MSB Solicitors handles a broad spectrum of family law matters, from surrogacy and private adoption to complex pension structures and trusts. Led by Emma Palmer, a specialist in cross-border cases and complex children proceedings, the team is well-versed in high-stakes disputes. Nicola Harris focuses on children proceedings, while Hayley Catherall advises on both finance and children matters, representing a broad range of clients, from legal aid recipients to high-net-worth individuals. Pippa Tudor handles complex financial disputes, often involving offshore assets, trusts, and inheritance issues. John Owens specialises in high-value financial cases, particularly those with intricate pension structures and business assets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Every solicitor I've had the pleasure of working with at MSB are kind but firm, empathetic and willing to go above and beyond for their clients.' 'Nicole Ralston particularly stands out, but all have the qualities of robustness, meticulous detail to preparation and client care, and I'd wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone needing a family solicitor.' 'Highly motivated Family team. Combative and robust where issues require a strong stance.' 'Caroline Hamilton-Barratt and Pippa Middleton both have very good client skill set and ability to achieve the best outcome for clients.' 'This is a very competent firm who have considerable experience and success in representing client in international children cases and also domestic jurisdiction cases. From what I have see they handle their clients sensitively and frankly.' 'Emma Palmer - highly competent in international children litigation.' 'MSB has a strong and cohesive team of solicitors and paralegals. They work well together and have great oversight from Emma Palmer. They work collaboratively in a way that means clients receive the benefit of experienced practitioners regardless of the named caseworker.' 'Emma Palmer has a vast amount of experience in child abduction and international children matters and has excellent standing within that field. She is on top of complex and topical legal issues, as well as the practical and procedural steps that put her clients in the best position to advance their case.' 'I have consistently found MSB solicitors to have a team of lawyers who are consistently cohesive yet diverse, empathetic yet realistic, unfailingly professional, well-organised, well-structured and committed to achieving the best possible result for their client.' 'Despite this firm working as a cohesive family team, it is also fair to say, that the team is made up of conscientious, intelligent, hard-working, thoughtful and sensible individuals.'
Work highlights
Successfully prevented a child being returned to their previous country of residence under the Hague Convention. The case necessitated consideration of validity of marriage in three jurisdictions and issues of domestic abuse.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Emma Palmer
Other key lawyers
Nicola Harris; Emma Carey; Hayley Catherall; Pippa Tudor; John Owens; Daniel Pierce; Nicole Ralston; Katie Camozzi; Diane Matthews; Susan Alexander