‘The gold standard for children's law’, Russell-Cooke LLP’s Kingston-based children team is widely praised for its ’outstanding’ expertise across both public and private children law, including complex matters involving international relocation, fertility law, modern family structures and adoption. ‘Peerless’ Sarah Richardson leads the team, specialising in both public and private law cases which often involve serious safeguarding issues, substance misuse, and non-accidental injury. Richardson is also known for her representation of vulnerable clients, including advising on matters involving gender identity. Amy Chapman represents children directly in proceedings involving non-accidental injury, forced marriage, international relocation, and surrogacy. Samantha Little is recognised for her ’encyclopaedic knowledge’ of children law and handles international adoption and surrogacy. Jade Quirke is a specialist in fertility law and has a strong following among LGBTQ+ families.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at Russell-Cooke are very strong, particularly in the field of complex public law cases.’
- 'Sarah Richardson is peerless. She acts with kindness and empathy and is a formidable lawyer. There is nothing that she doesn't know about children cases. She deserved her reputation as one of the best children's lawyers in the country.'
- 'Jade Quirke is highly intelligent with excellent client handling skills. She has a niche practice in complex modern family work and is really making a name for herself in this space as a fantastic lawyer and creative thinker.’
‘Sam Little is exceptional in terms of her knowledge of private law, public law and international children cases. She is personable and often represents children, including directly. Her skill-set and knowledge is second to none.'
‘I always recommend Russell-Cooke as the gold standard for children's law. They are the outstanding in this area.’
‘Lucy Gledhill-Flynn and Natasha Kirk stand out as associates willing to go the extra mile to secure excellent outcomes for their clients. ’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Samantha Little
Sarah Richardson
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Jade Quirke
Practice head
Sarah Richardson
Other key lawyers
Amy Chapman; Samantha Little; Jade Quirke; Natasha Kirk; Mae Al-Omari; Lucy Gledhill-Flynn; Rebecca Mackett