Hunters Law LLP’s children law team, led by Henry Hood, has strong expertise across the full spectrum of complex private law matters. The team regularly acts for HNW and high-profile clients in cases involving child arrangements, international and domestic relocation, and serious allegations of abuse. Amy Rowe, who joined from Dawson Cornwell LLP in August 2024, is a leading figure in international children law, with standout expertise in cross-border adoption, surrogacy, wardship, and jurisdiction disputes. Her practice frequently involves serious welfare issues, including domestic abuse, coercive control, and medical treatment disputes. Olivia Piercy focuses on abduction and relocation work, particularly where there are safeguarding concerns. Jo Carr-West handles high-severity disputes involving abusive parents and is a trained mediator, and Maria Wright has particular expertise in international kinship care and cases concerning the international movement of children. Mark Stiebel left the practice in December 2024 to join MEUM Group Ltd.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Maria Wright is a caring and thoughtful lawyer with a keen eye for the details. She is empathetic as much as she is strategic. She always fights for her clients, but is not afraid to manage expectations and be pragmatic. Maria is a delight to work with. '
‘Hunters is a high level firm with a top-tier family law team. They have always been strong in financial remedies and private law children work, and recent recruitment has now given them remarkable strength in international family law work as well, including both child abduction and international relocation disputes.’
‘Jo Carr-West is a star lawyer. Her laser focus and creative thinking allow her to spot novel arguments and to plan strategically right from the start. She has particular expertise with relocation disputes and complex private law children cases.'
'A great firm with stellar talent and leadership.'
‘I have worked with Hunters on several complex children's law cases and have consistently been impressed by the exceptional service. Their expertise spans a broad spectrum of issues, including high-conflict children matters, matrimonial finance, and international family law. The team is deeply knowledgeable and always up to date with the latest legal developments. What sets Hunters apart is their ability to offer comprehensive, strategic advice that addresses every aspect of a client’s case.’
‘Olivia Piercy stands out for her passion and innate understanding of domestic abuse. Her ability to understand the impact of controlling and coercive behaviour is unmatched in family law and really stands out for this.'
‘Amy Rowe is a superb lawyer with excellent communication skills and knowledge of the law. She breaks down complicated family law into practical advice. She is a strategic thinker and goes beyond the strict facts of the case. She is also very responsive and courteous.’
- 'Maria Wright has a unique ability to connect with clients on a deeply human level. I felt she understood my experience, including the dynamics of coercive control, without me needing to explain everything in detail. At a time when I was still processing what I had been through, Maria helped bring clarity and compassion, creating a space where I felt safe and validated.'
- 'During my time working with the firm, I had the benefit of interacting with several individuals whose professionalism and approach stood out. Eri Horrocks and Maria Wright, in particular, were both knowledgeable, responsive, and carried themselves with empathy and diligence—qualities that are especially valuable in complex and sensitive family matters.'
- 'Amy Rowe brings deep expertise and commitment to complex international relocation and custody disputes. Amy not only grasps the legal intricacies but also recognises the broader human impact, especially on mothers navigating these challenging circumstances. Her work in this area is making a meaningful difference.'
Work highlights
Acted for The Child and Family Agency of Ireland (CFA) in successfully obtaining recognition and enforcement of an Irish order to secure the return to Ireland of a 16-year-old Irish citizen who absconded from care in Ireland to England.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Henry Hood
Other key lawyers
Amy Rowe; Olivia Piercy; Jo Carr-West; Maria Wright; Victoria Teymourian-Yates; Eri Horrocks