‘Without doubt one of the top London firms’, Withers LLP fields a family team with ‘a strength in depth, from the most junior trainee to the most senior partner, which is unparalleled’. The group’s non-court dispute resolution offering, including the firm’s Uncouple model, is a standout element: Claire Blakemore and Diana Parker are key to the model’s development, and Adele Pledger is also noted for her mediation work. ‘Superb’ team head Suzanne Todd has notable experience in Anglo-Italian matters and multijurisdictional pre-nups, while Michael Gouriet regularly acts for entrepreneurs and land owners. Katharine Landells is recommended as ‘a cut above’ in financially and emotionally complex cases, and Brett Frankle‘s practice spans financial disputes and private law children work, including international relocations. Julian Lipson’s work often features tax and trust concerns, which are also a strength for the ‘bright and effective’ Jennifer Dickson. Alexander Breedon has a growing practice in jurisdiction/forum disputes, and Sarfraz Ali is praised for his ’keen eye for detail‘.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jennifer Dickson is a rising star and has a very bright future ahead of her. She is very bright and effective and will look for creative and pragmatic solutions for her clients. She always has her clients' interests front and centre.’
‘Katharine Landells is a pleasure to work with. She plays with a straight bat, cuts to the chase, and is solution focused for clients. That is a breath of fresh air when acting against London firms. She's a cut above.'
- 'Sarfraz Ali works efficiently, has a keen eye for detail and welcomes an open dialogue on resolving issues for clients. He is a rising star.’
‘Without doubt one of the top London firms. A well-deserved reputation for providing an elite service.’
‘In my opinion, Withers is the standout family law team in London. They have a strength in depth, from the most junior trainee to the most senior partner, which is unparalleled.'
‘Withers are an exceptionally strong team – they have good people with a broad range of strengths and abilities and are exceptionally good at pulling together teams of personnel at different levels of experience.'
‘Suzanne Todd is superb – she is very adept at communicating complex issues in a straightforward way. She is extremely good working in a team and is good at getting the best out of people – both lawyers and clients.'
‘A strong and deep team involved in the biggest cases. Put real effort into technical knowledge and have a wide breadth of experience. Their uncoupling offering is novel and being copied by others.’
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sarfraz Ali
Practice head
Suzanne Todd
Other key lawyers
Julian Lipson; Diana Parker; Claire Blakemore; Brett Frankle; Michael Gouriet; Katharine Landells; Jennifer Dickson; Alexander Breedon; Sarfraz Ali; Paulina Sandler; Adele Pledger; Joanna Lazarus