Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers Ltd (LGFL Ltd) > READING, England > Firm Profile

Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers Ltd (LGFL Ltd)
WYVOLS COURT, SWALLOWFIELD
READING
RG7 1WY
England

Private client > Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 3

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

Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers (LGFL Ltd) are a dynamic, forward-thinking boutique family law firm with a “formidable reputation”. Based near Reading, LGFL’s Directors particularly excel in cases involving minor children, thanks to their unique holistic and child-centred approach to divorce, separation, settlements and legal issues affecting family life.

Since the firm was first listed in the UK Legal 500 for 2017, LGFL’s reputation for legal expertise carried out with empathy and professionalism has grown, in turn attracting national media interest. LGFL frequently takes on major City law firms in court with highly successful outcomes for their clients.

“The reality is that Anne Leiper and Rita Gupta are a fantastic team. They dedicate themselves to their cases and are relentless in pushing a case forward to the benefit of their clients. They are incredibly detailed in their approach and, where appropriate, leave no stone unturned.”
The Legal 500 2023 edition

Directors Rita Gupta and Anne Leiper sharing a passion for helping their clients resolve even the most complex of family issues. Every case is director-led, ensuring high-level expertise and reassuring continuity for all types of cases, from a straightforward amicable divorce to extremely complex high net worth financial settlements.

During their initial 60-minute consultation, every client can benefit from each Directors’ extensive experience, and explore a range of strategies to secure the best possible outcome.

“Anne and Rita offer clear tactical direction from the outset – they think three steps head and plan accordingly. They do not fight needlessly, but when they are called upon, they will fight harder than anyone. They are very good at cutting through nonsense and getting to the point.”
The Legal 500 2023 edition

Specialist family lawyers
LGFL offer extensive experience, empathy and success with less stress in all aspects of family law, Rita and Anna are both highly experienced in complex litigation involving extensive documentation and emotive issues, including:

  • Divorce and separation
  • High net worth financial settlements
  • Comprehensive settlements for long-term provision of SEN children
  • Complex private child cases, including residence, contact disputes, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, and advising on Special Guardianship
  • Domestic violence, emotional abuse, and coercive control cases
  • Pre and post nuptial agreements
  • Dispute resolution via mediation and collaborative law
  • Cases involving the relocation of children both internal and external

LGFL: a highly personalised service
LGFL deal with every matter in a discreet and sensitive manner. Their trademark empathetic and pragmatic approach ensures that all client expectations are both realistic and achievable. Their high levels of personal privacy and confidentiality for clients is further enhanced by the discreet location of their calming countryside offices at Wyvols Court in Swallowfield.

“LGFL are a very human legal team, with doses of empathy but regimented professionalism. Through the many ups and downs, the team are honest, direct and forthright but understanding in what are sometimes very emotional, complicated and tricky times.“
The Legal 500 2022 edition

National and international clients
Thanks to new conferencing systems and digital communications, LGFL now serves clients across the UK and beyond. They enjoy an enviable reputation in their local community around the Reading and North Hampshire, and across the UK especially for cases involving divorce and the SEN child..

LGFL also continue to represent clients living or working abroad, including Europe, Hong Kong, the Middle East, the US and Asia. Ex-pat clients particularly value LGFL’s reputation for swift action and pragmatic advice, especially when a party to legal proceedings held in England or Wales.

Client recommendations
Over half of new clients come from personal recommendations from friends, family or business colleagues who have appreciated LGFL’s unique blend of tenacity and empathy.

Recent high-profile and celebrity clients have chosen LGFL over other well-known divorce lawyers in London. This is due in no small part to the exceptional level of discretion and confidentiality LGFL can offer by being based out of town and away from the scrutiny of other parties including the media.

Managing Director: Rita Gupta
Rita deals with all areas of family law including divorce, domestic and emotional abuse, finances, cohabitation issues and children. Rita is especially skilled in:

  • Custody and care of children
  • Divorce and settlements regarding SEN children
  • Financial settlements where the interests of minors are paramount
  • Complex financial abuse cases
  • Domestic abuse and coercive control against men and women

“Rita Gupta has a unique and magnetic energy that inspires confidence. Rita’s input into the wider family law sector, with her articles and interviews, demonstrates her knowledge and passion for her area.”
The Legal 500 2023 edition

Finance and Compliance Director: Anne Leiper
An expert litigator, Anne has particular expertise in securing complex, detailed financial settlements involving pensions. Anne is known for her skills in highly complex financial matters for high-net-worth clients. She is also a Resolution trained collaborative lawyer, and a Resolution trained Mediator.

“Anne Leiper is a tenacious experienced matrimonial lawyer who is unfazed by taking on the big firms. She gives clear sensible advice and is a brilliant guide for clients in difficult circumstances.”
The Legal 500 2020 edition

Mediation and Collaborative Law
LGFL prides itself on a constructive approach to resolving family disputes out of court, and offers in-house Mediation and Collaborative Law services. Their expertise in this area helps minimize distress to those involved, especially children, whilst also reducing potential court and legal costs for the client. This strategic approach has helped LGFL secure strong financial settlements for both husbands and wives in financial remedy cases.

