Withers LLP‘s family team is led by Suzanne Todd, a fluent Italian speaker whose practice centres on complex international divorce and multijurisdictional prenups. Todd is also a mediator and collaborative lawyer. Diana Parker and Jennifer Dickson have strong expertise in financial arrangement matters involving trusts, foreign tax, and enforcement, with Dickson also active in mediation. Michael Gouriet, a certified arbitrator, represents high-profile clients across Europe, the US, and the MENA regions, including entrepreneurs and figures from sport and entertainment. Claire Blakemore has experience in cases involving domestic abuse and neurodiverse parties alongside her mediation practice. Adele Pledger, collaboratively trained, handles multijurisdictional nuptial agreements and high-value disputes. Alexander Breedon specialises in pre- and post-nuptial litigation, and Sarfraz Ali is also a key member of the team’s international offering.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team always has been, and continues to be, amongst the few firms at the top of the tree.’
- ‘Diana Parker is the pre-eminent lawyer practising in this field, and she remains a hugely important inspiration to those who work in the team. More junior partners such as Adele Pledger, Kate Landells and Alex Breedon bring a meticulous attention to detail, high intellect, and strong strategic advice based on years of work on the biggest cases in the field. The strength of the associate level is particularly striking - Saf Ali is absolutely excellent and has all the gravitas of a partner.'
- ‘Jennie Dickson inspires confidence in clients. She earns their trust with a firm grasp of their facts, emotional intelligence, and laser-focused judgment.’
- ‘A long-held, well-deserved reputation for quality. Sophistication and talent across the board.’
- ‘Sarfraz Ali is always a step ahead of everybody else in the room. Strategic and measured. Jennie Dickinson knows every aspect of her cases inside out and will leave no stone unturned. Paulina Sandler is incredibly bright, in a different league to her peers. Alex Breedon's insight and judgment is beyond his years. He has encyclopaedic knowledge of the law.’
- ‘Adele Pledger is a fantastic lawyer and incredibly personable. A formidable negotiator, she fights her client's corner firmly and effectively.'
Key clients
- Diane Liza Rosemin-Culligan
Work highlights
Acted for the wife in financial remedy proceedings against her former husband in respect of the impact of domestic abuse and litigation conduct when it comes to the approach to be taken to the division of assets.
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
Jennifer Dickson; Diana Parker; Sarfraz Ali;vMichael Gouriet; Adele Pledger; Katharine Landells; Alexander Breedon; Claire Blakemore; Paulina Sandler