‘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: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
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.’
Key clients
- BL v OR [2023] EWFC 229
- Potanin v Potanina [2021] EWCA Civ 702, [2024]UKSC 3
Work highlights
Advised Natalia Potanina in her reported $19 billion financial relief claim following a Russian divorce.
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
Frances Hughes
Other key lawyers
Alex Carruthers; Mark Harper; Renato Labi; Caroline Park; Bryan Jones; Lauren Deane; Kate Brett; Sarah Walker