Outreach and education
As part of their mission to educate and inform, LGFL continue to build on their strong presence in all media. Directors Rita Gupta and Anne Leiper have both  discussed family law issues including no fault divorce several times on national TV and radio, including for BBC Radio 5 Live, LBC News, London Live TV, GB News, Times Radio, and numerous appearances on local radio.

In addition, LGFL regularly publish online at their own website, with a ground-breaking article on post-separation abuse attracting thousands of views. LGFL also write engaging, informative articles for ‘lifestyle’ magazines, to reach out to and inform a wider demographic in their area and surrounding counties.

Rita Gupta also write regular blogs for the Law Society, YouTube and TikTok ‘explainer’ videos, professional training seminars for young lawyers and paralegals, and reviews of books on separation and divorce for children.

Department Name Email Telephone
Director Rita Gupta rita.gupta@lgfamilylawyers.co.uk 01189 735521
Director Anne Leiper anne.leiper@lgfamilylawyers.co.uk 01189 735521
Photo Name Position Profile
Rita Gupta photo Rita Gupta Rita Gupta is Co-founder and Managing Director of family law firm LGFL…
Anne Leiper photo Anne Leiper Anne is Co-Founder and Finance and Compliance Director for Leiper Gupta Family…
Number of UK directors : 2
Number of Trainee Solicitors : 2
Number of Paralegals : 1
English (fluent)
Hindi
Punjabi

In the current hard times, LGFL continues to represent an increasingly diverse range of clients who need expert help with complex family law issues. With continued investment in technology, LGFL has streamlined their national family law service to better serve clients with differing cultural and ethnic backgrounds. LGFL co-founder and Director Rita Gupta is of Indian origin and is culturally aware, having acted for many clients of Asian descent.

LGFL are also building a national reputation as the ‘go to’ team for complex separation/divorce cases involving SEN (Special Educational Needs) children. In addition, LGFL’s LGBTQ+ team members offer the firm personal insights into the challenges and issues facing this community.

As a second-generation British Asian woman, Rita believes passionately that diversity in the legal profession is vital to better reflect the society we all serve. She regularly attends school careers events to encourage young people for all backgrounds to consider law bas a profession, and especially to encourage young women to see studying law as a real opportunity for them.


CLIENT: Mother, Complex Private Children Act Proceedings

TESTIMONIAL: “You are fabulous, I only wish I had found you sooner. We talk of alchemists but rarely in the same breath as solicitors, but you are the rare individual where this is possible. To provide such a professional, intelligent and genuine service with such a moral and child centred ethos has been life affirming. My case was historic, complicated and emotional, but after years of confusion there is finally some order. With that chaos now gone, there is finally space to step forwards with greater confidence.”


CLIENT: Intervenor Case, Hampshire

TESTIMONIAL: “I have been dealing with LGFL for over 12 months, after a friend recommended them. I have been most impressed by Anne Leiper’s attention to detail and prompt actions in all aspects of her contact with me. As my first foray into any kind of litigation, the experience, whilst a difficult one to deal with, has been eased by the advice received. Fees are sent promptly, are well structured and easy to understand. I have no hesitation in recommending LGFL to others in a similar predicament.”


CLIENT: Mother, Family Issue

TESTIMONIAL: “Rita from LGFL gave me a fantastic service on a family issue we had. Very professional, trustworthy and great advice. I would totally recommend LGFL as a company without hesitation.”


CLIENT: Anonymous, Surrey

TESTIMONIAL: “The reason for approaching LGFL was, at the time, traumatic and unexpected and Rita is a key reason that by the end of the process I felt positive, empowered, and excited for the future. Rita’s professionalism, experience and knowledge is immediately apparent, and her considerate delivery of services was exceptional. I have no hesitation in recommending Rita and the team at LGFL.”


CLIENT: Anonymous, Hampshire

TESTIMONIAL: “Rita inspired confidence and I was briefed every step of the way with sound advice and recommendations. Rita always added a personal touch that made me feel like a person, rather than a business transaction at this emotional and distressing time. In court, Rita was very well prepared, assertive but courteous, and added the right amount of gravity to my situation that helped set the tone for a favourable outcome for my son and I.”


CLIENT: Petitioner Wife/ Financial Case, Surrey

TESTIMONIAL: “Anne Leiper was supportive and professional at all times. I was always assured that she was constantly working in my best interests, and she was never afraid to deal with difficult or contentious issues in a forceful but analytical manner. She has excellent contacts with other professionals including barristers but was transparent when considering costs. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and her colleagues to anyone who needed legal help.”


