Russell-Cooke LLP offers a bespoke service for its clients, recently implementing the ‘one lawyer model’, which 5 of its solicitors are trained in. Fiona Read is ’very good at difficult, challenging and acrimonious cases’, mediation across the full range of family law, representing domestic and international clients in divorce, children arrangements and property disputes. James Carroll, a ‘go-to’ for couples, family members, business partners and trusts, specialises in advising clients in same-sex relationships, especially those with an international dimension. Kate Hamilton is an expert in providing shuttle, hybrid and solicitor-attended mediation between property owners, barristers, solicitors and clients in the financial sector. Katie Longmate, who joined the firm in January 2024, regularly advises and negotiates prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, similarly to Rachel Donald, who joined in May 2024 from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. Donald has expertise in advising on all aspects of family law, including disputes involving neurodivergent children.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Fiona Read has a fine reputation; she is an experienced part-time judge and arbitrator. Fiona is always popular with clients, always willing to offer excellent advice and assistance, and you always feel as if you are working as part of a team with Fiona. Very good at difficult, challenging and acrimonious cases. Speaks with calmness and authority that sets the clients at ease.’
'James Carroll is outstanding. He is clever and effortlessly constructive, and far-sighted.'
‘James Carroll is my "go-to" mediator. With clients, he is clear, calm and in control and keeps the mediation going so that clients get the most out of their sessions. He has a real talent for bringing everyone to the table and getting a result.’
‘The team have a huge depth of experience and expertise, always delivering clients a fantastic service.’
‘Kate Hamilton is great to work with, she provides a thorough service to her clients, acting in their best interests with an individualised and holistic approach. She is great to work with as a solicitor, approachable, adaptable and pragmatic.’
'Russell Cooke has a fabulous family team. They cover the full spectrum of family law and have some of the best lawyers.'
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
James Carroll
Kate Hamilton
Practice head
Kate Hamilton; Katie Longmate; James Carroll; Rachel Donald
Other key lawyers
Fiona Read