Praised by clients for its 'first-rate service', Withers LLP’s children law team, led by Stephen Richards and Suzanne Todd, handles complex private law matters involving abduction, addiction, mental health, and serious allegations of abuse. Todd advises on contested applications for child arrangements, relocation, and special guardianship, often with cross-border aspects. Claire Blakemore has expertise in neurodiversity and mental health-related matters. Michael Gouriet and ‘brilliant litigator’ Katharine Landells both act in contentious relocation and abduction cases involving issues of abuse, schooling, and parental hostility. Brett Frankle and Jennifer Dickson are experienced in relocation and alienation matters, and Alexander Breedon, promoted to partner in 2024, also focuses on international relocation work. Adele Pledger is a key mediator within the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Diana Parker combines formidable intellect with an instinctive understanding of people, which allows her to navigate even the most challenging cases with authority and tact.'
‘Top-tier children team used to handling the most complex cases, especially for international and UHNW families.'
‘Kate Landells stands out as a brilliant litigator with excellent judgment and a willingness to challenge assumptions and expectations to achieve a great result.'
‘Michael Gouriet is an excellent all-around lawyer. He is enormously charming as well as an exceptional litigator.'
- 'Suzanne Todd is undoubtedly a star of the family law world. She also has a great meditation practice and is sought after by celebrities.’
‘I would pick out two partners but they are all excellent. Claire Blakemore is extremely intelligent, and in all the cases I have worked on with her, she brings extra value with additional observations and suggestions, which I have found invaluable. Kate Landells is an innovative lawyer who is always striving to improve the family justice system and is currently chairing a group of family lawyers looking to make the system for children cases work better. She is energetic and passionate about securing better outcomes for her clients and gets very good results.’
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
Stephen Richards; Suzanne Todd
Other key lawyers
Suzanne Todd; Claire Blakemore; Michael Gouriet; Katharine Landells; Brett Frankle; Adele Pledger; Jennifer Dickson; Alexander Breedon; Paulina Sandler; Sarfraz Ali