CLIENT: Petitioner Husband, High Net Worth Financial Matter, Hong Kong

TESTIMONIAL: “Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers helped me tremendously throughout my divorce process. They provided me not only with excellent technical expertise but as importantly, Rita Gupta gave me tremendous support and guidance, whilst at the same time respecting my wishes to settle in the most peaceful and mutually satisfactory and respectful way. I had no hesitation in recommending Rita to a very close friend when his family situation required specialist lawyers.”


CLIENT: Petitioner Wife, Financial Case, Hampshire

TESTIMONIAL: “LGFL Ltd was recommended to me by a friend and (their) professionalism and knowledge has been invaluable in my position. Every angle and situation has been viewed and advised on. From working with the partners to the wonderful and patient staff in the office, LGFL has been a real stabiliser in what has been a very difficult time; the whole office has been very discrete and approachable. I would not hesitate in recommending them to friends and have done so already.”


CLIENT: Father in Residence / Children Act Proceedings, Surrey

TESTIMONIAL: “Rita was brilliant in helping me with my family dispute case. In a stressful time when outcomes can change lives you want to be sure you have the best advice and representation. Rita was paramount in achieving our result and I wouldn’t hesitate in using her services again should the need arise.”


CLIENT: Petitioner Wife, Kent

TESTIMONIAL: “When my divorce began, the best advice I received was to contact Anne Leiper. I cannot speak highly enough having her represent me throughout my divorce proceedings. From the outset, Anne provided clear expert guidance, enabling me to make informed life changing judgements about issues which would impact on the rest of my life. I always felt well represented by her and she instilled confidence in me, at a time when I had none. Now the divorce is finalised, I can really appreciate how she had helped to secure my future financially.”


CLIENT: Petitioner Wife, Berkshire

TESTIMONIAL: “Rita helped me through difficult divorce and child care proceedings. Rita attended a multiple of court hearings with me, not just for my financial settlement but for my children too which included a full CAFCASS report. Rita has a very professional work ethic, and took control where control was needed for the benefit of not only myself, but my three children too. I would recommend her and her firm LGFL to anyone in a similar situation to myself.”


CLIENT: Respondent Husband, Surrey

TESTIMONIAL: “Anne has represented me on four occasions, twice in matrimonial settlements, a financial matter, and a child residency case. Her knowledge of matrimonial law and understanding of all family matters coupled with her tireless work ethic sets her apart from her peers. She has been totally professional in every situation and has always achieved a successful outcome on my behalf.”


CLIENT: Wife in Matrimonial Matter, Berkshire

TESTIMONIAL: “Thank you so much for getting me to this point so quickly. Your support, advice and professionalism throughout has been superb. You and your team have been brilliant every step of the way. I am in such a good place now compared to the bad place I was in when we first met.”


LEGAL 500 TESTIMONIALS from past editions

 

CLIENT: Anonymous, via Legal 500 research

TESTIMONIAL: “The reality is that Anne Leiper and Rita Gupta are a fantastic team. They dedicate themselves to their cases and are relentless in pushing a case forward to the benefit of their clients. They are incredibly detailed in their approach and, where appropriate, leave no stone unturned. They are excellent solicitors.”

CLIENT: Anonymous, via Legal 500 research

TESTIMONIAL: “Anne and Rita offer clear tactical direction from the outset – they think three steps head and plan accordingly. They do not fight needlessly, but when they are called upon they will fight harder than anyone. They are very good at cutting through nonsense and getting to the point.”

CLIENT: Anonymous, via Legal 500 research

TESTIMONIAL: “The team at this practice are one of those rare groups of people who, it is clear, individually care genuinely about their area of law. Rita Gupta has a unique and magnetic energy that inspires confidence. Rita’s input into the wider family law sector, with her articles and interviews, demonstrates her knowledge and passion for her area.”

CLIENT: Anonymous, via Legal 500 research

TESTIMONIAL: “Rita Gupta always gave solid advice and support but was equally very collaborative in her approach. She was very clear and explained procedures and possible outcomes at every stage of the process. I felt she was very positive in her approach to the outcome of my circumstances and was fully engaged with my circumstances. She was also respectful of my choices once I had received all the information I needed to progress.”

CLIENT: Anonymous, via Legal 500 research

TESTIMONIAL: “Anne Leiper is an extremely fair lady and has impressed me by her direct approach. I realise that she is hugely well informed and the promptness with which she acts never ceases to impress me. I respect and very much like her direct approach with which she gives out advice; she is forthright and honest – this is of great importance to me.”

CLIENT: Anonymous, via Legal 500 research

TESTIMONIAL: “The entire team have shown me extreme civility, warmth, friendliness and efficiency. I really cannot say anything other that I remain delighted with their service and have already recommended LGFL to various friends who are in need of reliable and honest advice.”

 

CLIENT: Anonymous, via Legal 500 research

TESTIMONIAL: “LGFL has always been very professional and helpful in highly sensitive situations. They helped me through a very emotionally hard time and dealt with it with the utmost respect and gave me faith to make me feel comfortable. I have total trust in the company to deal with very difficult and life-changing situations.”