and sound advice to clients and is very well organised in her preparation of cases. She strikes the right balance between approachable and firm in her manner. Christopher LLoyd-Smith is always excellent. He doesn’t break a sweat over multi-million pound financial remedy cases and is smooth operator’.
‘Each individual is very down to earth, they are extremely friendly and approachable with a hardworking attitude. Some examples of this would be Narinder Singh, Andrew Crumpton and Kadie Bennet, all of whom have consistency demonstrated excellent legal skills alongside a very natural empathetic and relatable tone and attitude with clients‘.
Work highlights
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Harrison Clark Rickerbys is home to ‘a first-class team without a shadow of a doubt‘ which deals with a variety of complex and high-value financial cases, as well as domestic and international children issues. Practice head Kevin Harris-James receives plaudits for his work on complex financial disputes and the team also includes Andrew Breakwell, recommended for his financial remedy work especially cases involving onshore and offshore trusts. Victoria Fellows has substantial experience in cohabitation cases too meanwhile Hayley McCormack recently joined the team from Mills & Reeve LLP and has particular expertise in cases involving businesses, farms and trust structures.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Breakwell; Georgina Burrows; Victoria Fellows; Hayley McCormack; Shereen Chohan
Testimonials
‘The caring approach to family difficulties stands it apart from every other firm. Kevin Harris-James is without question the best family solicitor in the Midlands and probably in the country‘.
‘Georgina Burrows is excellent in high conflict private law Children Act cases and also international relocation to non-Hague convention countries. She is extremely approachable, knowledgeable and effective. Her attention to detail and ability to identify the critical points, sets her apart from other solicitors‘.
‘The lawyers go the extra mile for their clients. Kevin Harris-James – a very tough litigator with a huge amount of experience. Cares deeply for his clients. Victoria Fellows – a tough but pragmatic litigator. Has considerable experience. Andrew Breakwell – massively clever. Attracts very high quality work’.
‘The family team covers high value financial remedy applications, private children and in Worcester public law care. In the private children and financial remedy work it offers a bespoke service to the client, the lawyers go out of their way to offer a fully rounded service, they are available around the clock for their clients’.
‘Georgina Burrows is a brilliant private law children solicitor. She is tactical and practical. She is always calm and level headed in the most tense of situations. Her knowledge of case law is exceptional‘.
‘Excellent experience in dealing with cases for high net worth clients. Kevin Harris-James and Victoria Fellows are both very experienced partners in this team’.
‘The Birmingham family team is led by the renowned expert Kevin Harris-James, without doubt the region’s market-leader in high net financial remedy work. Kevin has a phenomenal work ethic and his first class client care is second to none. A fearless lawyer who works with an unrivalled passion for all of his clients, he is quite literally a living legend within the family law arena‘.
‘Kevin is very well supported at the Birmingham office particularly by Shereen Chohan and Victoria Fellows. Recently he has hired Hayley McCormack (from Mills & Reeve) who adds further depth to its services’.
Work highlights
Irwin Mitchell
The ‘amazing team‘ at Irwin Mitchell receives garners praise for its ‘strong ethos of client care‘, acting under the leadership of Clare Wiseman . Clients include entrepreneurs, sports professionals and CEOs. Zahra Pabani specialises in ultra-high-net-worth cases meanwhile Sarah Balfour is adept at supporting older clients and their families. Mark Hands is sought after for his expertise in cases involving overseas trusts and frequently represents Asian families and professional football players. Fiona Farrell works on substantial financial cases and difficult children cases, including those involving parental alienation, whereas Gemma Fenton is a go-to for complicated corporate structures, trust assets and pensions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Zahra Pabani ; Sarah Balfour ; Mark Hands ; Fiona Farrell; Gemma Fenton ; Marie Kilgallen; Lucy Todd; Tara Smith
Testimonials
‘Clare Wiseman- a super strong leader who is such a talented lawyer. She is modest and calm but has an inner steel. Zahra Pabani- a strong personality and a force of nature. Very strong approach to her cases which no-one is under any illusion will be a fight to the last‘.
‘Sarah Balfour- I think the most talented solicitor I have ever worked with. I would want Sarah to be my solicitor if I ever needed one. Such a calm, measured but incisive approach to work. A super bright lawyer who never misses a point but also has a charming personality. Her clients get 24 hour/7 day week care’.
