Hanne & Co > London, England > Firm Profile

Hanne & Co Offices

Hanne & Co
The Candle Factory
112 York Road
LONDON
SW11 3RS
England
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Hanne & Co > The Legal 500 Rankings

Private client > Family Tier 3

The individuals at Hanne & Co ‘are talented and dedicated professionals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results for their clients’. Spearheaded by Susan Harlow, Michele Brown, and Elizabeth Francis, it is particularly well versed in complex and challenging care cases and private financial proceedings. Other strengths of the practice lie in private children mandates and cross-jurisdictional disputes. Recent highlights for the team include its involvement in three reported cases and its advice on several high-profile and high-value cases. Associates Maisie Lockyer and Hazel Kent continue to develop strong surrogacy practices.

Practice head(s):

Susan Harlow; Michele Brown; Elizabeth Francis

Other key lawyers:

Elinor Feeny; Hazel Kent; Maisie Lockyer; Samantha Cook; Claire Gardner; Caroline Little; Anna Gowen; James Dunn

Testimonials

‘Elizabeth Francis has been unfailing in her support, advice, and clarity of decision-making throughout the whole process. She was calm and empathetic but very clear in what would be an appropriate approach.’

‘The standout partner is Susan Harlow, who delivers exceptional results for me with strong communication skills, and she a trusted advisor.’

‘Elinor Feeny is incredibly organised, diligent and focuses on the necessary detail. She is an impressive advocate who is quick to grasp the complexities of a case. Elinor is thorough, meticulous in her preparation and gives outstanding emotional support during very traumatic times in litigation.’

‘An absolutely sensational, professional and outstanding team, Hanne & Co has been an established firm for over 100 years and boasts specialists in all areas of family law. The team work together closely, ensuring that the client always has someone to work with who is fully informed on their case.’

‘Hazel Kent is a kind, forward thinking and friendly associate in the team who really goes the extra mile for every client. Maisie Lockyer always deserves special praise for her excellent preparation and outstanding client handling skills.’

‘You will have to go a long way to find someone more dedicated to your case than Anna Gowen. She knows every single detail of her cases inside out and is extremely impressive. I think her advice is good and her correspondence is good too.’

‘Samantha Cook is another excellent lawyer, and Claire Gardner and Caroline Little are also excellent practitioners.’

‘James Dunn is very experienced and knowledgeable, he personally handled my whole matter and was always available. Very calm and collected, even when matters get heated.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for an applicant father in a non-convention case regarding an application for the summary return of two children to the UAE under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.
  • Acting for wife in a case concerning a missing sum of £8m and the husband’s forgery of bank statements.
  • Acting for an applicant father in a complex reported non-convention case regarding an appeal brought by the mother against the order for the summary return of two children to Dubai.

Hanne & Co > Firm Profile

About us: Hanne & Co is a Lexcel- and CSQ-accredited law practice with offices in Holborn & Battersea. Hanne & Co has a long and established history dating back to its establishment in 1898. Across its 126-year history the firm has established a widely diverse client base over a broad geographical area both within the UK and abroad – earning great respect from within the industry and receiving many excellent testimonials from clients very satisfied with the high-quality, clear, pragmatic and comprehensive advice given.

As a full-service legal firm – covering family law, property law, employment law, disputes, wills, probate and trusts and notarial work – many of our clients find that all of their legal needs can be met in one place, with the important benefit that we can bring to bear all relevant expertise on their behalf in an efficient, timely and “joined up” manner.

Hanne & Co opened an office in Holborn in 2023 at 44 Southampton Buildings, a 2-minute walk from Chancery Lane tube station.

They also have two offices in Battersea – just 2 minutes’ walk from each other. Both of them are very accessible: they are an 8-minute walk from Europe’s busiest train station, Clapham Junction, are served by a large underground car park and, if needed, are a 2-minute walk from a busy helipad.

Family law: Hanne & Co boasts one of the largest and most highly-regarded family law departments in London, with seven partners, ten expert solicitors and consultants and six trainees and paralegals. The department commands a large market share. Our solicitors regularly advise on complex financial matters, complex care proceedings and cross jurisdictional disputes and we have many international clients, including clients in the public eye.

The family law department is split into two distinct teams – public family (child care law) and private family (family and divorce law). The team operates from both 44 Southampton Buildings, Holborn, London, W2A 1AP and The Candle Factory, 112 York Road, London, SW11 3RS.

All members of the department specialise exclusively in family law and have several accreditations, including the Children Panel, Family Law Advanced Panel and accreditation by Resolution. Partners and solicitors are members of Resolution and the Public Family team are members of the Association of Lawyers for Children (ALC), an organisation which promotes justice for children and young people who become involved in legal processes.

