‘Absolute powerhouse’ family law boutique Hughes Fowler Carruthers, led by Frances Hughes, acts for UHNWIs and international families whose cases often centre around intricate cross-border asset structures, trusts, and jurisdictional issues. The practice handles the full range of divorce and matrimonial finance work, including pre- and post-nuptial agreements, complex asset division and financial proceedings, often where corporate holdings or family businesses are involved. Alex Carruthers and Mark Harper offer expert advice on divorce cases involving trusts, family businesses, and complex offshore asset structures. Renato Labi specialises in cross-border matters and financial proceedings, Caroline Park focuses on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements with international dimensions, and Kate Brett handles multijurisdictional disputes involving sophisticated asset management. Lauren Deane was recently promoted to partner, while Pauline Fowler remains involved as a consultant following her retirement.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Alex is an amazing negotiator with unrivalled experience in particular for complex and cross-border disputes. Being very seasoned, Alex was able to get excellent financial results for me and my children. Extremely combative but done with grace and lightness of touch. Overall exceptional!’
‘Unrivalled reputation in family law for both children and finance matters. HFC has unmatched experience in dealing with the most complex cases and the highest profile clients. HFC will always fight the client's corner with the utmost skill and tenacity.’
‘I have worked in particular with Frances Hughes, Renato Labi, and Bryan Jones. They stand out for their client commitment and client care, and their creative approach to legal problems. Sound advice arising from experience in most of the highest profile cases in the sector and fearlessness.’
‘The team at HFC is an absolute powerhouse; they don't miss a trick. The team deals adroitly with the biggest financial remedy cases around. The team is headed by partners at the top of their field and comprised of formidably bright associates. The team does literally everything possible for their clients.’
‘Caroline Park is a top-flight partner. Caroline oversees the biggest financial remedy cases expertly. Her commercial background translates to a razor-sharp focus: cutting through complex financial issues with seeming ease.'
- 'Sarah Walker's rapid rise in financial remedies is well deserved. Sarah is certainly one of the future stars of the industry. She brings not only a starling intellect, but an enviable calm to the thorniest of cases.’
Key clients
- BL v OR [2023] EWFC 229
- Potanin v Potanina [2021] EWCA Civ 702, [2024]UKSC 3
- DR v ES & Ors [2024] EWFC 176
- KV v KV [2024] EWFC 165
Work highlights
Advised Natalia Potanina in her reported $19 billion financial relief claim following a Russian divorce.
Advised a wife in reported jurisdiction proceedings involving assets over £5 billion. The court established English jurisdiction.
Advised a wife challenging a pre-nuptial agreement in reported £50 million financial proceedings. The court declined to uphold the agreement and awarded £5 million, exceeding the pre-nuptial terms.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Frances Hughes
Other key lawyers
Alex Carruthers; Mark Harper; Renato Labi; Caroline Park; Bryan Jones; Lauren Deane; Kate Brett; Sarah Walker