‘Mark Hands- a wonderful example of how to be a cheerful, likeable solicitor but at the same time be a powerhouse who is feared across the world of family law. He is an amazing tactician and always sees ahead to the end of the case when advising his clients. Lucy Todd- a special unique solicitor. Lucy brings a real energy to her cases with a fresh eye for really difficult emotional cases. She is a lovely person so clients really like her but they also see that she is a really clever and dedicated lawyer. A great combination to have in the world of family law‘.
‘It has real strength in depth with a large team and a number of very qualified and capable lawyers. The client care is excellent. The lawyers provide realistic and accurate quotes and keep you updated throughout the matter. The service that Sarah Balfour gave was first class. Her technical ability was superb and her advice was given in clear and easy to understand terms. As well as having excellent technical skills, her client care was also brilliant. She showed real and genuine care and helped us through a difficult process’.
‘Mark Hands was very caring and sensible and fitted me in as I was probably a typical high net worth demanding client. He understood financial and children issues’.
‘The family team has consistently provided excellent advice in navigating me through a financial settlement agreement and divorce. A quick response to any queries I have had has always been forthcoming, I believe this can be attributed to the team approach to supporting me. Gemma Fenton used her excellent legal knowledge and experience to counsel and guide me through the process. Always approachable, realistic, supportive and able to clearly set out the options every step of the way, you know that Gemma has your very best interests at the core of her work’.
‘IM leads the way in terms of diversity as can be seen from its people and also from how it leads in the market place in terms of pushing diversity internally and externally. It led the way when it came to technology in COVID as it delivered all meetings on teams – was able to attend all hearings remotely – the lawyers just made it an easy journey for the clients and continue to do so. They are truly innovative and forward thinking as a team and very much the go to family team in Birmingham and beyond’.
‘ I regularly work with Mark Hands. He is the stand-out partner in the area of family law in Birmingham and the West Midlands and beyond. He is extremely clever, strategically brilliant and generally wise well beyond his years. His client care skills are amazing. I have recently been involved with him in very high value cases (measured in the £100s million) and cases involving professional sports people and celebrities. He goes toe to toe with the best in London and wins. His ability to understand very complex corporate structures is second to none‘.
Key clients
Kenny Brack
Work highlights
- Advising Kenny Brack, an elite sportsman, on complex financial remedies addressing the full spectrum of claims and involving complicated tax advice due to the client’s non-resident status for tax purposes.
Lodders Solicitors LLP
Beverley Morris heads up the ‘excellent’ team at Lodders Solicitors LLP ; she excels at financial remedy work, routinely advising high-net-worth individuals where there are complex structures and assets, and frequently advises trustees where they have been joined to the proceedings. Newly-promoted partner Vivienne Middleton is equally adept at resolving financial and children disputes while Caroline Dresden has a particular interest in pensions on divorce and is also a collaborative lawyer. The team was pleased to recently add senior associate Hollie Orgee to its ranks from Stowe Family Law LLP.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Dresden; Vivienne Middleton; Amy Parker; Hollie Orgee
Testimonials
‘Under the direction of Beverley Morris the team handled my matrimonial case exceptionally well. The lawyers have a detailed understanding of the current case law, the process and potential outcomes. Communication was always handled well and in a timely manner. Beverley Morris is a first class lawyer with exceptional knowledge of the current case law. She can cut through all the noise to get the salient information’.
‘Quality approachable people with a huge amount of expertise and experience. The people that handled my case were incredibly professional and efficient while also showing a huge amount of empathy and patience’.
‘Beverley Morris: a superstar. One of the best family solicitors I have encountered’.
‘There is clearly a keenness to learn amongst this firm’s practitioners: it gets involved in knowledge-sharing sessions with other firms of professionals. The leading practitioners known to me (Beverley Morris and Caroline Dresden) are very passionate advocates for their clients, as well as being people who are happy to lead the debate and contribute something valuable to the Birmingham family law community‘.
‘Although a small team it is a mighty one with each solicitor being a stand out practitioner. The lawyers provide the client with a truly bespoke service with 24 hour help and guidance. The team works very closely with each other and offers support to each others’ clients. Within the sector it is highly regarded and respected’.
‘Beverley Morris is a force to be reckoned with, a powerhouse of legal knowledge and strength of character. Vivienne Middleton stands out for her absolute attention to detail and her empathy with her clients. Both are a pleasure to work with as it is a team effort focused on achieving the best outcome for the client’.