The department is best known for its breadth and depth of expertise in family law with an emphasis on individual partners and senior fee earners specialising in niche areas. The partners are strong litigators but are also committed to ensuring that clients recognise and understand the benefits of alternative dispute resolution and, where appropriate, the alternatives of mediation, collaborative law, arbitration and private FDR/round table meetings.

The private family team advises on matters including but not limited to:

  • matrimonial finance including high-net-worth cases;
  • third party interests;
  • locating undisclosed or hidden assets;
  • confiscation proceedings;
  • recouping disposed assets;
  • freezing orders and appeals;
  • unmarried party disputes including trust of land property disputes all the way up to appeal;
  • children including child arrangement orders, relocation; specific issue and prohibited steps orders;
  • forced marriage;
  • schedule 1 disputes;
  • international child abduction;
  • divorce including same-sex marriage, civil partnerships, customary marriages, Talaq divorces and the legitimacy and recognition of foreign marriages;
  • domestic violence protection orders;
  • pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements; and
  • separation and cohabitation agreements.

The public family team, one of the largest of its kind in London, advises on:

  • care proceedings;
  • placement proceedings;
  • adoption;
  • secure accommodation orders;
  • emergency protection orders;
  • location and recovery orders;
  • radicalization;
  • female genital mutilation;
  • non-accidental injury;
  • fabricated or induced illnesses;
  • special guardianship orders;
  • representing children and guardians in private law proceedings;
  • wardship proceedings;
  • deprivation of liberty proceedings;
  • removal from the jurisdiction; and
  • pre-proceedings and advice in relation to involvement with children’s services.

The firm’s specialist lawyers in all departments are highly regarded and well respected in the legal industry and receive excellent testimonials from clients. The firm prides itself on giving high quality advice that is clear, pragmatic and comprehensive and allows clients to make informed choices throughout their cases.

Looking to the future, Hanne & Co intends to maintain and further develop the reputation it has acquired over its long history and to build on its reputation of providing high quality legal services akin to a city firm, but without the price tag that follows.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Private Family Emma Baillie (Partner & Head of Family & Divorce) emma.baillie@hanne.co.uk 02073269025
Private Family Elizabeth Francis (Partner) elizabeth@hanne.co.uk 02072280017
Private Family Elinor Feeny (Partner) elinor@hanne.co.uk 02072280017
Private Family Anna Gowen (Partner) anna@hanne.co.uk 02072280017
Public Family Michele Brown (Partner & Head of Child Care Law) michele.brown@hanne.co.uk 02072280017
Public Family Rokeya Dangor (Partner) rokeya.dangor@hanne.co.uk 02072280017
Conveyancing Simon Cozier (Partner & Head of Property) sc@hanne.co.uk 02072280017
Private Client Claire Martin (Partner & Head of Private Client) clairel@hanne.co.uk 02072280017
Property Litigation Victoria Copeman (Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution & Property Litigation)) victoria.copeman@hanne.co.uk 02072280017

Staff Figures

Partners : 14
Qualified Fee-earners : 21
Trainees and Paralegals : 14
Support Staff : 16

Languages

English
French
German
Spanish
Turkish
Italian

Memberships

Resolution
Resolution Accredited with particular specialisms in Financial Remedies and Children Law
Family Law Advanced Panel
Children Law Scheme Children’s Representative
Law Society Children Panel
Children Law Accreditation
Association of Lawyers for Children

Other

Notary Public :

Diversity/Community


DIversity

Hanne & Co is committed to eliminating discrimination and promoting equality and diversity in its own policies, practices and procedures and in those areas in which it has influence. This applies to our professional dealings with staff and partners, clients, other solicitors, barristers and third parties. We are also committed to promoting equality and diversity in those areas in which we have influence and are signed up to the Law Society’s Equality and Inclusion Charter and the use of the supporting best practice protocols. We intend to treat everyone equally and with the same attention, courtesy and respect regardless of their disability, gender, marital status, age, race, racial group, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief or sexual orientation. We are committed to complying with rule 6 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007 and with all current and any future anti-discrimination legislation and associated codes of practice and any relevant amendments to or further codes of practice. 

