Payne Hicks Beach LLP remains a strong presence in matrimonial finance, described by peers as ‘the gold standard in divorce law’ and ’first class,’ with Fiona Shackleton singled out as ‘a true legend’, who ’stands in a category of her own.’ Now led by Nick Manners following Rebecca Cockcroft‘s departure to Fladgate LLP in August 2024, the team continues to act in disputes involving royalty, celebrities and ultra-high net worth individuals, including representing the appellant in the high-profile Standish v Standish [2024] case. Manners handles complex financial matters, with expertise in those with an Islamic law dimension. Ben Parry-Smith is acclaimed for international jurisdiction battles and cases involving trusts or capacity issues. Harriet Errington advises on multijurisdictional disputes and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Victoria Hingston advises on family issues involving complex trust structures and non-disclosure issues, and Simon Beccle covers the full spectrum of financial work with a strong international element. The practice is further strengthened by Katie Parkes, Isabella Savill, and Camellia Buckmaster.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The gold standard in divorce law.’
‘Fiona Shackleton is one of the country's most outstanding family law solicitors. She is undoubtedly the first port of call for high profile cases. Her sensitivity to the needs of individual clients is unparalleled, as is her ability to inspire and motivate the family team at PHB.'
‘Baroness Shackleton she remains, quite simply, the best family lawyer around. Nick Manners is excellent as a team leader, bringing real gravitas and confidence to his cases. Ben Parry-Smith is charming, disarming and brilliant, bringing out the best in his team and has excellent strategic vision. Victoria Hingston cares deeply about her cases, has a brilliant rapport with clients and has calm good judgment. Matthew Booth is committed, has excellent instincts and is very supportive. Camellia Buckmaster should be a partner. She's great: good lawyer, good communicator and unflappable. Katie Parkes brings boundless energy and ideas to every case. Isabella Savill is clever, hard working and thorough. Luke Scarratt is charming and a good communicator. Marina Fitzalan Howard is wise and effective. Rachel Tiffen is thorough and supportive, and good with clients.’
‘The team at PHB is the "go to" for UHNW individuals. The team provides a tailored approach for those seeking, and no doubt receive in all other areas of their life, a "Rolls Royce service". The team's unquestionable notoriety in the industry comes with good reason - PHB is first class.’
‘The creme de la creme of family law solicitors for complex high net worth matters. As befits their reputation, their lawyers are very technically strong and unafraid to give punchy advice. They are excellent to work with as their cases are always impeccably prepared, and you can have real confidence that you will be supported by high-quality associates.'
- 'Baronness Shackleton stands in a category of her own in the market. A true legend.’
Key clients
- HRH Princess Haya of Jordan
- Mr Vladmir Potanin
- Anna Catherine Standish
- HAVEN [2025] EWHC 48
- Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 1298
- H v I (Child maintenance) [2024] EWHC 3512
- Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 740
- Wei-Lyn Loh v Ardal Loh-Gronager [2024] EWFC 241 (Fam)
- MB v CD [2024] EWHC 751 (Fam)
- KV v KV [2024] EWFC 165
- TI v LI [2024] EWFC 163 (B)
- L v O [2024] EWFC 6
Work highlights
Advising Mr Vladimir Potanin in relation to complex Part III proceedings brought by Mrs Potanina following their lengthy divorce proceedings in Russia.
Advising Mrs Standish in connection with contested financial remedy proceedings in the High Court, involving complex and sophisticated arguments about pre-acquired wealth, post separation accruals, offshore assets, business and trust structures.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Nick Manners
Other key lawyers
Fiona Shackleton; Victoria Hingston; Ben Parry-Smith; Harriet Errington; Simon Beccle; Matthew Booth; Camellia Buckmaster; Katie Parkes; Charlotte Skea-Strachan; Isabella Savill; Alex Curran; Laura Hallahan; Luke Scarratt; Marina Fitzalan Howard