‘It is truly outstanding. It is highly recommended, particularly for cases of the highest value and/or the greatest legal or factual complexity, their experience of which is unrivalled. Beverley Morris is almost certainly the single most exceptional family lawyer of her generation in Birmingham and the Midlands. Her work ethic is incredible, and her intellect, legal knowledge and experience are extraordinary’.
‘Beverley Morris is head of family and the firm is acknowledged as a top-tier family law firm. Beverley is a prolific commentator and speaker who has an astonishing work ethic! Ably supported by Vivienne Middleton, Caroline Dresden and Amy Parker, Lodders provides a high quality service for wealthy individuals and professionals’.
Work highlights
Benussi & Co Limited
Benussi & Co Limited typically acts in cases involving net assets between £3m-£30m and has extensive experience of dealing with cases where there are substantially higher assets. Diane Benussi has an excellent reputation for her work on substantial financial issues arising out of relationship breakdown while Helen Jane Arnold is ‘hugely experienced‘ in large cases where there are business structures and trusts, also frequently advising on the variation of post nuptial settlements. Denise McKenna specialises in international family law matters, particularly those involving complex UHNW and cross-border business interests. Lucy Johnston is skilled at handling private law children cases.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Complete commitment to the client providing a clear strategy, target timetable and detailed forecast of costs. No surprises! Helen Jane Arnold was always available to give advice and progress reports-and anticipated responses and actions by the other party‘.
‘This is a highly skilled, efficient and professional team in whom you can trust. I have only ever been treated with the utmost courtesy and care by all who have been involved in my case. The lawyers deliver on all that they promise: ease of communication; friendly, prompt and timely service; good availability of staff; trustworthy; good value for money; honest in their opinions; achieving the best outcome for their clients‘.
‘Helen Jane Arnold is exceptional in the service she provides: a rare mix of the gravitas and exceptional legal skill you would expect, combined with an innate ability to understand the unique characteristics and needs of her client. She is calm, gives you her full focus and is a champion at striving to get the best deal for you. Quite simply, I feel lucky to have found Helen Jane and privileged that she was the one who acted for me. I cannot thank or recommend her highly enough‘.
‘The team has worked seamlessly on my case, utilising all levels of expertise, to ensure that costs have been kept to a minimum. At times when the advice of a more experienced solicitor has been required, they have been abreast of my case to that point and have contributed promptly and with great wisdom. Overall, I had an unwavering faith in my team, I trusted their impeccable judgement throughout and the outcome was much better than I could have ever hoped’.
‘Lucy Johnston was always highly professional but also showed great empathy towards my circumstances at some of my darkest times. Her humanity, genuine concern and words of comfort were invaluable and I’ll never forget her benevolence and kindness. Helen Jane’s counsel was invaluable. I trusted her implicitly and during my encounters with Helen Jane, she was exceptional at keeping me on task, focused and decisive. Empathetic, benevolent, knowledgeable and highly professional; I could not have wished for a finer team’.
‘With this specialist divorce law firm the advantages are obvious – the individuals I have worked with are part of a set up that clearly delivers a service that is supportive and sensitive as well as being effective and fearless. The clients are able to appreciate both the high degree of professionalism that they offer, but also that individual reassurance that their particular case matters. Benussi & Co delivers this reassurance in spades alongside an excellent professional service‘.
‘Helen Jane Arnold has a very real gravitas about her. Clients quite obviously appreciate her skill and experience in making important strategic decisions. They listen. She is also a particularly good reader of what a given situation requires, not only legally, but also in terms of the client’s experience of going through a sometimes difficult divorce. Clients are always pleased that she is “on their side.” Denise McKenna has a fearsome intellect and an outstanding eye for detail‘.
‘Benussi is the flagship financial remedy firm in Birmingham and has unrivalled expertise in complex and high net worth claims. Helen Jane Arnold exudes calm, commanding authority. She also has the skills of being a qualified mediator and collaborative lawyer’.
Work highlights
Clarke Willmott LLP
Rayner Grice leads the team at Clarke Willmott LLP which enjoys a strong reputation in the full range of family law issues, demonstrating particular expertise in complex financial and private law children matters. The group is also increasingly active in cases pertaining to domestic abuse and controlling/coercive behaviour and is vastly experienced in contentious pension arrangement and nuptial agreement matters. The ‘absolutely excellent’ Adam Maguire recently joined the group from Shoosmiths LLP and is recommended alongside senior associate Caroline Young.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fantastic customer service and brilliant representation and guidance across the board. Very friendly and welcoming, and willing to listen when required in order to keep me going‘.
