Under the leadership of Stephen Foster, Stewarts Law LLP‘s divorce and finance team is regarded by clients as ’in a league of their own’, delivering a ‘Rolls-Royce service’. Sam Longworth and Lucy Stewart-Gould, noted for driving the firm’s connections in Hong Kong and the Middle East, recently secured the winning outcome in Standish v Standish in the Supreme Court. Debbie Chism and Richard Hogwood have strong expertise in international prenups, trusts, and tax issues. Emma Hatley frequently acts on matters involving offshore trusts and enforcement. Matthew Humphries handles substantial financial claims, and Carly Kinch is particularly adept at intricate cases involving businesses, inherited wealth, and cross-border elements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The best all round team in the market. Bar none. Packed with experienced and expert partners, and the best group of home-grown and trained associates and senior associates by a mile. They are a veritable army, and can apply expert man hours of an almost unlimited level. Market leaders. At the vanguard of groundbreaking cases (see Standish v Standish for example) and the highest asset cases. A terrifying prospect to litigate against.’
‘Debbie Chism and Emma Hatley are two partners who are the backbone of the team, and will be both the market leaders for decades to come. Their advice is realistic, thorough, nuanced and strategic. Sam Longworth runs cases that overwhelm opponents in their thoroughness and quality of preparation. Matt Humphries is the silk glove to Sam's iron fist. Lucy Stewart-Gould has risen to be one of the powerhouses at partner level. Beyond merely diligent, she knows every inch of every page of even the largest cases. Jenny Duggan is another young partner of limitless energy and passion for her client's best interests.'
‘Emma Hatley is at the top of her game and is incredibly sharp yet very commercial. Clients have so much confidence in her. Matthew Humphries has a fabulous, calm manner with clients and is wonderful to work with.’
‘Sam Longworth is very calm, experienced, and tactical. Great all-around knowledge. Clear communication skills and analysis. Definitely at the top of his profession. Lucy Stewart Gould is- sympathetic, calm, tactical, and wise. A top divorce lawyer. Fiona Porter: responsive, accurate, professional, hard working - a pleasure to deal with. What makes them different from competitors is that they all have a very strong moral compass.’
‘Invariably involved in the most complicated cases. Rolls-Royce service. The safest possible pair of hands.’
‘Emma Hatley is a lawyer at the top of her game. One of the big hitters in this area of law. Charlotte Sanders is an associate who knows the facts of a case better than her client. Her attention to detail is phenomenal. Definitely one to watch.’
‘Quite simply, in a league of their own. The quality of their bench surpasses all others, and they have all the bases covered. Truly exceptional.’
‘Stephen Foster has enormous gravitas. He is the man you want in a high-value value multi-jurisdictional complicated matter. Richard Hogwood is a real brain and a great strategist. Carly Kinch is extremely focused and has a work ethic that puts everyone to shame. Debbie Chism is straight to the point and strategically excellent. Sam Longworth is dynamic and extremely hardworking.’
'Best in town by a country mile. Clear water between them and the chasing pack.'
'Emma Hatley: The best divorce solicitor in England.'
Key clients
- Wei-Lin Oh v Ardal Loh-Gronager [2024] EWFC 241 (Fam)
- DR v UG [2024] 1 FLR 698
- Baker v Baker [2024] 1 FLR 1081
- ES v SS [No 2] [2024] EWFC 59
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.
Practice head
Stephen Foster
Other key lawyers
Debbie Chism; Emma Hatley; Sam Longworth; Matthew Humphries; Richard Hogwood; Lucy Stewart-Gould; Sophie Chapman; Lewis Powers; Fiona Porter; Voirrey Ward; Jenny Duggan; Charlotte Sanders