Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s children law team is recognised by clients for delivering a ‘second to none service’, with standout strength in complex and cross-border matters. The practice is led by the highly regarded William Longrigg, a leading figure in family law. Michael Wells-Greco is a key contact for international surrogacy and parentage work. Sarah Anticoni is a skilled mediator who frequently handles religious or cultural sensitivities relating to child arrangements. Sarah Jane Boon acts on high-value Schedule 1 claims and complex residence issues, including cases involving parental alienation. Miranda Fisher focuses on Schedule 1, abduction and international movement of children, and Joshua Green, described as ’a future star’ and ‘one of the best family law solicitors in London’, handles arrangements and leave to remove applications. Jamie Kennaugh, noted for her ’fearsome intellect’ and ‘seriously impressive’ work, is active in international relocations and pro bono matters. Sarah Higgins leads the group’s pro bono initiative and is praised as ’a true leader in her field’, particularly in private children cases involving abuse. Hannah Owen, a ‘rising star’, specialises in international surrogacy arrangements. Matt Foster, singled out as ’a stellar lawyer’ with ‘serious intellect’, is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Jamie Kennaugh is a super-bright lawyer with huge experience in family law. She is a fantastic tactician and great to have on the team. Jamie is passionate about her work but does not allow her empathy for her clients to cloud her judgment, giving honest and realistic advice. Hannah Owen is a rising star. She combines an encyclopaedic knowledge of the cases she is working on with an incisive mind and great instinct for the issues in the case. William Longrigg remains an unflappable lawyer who brings great charm as well as vast knowledge to all his cases.’
‘A stellar team with a depth of experience and skill which is second to none. The team is particularly strong in international children disputes and many of their clients are international.'
‘Sarah Jane Boon is a super smart and very experienced family lawyer who is real strong in international children work. She works across jurisdictions and combines a really powerful intellect with great empathy and pragmatism.’
‘Charles Russell Speechlys offers an exceptionally high level of service. They have an experienced team, strong in financial matters and international matters. They are particularly strong with innovative pro bono work.’
‘Jamie Kennaugh is a seriously impressive operator who does not let the ball slip in any respect, with a great tactical brain and a fearsome intellect, as well as highly personable; she is the whole package. Matt Foster is a stellar lawyer and is seriously bright. He is a future partner and star of our world. Joshua Green is also a future star. He might as well already be a partner, and the combination of his intelligence and his personality makes him one of the best family law solicitors in London.’
‘CRS has a longstanding and well-deserved reputation as a leading prestige family law firm. They are particularly strong in the international field and have several team members who are experts in foreign law. They are strong on media issues and cases where the assets are unusual. Such is the level of expertise that they can deal with any issue, big or small, and give each case the attention it deserves.’
Lawyers
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Practice head
William Longrigg
Other key lawyers
James Freeman; Michael Wells-Gregco; Miranda Fisher; Sarah Higgins; Sarah Jane Boon; Sarah Anticoni; Jamie Kennaugh; Joshua Green; David Carver; Hannah Owen; Matt Foster