‘The service received is exceptional. All members of the team that I have dealt with have a great knowledge and understanding of their field which ensures they give the best advice and do all they can to ensure a successful result‘.
‘The members of the team I dealt with had a very professional approach and were way ahead of others in their field for accuracy and conduct. What helped to win my case was their choice to do everything professionally, correctly and thoroughly to ensure that there was no area left uncovered’.
‘Rayner Grice is exceptional. She is totally committed to finding solutions for clients. She fights hard with a can-do attitude and provides welcome support for clients through the often difficult journey. Legal prowess and heaps of support wrapped into one. Caroline Young goes out of her way to make clients feel supported. She keeps clients onboard even in the most difficult of times’.
‘CW has a good team with strength across all levels. Rayner Grice is as empathetic as she is straight-talking‘.
‘Clarke Willmott LLP are absolute experts, delivering the highest quality of advice and representation. The lawyers combine their expertise by ensuring that they are also accessible and personable. Without question one of the premier firms that undertakes financial remedy work’.
‘The team, led by Rayner, is always accessible and always willing to do all that it can to deliver the best result possible for its clients. Highly effective and without doubt one of the best firms in the sector’.
Work highlights
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Richard Gray , Krina Parmar and Rupinder Jagdev jointly lead the department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors; their team specialises in representing clients who are facing emergency situations and frequently supports on child relocation, sexual harm, safeguarding and domestic abuse issues. It runs a culturally diverse caseload, involving elements of Islamic law, and specialises in international child abduction cases in addition to female genital mutilation cases.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Rupinder has been fantastic and reassured me throughout my case. Honesty and knowledge of my case getting to know the complete case made Rupinder stand head and shoulders above the rest’.
‘This practice has helped me during the most harrowing time of my life. When you feel at your most vulnerable, the lawyers are able to provide you with the information and expertise to help you through the process. They are accessible and responsive which is key to ensuring you feel updated and involved in the decisions being made. I felt as though they were on my side which at that point in time was so important for me’.
‘Julie McNamara was extremely knowledgeable regarding the area I needed help and support with. She was patient and gave good explanations and presented various options to pursue. She was approachable and accessible and flexible regarding fees. She acknowledged the challenges of my situation and I felt she went the extra mile to support me‘.
‘Rupinder Jagdev is hugely capable and, unlike many instructing solicitors, she makes it her business to consider the evidence; she is very much part of the team when it comes to making decisions and setting the strategy for a trial. Her client care is excellent – she really minds about the lay client. Her communication with lay clients and with those she instructs is superlative and as a consequence she can be relied upon to get things done‘.
‘Solicitors at Duncan Lewis have instructed us in all aspects of care proceedings whether these are allegations of physical harm, emotional harm, sexual abuse, death, neglect, the list is endless. Duncan Lewis was swift and concise with their instructions to counsel and brought counsel onboard early on in the proceedings which aided our clients’ case. They have excellent client service and have a fundamental grasp of both the complex medical and legal issues at play in these complex cases and have the ability to relay that to their clients in an understandable and “user friendly” manner‘.
‘Rupinder Jagdev is a first rate care solicitor of an impeccable standard. She has commitment not only to her firm but also client’s and barristers alike‘.
‘A big outfit that is well placed to offer depth of experience on a national scale. Adam Bloodworth is responsive and has a balanced approach to his client’s cases. He is a real team player and a pleasure to work with’.
‘Rupinder Jagdev: She goes out of her way for clients, is readily available and also ensures she gives clear cut and appropriate advice. She presents the clients cases very well’.
Work highlights
Mills & Reeve LLP
The family and children team at Mills & Reeve LLP is well-regarded, both regionally and nationally. It handles the full array of family law issues from high conflict children proceedings to cases where there are complex business and trust structures. The ‘brilliant‘ Marc Saunderson
is a key figure, as is Katherine Kennedy who advises on a myriad of issues and regularly works with the private wealth department to advise on wealth protection through nuptial agreements. Rob Norris and Stephanie Hawthorn are also integral to the offering.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Everybody I had contact with at Mills & Reeve was professional, courteous and always replied to my questions, quickly or within an agreed timeframe. Responses were always very well considered with detailed explanations. Katherine Kennedy explained the process well, I always knew what was expected of me, she always replied promptly (often out of working hours) to my questions and Zoom meeting requests. I really appreciate her calm and logical approach’.
