Suzanne Todd > Withers LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

At the helm of the family law team at Withers LLP is the ‘exceptional’ Suzanne Todd, and the lawyers in the group are ‘all intellectually very strong, thoughtful and highly committed’. Another key figure is Diana Parker, who is praised by one client as ‘probably the most cerebral and finest technical and commercial lawyer of her generation doing family work’. Its superb international offering means that it is skilled at handling complicated multi-jurisdictional cases. At this ‘truly global firm’, Claire Blakemore expertly covers complex financial claims and highly complex children-related disputes. Michael Gouriet has a wide ranging divorce finance, pre-nupital, and child law caseload. Katharine Landells has a proven track record in dealing with the most financially and emotionally complex of cases. Julian Lipson is skilled at handling cases with an international dimension, often involving tax and trust implications, and substantial assets or incomes. The talented Brett Frankle receives a steady flow of instructions concerning contentious divorce proceedings for high-net-worth clients, often with multi-jurisdictional issues. Other names of note include Laura Winterbottom, Jennifer Dickson, Alexander Breedon, Sarfraz Ali, and Adele Pledger.

Withers LLP ’has a great team across all levels. The partners that we work with are excellent and the associates/senior associates are top notch.’ Led by Suzanne Todd, the ‘knowledgeable and hardworking’ team ‘gets brilliant results for clients’ in the context of international trust disputes, UK and international succession disputes, as well as elder law/court of protection issues. It also garners considerable praise for its expertise in charity legacy disputes, and for its international expertise. Paul Hewitt has an ‘exceptional reputation’ for his particular interest in representing families with connections to the sub-continent. Senior Counsel Dawn Goodman has a wealth of experience in trust and succession disputes. Steven Kempster has a substantial offshore trusts practice, and also handles cases relating to charities. Stephen Richards advises clients both in the UK and internationally on disputes concerning inheritance and trusts, and often directs litigation in multiple jurisdictions. Natasha Stourton, Sarah Aughwane and Alice Tomlin are among the other key names to note.

Withers LLP‘ has great strength in depth. The full service practice means they can offer a holistic service for their clients.’ The family mediation practice forms part of the large and strong family law team. Three of its partners – Suzanne Todd, Claire Blakemore and Diana Parker  – are all experienced and highly regarded mediators. Todd is the ‘go to’ lawyer in London for all divorces with an Italian theme. Blakemore mediates on both financial and children issues and has substantial  international expertise.  In addition, she has a strong understanding of trust law.