As an employer, we will treat all employees and job applicants equally and fairly and do not discriminate unjustifiably against them. We recognise the benefits of having a diverse workforce and will take steps to ensure that: 

  • we endeavour to recruit from the widest pool of qualified candidates possible; 
  • employment opportunities are open and accessible to all on the basis of candidates’ individual qualities and personal merits; 
  • where appropriate, positive action measures are taken to attract applications from all sections of society and especially from those groups which are under-represented in the workforce; 
  • selection criteria and processes do not discriminate unjustifiably on the grounds of disability, gender, marital status, race, racial group, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, other than in those instances where the firm is exercising permitted positive action; 
  • wherever appropriate and necessary, lawful exemptions (genuine occupational requirements) will be used to recruit suitable staff to meet the special needs of particular groups; and 
  • all recruitment agencies acting for the firm are aware of its requirement not to discriminate and to act accordingly. 

Promotion within the firm is made without reference to any of the forbidden grounds and will be based solely on merit.   

Corporate Social Responsibility 

We have long been committed to helping our local and wider community. We are one of the few firms that will still provide some Legal Aid assistance where clients are eligible. As a firm and as individuals within the firm we support a number of good works, such as Rights of Women advice line, the London Legal Support Trust and Free Wills campaign. We have an active charity committee and every year vote on a charity to support/fund raise for. This year we are supporting the local Katherine Low Settlement and if you want to read more about this and our CSR ethos please see our website: 

https://www.hanne.co.uk/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility/ 

Client Testimonials


CLIENT: Matrimonial Divorce and Finance client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“Liz, many thanks for this and for all of your assistance throughout what has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. You handled my case with the perfect blend of professionalism and sensitivity. I am extremely grateful to you.”

CLIENT: Matrimonial Divorce and Finance client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“Over the period I found you to be professional, assured, confident and well-prepared dealing with the technical and complex. Sometimes issues were almost forensic. This was complimented by your ability to understand the personal anxiety that a client experiences as the process takes different directions and help with an empathetic approach which was much valued”

CLIENT: Matrimonial Divorce and Finance client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“Your great patience was much appreciated, your lovely approach to people made me feel like a friend rather than a client- that makes the trauma of divorce easier to get through. Thank you again for everything”

CLIENT: Child Care Proceedings Client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“Despite your busy work schedule, you always made our case at the top of your priority list, you kept us calm and soothed our fears. Without your wonderful advice and your firm’s legal experience, we would not have the outcome we had. I would not hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone who needs a brilliant solicitor.”

CLIENT: Matrimonial Divorce and Finance client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“A MASSIVE THANK YOU for your support, you were an angel. I really appreciate that and owe you a debt of gratitude”

CLIENT: International Child Abduction client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“I will never forget the feeling when I heard the outcome of the court ordering my children to be returned home. I cannot thank you enough for your assistance. Your legal expertise, professionalism and attention to detail went above and beyond my expectations throughout the course of my case. It was a pleasure doing business with you.”

CLIENT: International Child Abduction client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“I just wanted to thank you for all the time, effort and meticulous attention to detail regarding my case over the past year or so.  You are always prepared to go the extra mile, working long hours and your ability to recall the smallest and often most significant details amongst a wealth of facts in my highly complex case never ceases to amaze me.  I appreciate all you have done and the manner in which you conducted my case and liaised with me throughout. It was very reassuring to have you on my side.  I do not know what I would have done without you.”

CLIENT: Child Care Proceedings – acting for Grandparents
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“It is with immense gratitude that we say thanks to you and Caroline. Your representation for us was greatly appreciated and it will be my pleasure to recommend you to anyone needing a solicitor. Caroline was cool and calm but effective.  She was elegant in her submission. To choose you all to represent was the best choice we made. Once again thanks.”

CLIENT: Matrimonial Divorce and Finance client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“I would like to say Liz you are a wonderful solicitor and I am proud to have had you as mine. I can never thank you enough for all the hard work and kindness you have given me over the years. I now enjoy like to the full, I have a lovely partner we are engaged and very happy. So, my life has turned out good after all that upset.”

CLIENT: Matrimonial Divorce and Finance client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“Elinor Feeny provided me with outstanding service during my very painful divorce … I have already referred a friend to her and will continue referring anyone who needs her services.”

CLIENT: Matrimonial Divorce, Children and Finance client
COMPANY/FIRM: Hanne & Co Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL:“Hanne & Co is the best solicitors I could recommend to anyone, and I have been recommending to my friends since they helped with my divorce. My solicitor Elinor Feeny made me feel well supported through this difficult period of my life.  I felt like she was passionate and dedicated towards helping me with my situation.  She was professional but at the same time warm and caring, and never made me feel uncomfortable.  The atmosphere in the office was welcoming and supportive, and the staff that I spoke to were all friendly.  This was a hugely disruptive period of my life and I am very grateful for the emotional and professional support that Hanne & Co gave me.”