‘Rob Norris works exceptionally hard to achieve a beneficial outcome for his clients. He is pragmatic and calm. He creates trust and rapport and with his skilled assistance his clients are often able to reach negotiated settlements‘.
‘Katherine Kennedy does a great job for her clients, providing expert advice whilst also supporting them through the process effortlessly’.
‘Marc Saunderson – great with clients, very approachable, runs his team well. This is an excellent team with good working relations which make for a better case management system when people are away. They are relatively strong on the law and able to provide an excellent service and a polished product’.
‘Mills & Reeve appears to provide an extremely high quality of service for its clients. Katherine Kennedy’s briefs are a pleasure to receive. She is sure to have advised her clients thoroughly and proficiently prior to my instruction’.
‘It provides a high quality service which is extremely professional. Katherine Kennedy is very wise and has a great knowledge of the law. She provides clear explanations to her clients. Stephanie Hawthorne is a young up and coming lawyer who is likely to progress into the premier league of family lawyers’.
Work highlights
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Mary Kaye , practice head of Shakespeare Martineau LLP, deals with a broad range of complex children matters; she is supported by Helen Bowns who specialises in complicated financial remedy cases involving farms, overseas assets and difficult partnership disputes. Other key figures include Prem Ahark, who is particularly skilled at advising on pre-and post-nuptial agreements, as well as Aasha Choudhary who recently joined the team from Mills & Reeve LLP. Key clients include high-net-worth families, high-profile footballers, business professionals and CEOs.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mary Kaye and her team are dedicated to doing the best for their clients. They are responsive, approachable and have a wealth of experience and knowledge‘.
‘I have worked with Mary Kaye as an opponent on a complex childcare case. I was impressed by her tenacity and her drive to get the best outcome for her client but also her empathy for the child. Mary is a straightforward, no nonsense lawyer who comes up with practical solutions to complex legal problems which draw upon her wealth of experience in family law’.
‘The team is well organised, passionate and undertakes good quality work with accuracy and determination. Prem Ahark is incredibly hardworking and tenacious. She will leave no stone unturned both in financial remedy and children matters to ensure that all aspects of her client’s case have been explored so as to ensure the best possible outcome’.
‘Mary Kaye is a star. She provides an exceptional level of service to her clients. Her attention to detail is legendary. She works incredibly hard to ensure that her clients are supported throughout the process. She is clear in her advice to her clients and they respond in kind. She is approachable and has a fabulous sense of humour which is much needed in the work that we do. She has an impressive following of repeat business and referrals, typifying how well regarded she is. She is a joy to work for and to be against‘.
‘We have dealt with several members of the family team at Shakespeare Martineau and the service they give is second to none. The team successfully strives to achieve value for money for its clients whilst providing a first class service. The lawyers are very approachable, reliable and a pleasure to deal with at all times. Their technology setup, diversity and collaboration with all dealings within family law are easily evidenced to provide support and confidence for all their clients allowing them to move forward with their lives‘.
‘Mary Kaye – challenges those around her to develop their skills by giving them opportunities to learn and put into practice initiatives. She works tirelessly on the many tasks at hand – but keeps an eye on the future to anticipate what’s coming next. Prem Ahark – knowledgeable, patient and understanding and most of all cares about each and every one one of her clients.Helen Bowns – shows compassion for her caseload, evidenced by the hard work and dedication that goes into each and every case‘.
‘Strong legal knowledge and dedication to client care. Prem Ahark gives robust advice to her clients, is dedicated to furthering their case and works hard to achieve the best outcome for her clients‘.
‘Mary Kaye was the partner on the matter I dealt with. She was always willing to pick up the phone to discuss the case in order to ensure that progress was made. She worked collaboratively with me whilst doing everything she could to achieve the best outcome for her client’.
