Hodge Jones & Allen’s children’s team is now headed up by Vanessa Friend, following Jacqueline Major’s move to Clintons in August 2024. Raj Bhattoa, who joined from Stowe Family Law LLP in October 2024, represents clients in a range of private and public children matters, including international cases and child abduction. Phoebe Hill, who also joined from Stowe Family Law, handles Schedule 1 claims and complex child arrangements work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Vanessa Friend is truly a stand-out partner and excellent mediator in children matters.’
- ‘Phoebe Hill goes above and beyond and is very thorough in all the work she does.'
- ‘Hannah Yellop was the compassionate expert I needed. From very early on, it was clear to me that the work she was doing was of the highest quality, and that she was taking the utmost care to act according to my values and goals.'
- ‘Raj Bhattoa remains the best I have worked with. She has a no-nonsense approach to my situation and is meticulous with details.'
- ‘Sarah Norman-Scott combines an empathetic and sensitive manner with legal excellence, beautiful drafting, and a stellar strategic mind. ’
- ‘Very strong team for children work, particularly high-conflict, complex, and international private law children matters. ’
Practice head
Vanessa Friend
Other key lawyers
Raj Bhattoa; Sarah Norman-Scott; Phoebe Hill; Rebecca Coates; Hannah Yellop