Work highlights
Stowe Family Law LLP
Stowe Family Law LLP supports high-net-worth individuals who have assets, trusts, properties and businesses both in the UK and internationally. Under the joint leadership of Birmingham-based Rebecca Calden-Storr and Nottingham-based Holly Lamb, the team handles a varied caseload of complex Children Act cases often involving issues such as parental alienation or narcissism; the team is also well-placed to advise on issues for same-sex and cohabiting couples as well as on adoption, surrogacy and fertility law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A fresh team of experienced practitioners delivering solutions under the watchful eye of a dynamic head of department making the most of national resources and local knowledge. Rebecca Calden- Storr has a deep legal knowledge which she uses to give clear and straightforward advice to difficult problems’.
‘The Stowe family law team in Birmingham does a great job for its clients, handling difficult cases with ease whilst also making the client feel valued and important. Rebecca Calden-Storr is a force to be reckoned with! She puts her clients at ease, ensuring they receive the right advice at the right price for their circumstances, and supporting them throughout the process’.
‘A big beast of a law firm. 5* Rated. 10/10. You know what you’re getting; a tenacity, commitment and an unwavering determination to do what is best for the client. Rebecca Calden-Storr is an exceptionally gifted lawyer. She is a class act. A grandee of family law. No one even comes close to how brilliant she is’.
‘Stowe Family Law is a well known and highly regarded national family law firm. In my view the Birmingham office upholds the firm’s reputation for providing legal representation of the highest calibre‘.
‘Rebecca Calden Storr has impressed me as a meticulous and thorough practitioner who adopts a methodical and forensic approach to her cases. She is very good with handling (sometimes difficult) client’s expectations whilst always making them feel totally supported during one of the most stressful periods of their lives. She is sensible and always prepared to reach (and actively seeks to find) a fair out of court settlement when possible. If not, then she is more than capable of representing a client’s interests robustly in court‘.
‘The firm offers both financial remedy and children’s expertise, providing a seamless service for separating couples with children’.
‘Hannah Stubbs – has significant expertise in children’s, financial and trusts of land cases, covering all eventualities that may arise in a complex case. Her grounded and down to earth manner ensures client expectations are realistically managed throughout. Claire Cleary provides specialist advice in complex and high net worth cases. Calm, focused and unflappable’.
Sydney Mitchell LLP
Sydney Mitchell LLP fields a well-regarded collaborative law practice with two fully qualified collaborative lawyers. Key areas of focus under the joint leadership of Karen Moores and Mauro Vinti include divorce and civil partnership dissolutions, as well as on pre-and post-nuptial agreements and child arrangements. Gemma Whitchurch is another skilled practitioner meanwhile Teresa Mannion is a Family Law Panel member.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Karen Moores is a force to be reckoned with. She is hugely experienced, determined and hardworking. Mauro Vinti is also highly recommended‘.
‘A local team that was always there when I needed it. Very detailed understanding of the needs of the process and how I should best be prepared for each aspect of it. Able to call on relevant experts who could both coach me and understand my needs through the court processes‘.
‘During the breakdown of my marriage, Karen Moores and Gemma Whitchurch were always at hand to lend professional advice. They ensured that I understood communications from the other party’s solicitors and reasoned with me when taking into account costs for legal fees against costs of fighting for certain things’.
‘Honest reliable and uses the correct approach when dealing with clients. Very attentive to the client’s needs as well as offering realistic solutions and legal advice. Mauro Vinti is great and works in a collaborative manner and goes beyond the call of duty to get things done for the client. His pragmatic approach as well as out of hours availability is reassuring when dealing with personal legal matters‘.
‘Karen Moores has been brilliant, approachable, professional and knowledgeable. I have never had any trouble contacting Karen and she has always been on hand to answer any questions I’ve had and explain things fully, while also adding a touch of humour when needed‘.
‘Karen Moores has an exceptional reputation in the area of private law family work and financial remedy. She is dogged and determined. She is unafraid of giving robust and practical advice to her clients’.
‘Karen Moores is an energetic, dedicated and talented solicitor. All angles are thought about, all possible arguments pursued whilst at the same time retaining an air of calm assertiveness that is so reassuring for clients. Opponents know they have a tough case ahead but one that will be professional and balanced’.
‘The team is one of the best teams in Birmingham. I cannot recommend the team highly enough. The instructions are always of the highest standard. The approach of the firm is exceptional and as a result, achieve fantastic outcomes for their clients. Gemma Whitchurch is one of the most impressive solicitors in Birmingham. She goes over and above for all her clients, and fiercely fights for them. She is thorough and robust and can rely on her to help assist me when she instructs me’.
Work highlights
- Acting for the wife in divorce and financial remedy proceedings involving a successful family company built up during the marriage with assets worth in excess of £5m.
- Advising on a divorce, financial and child arrangements issues dealt with litigiously by the husband and dealt with entirely remotely highlighting the difficulties caused by the pandemic.
- Acting in a successful application made by the mother for permission to remove two children from the jurisdiction.
The Wilkes Partnership
The Wilkes Partnership acts for a wide range of clients from all backgrounds including company directors, dentists, owners and managers of businesses and their spouses. Aaron Keene heads the private family law team and is on the Law Society’s Family Law Panel, in addition to being a collaborative lawyer. Ruth Harrison-Byrne leads the public law (childcare team) while Sian Kenkre is a senior associate who has a particular interest in surrogacy and assisted fertility cases.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Sian Kenkre is a special solicitor who has a very calm, sensitive approach to her cases. Clients have a real sense that their solicitor is in control and will always focus on their well-being. There is an inner steel and a determination to achieve the outcome whilst remaining balanced and easy to work with’.
‘I am always pleased to receive briefs from the firm, because I know that I will receive detailed instructions which helps me to do the best job I can to represent their clients in court’.
‘All of the team work exceptionally hard to deliver first-rate client care. The team is always available via phone and email, and keep counsel abreast of updates between hearings. Jackie Lee and Sian Kenkre in particular are assets to the team; their knowledge of the law is fantastic and clients are given realistic and sensible advice’.
‘Aaron Keene very personable’.
‘The Wilkes Partnership boasts a small team of very capable family specialists, committed to offering the best possible service to, and delivering the best possible results for their clients. Aaron Keene is a local hero, liked and respected by his peers. Sian Kenre is also very highly recommended’.
‘Sian Kenkre – She is first class. Straightforward, intelligent and great client care skills’.
Work highlights
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP's team leverages both a national and cross-border reach and is led by Manchester-based Emma Collins . It has been expanding its national mediation practice and has particular expertise in nuptial agreements, the treatment of inherited wealth and other issues such as onshore and offshore trusts, pre-marriage acquired assets and co-habitation issues. Consultant Fiona O’Sullivan is a key figure who advises on the financial aspects of relationship breakdown meanwhile principal associate Tania Derrett-Smith is well-versed in financial remedy proceedings and children matters.
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Testimonials
‘Fiona O’Sullivan is an experienced and personable solicitor; she is collaborative and pragmatic. Tania Derrett-Smith is a friendly and practical lawyer who wants to reach a good outcome for her client but doesn’t unnecessarily inflame things‘.
‘A diverse and strong team, up to speed with the latest developments and excellent client service. Tania goes the extra mile for her clients and always makes herself available. Her cases are impeccably and thoroughly prepared and she gives robust yet clear advice giving her clients realistic expectations‘.
‘My experience is that it is a very client focused firm. I have worked with Tania Derrett-Smith on a number of cases. I have found her to offer clients high quality practical advice. She is thorough and conscientious in her preparation of cases and ensures all appropriate avenues are properly explored. I have found her to be very professional and easy to work’.
‘The team in Weightmans family department is highly proficient and well regarded. The lawyers provide advice at early stages about how to move swiftly and cost efficiently through the financial remedies process.; always with an eye on costs and proportionality without scrimping on high quality advice and representation. Tania Derrrett-Smith is a highly skilled and experienced practitioner, with high standards of client care; an absolute pleasure to work with’.
‘Fiona was excellent, and ensured that I understood what my options were‘.
‘Exceptional is the first word to mind that I would describe Weightmans team. Fiona O’Sullivan – I was met with friendliness , professionalism and a great knowledge of the law.’
‘Fiona O’Sullivan is an exceptional solicitor and her team helped me through an extremely difficult time in my life. From the first meeting with Fiona I felt a comfort that the next few months or should I say years I was in good hands. Fiona always showed me empathy when needed and professionalism at all times. I felt Fiona gave me 100% of her exceptional professional knowledge and time and this made me feel confident that I had made the right choice in choosing Weightmans’.
‘The lawyers give clear and professional advice as well as good quality representation. Fiona O’Sullivan is very wise and clever. Her client care skills are great. She adopts a measured approach to cases and nothing is too complex for her’.