The ‘excellent matrimonial finance barristers’ at St John’s Buildings have an established reputation for assisting international and domestic clients with a wide spectrum of financial remedy work. Samantha Hillas KC is ‘an exceptional advocate’ who regularly handles high-value cases involving Schedule 1 claims and civil partnership dissolutions. The ‘phenomenally effective’ Sally Harrison KC has an excellent track record in acting for high-profile and high-net-worth individuals in cases concerning pre-nuptial agreements, complex trust structures, overseas assets and non-disclosure issues. Turning to the junior end of chambers, Archna Dawar is a ‘first choice for complex financial remedy cases’, and Neil Montaldo is skilled in pre and post-nuptial agreements, TOLATA claims and cohabitation agreements. Charles Eastwood is a ‘go-to senior junior in Manchester for complex financial remedy work’. Inherited wealth cases are a key area of activity for Frances De Navarro, in addition to pre-nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals, complex pension issues and non-matrimonial assets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Paul Laverty and Ryan Barker are simply the best.'
  • 'Ryan Barker is superb. He's always focused on offering the best service.'
  • 'Gail Whelan and David Harrald are very friendly, approachable and ultimately very responsive.'
  • 'The service is always first class.'
  • 'The leading set for matrimonial finance in Manchester.'
  • 'Best money set in Manchester by a country mile.'

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Sally Harrison KC
‘Sally has an uncanny knack of identifying the heart of an issue and finding the right solution for clients. She is one of the leading matrimonial finance KCs in the country.'
1
Samantha Hillas KC
‘Samantha is always meticulously well prepared and gives clients the reassurance they often need that she has the granular detail of their case, even if they've never met before. She is never fazed, and always aims to get the right result for the client, not shying away from tough advice on the prospects of success.'

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

1
Archna Dawar
Archna has an exemplary ability to engage with the client in a professional, empathetic, and accessible manner. She has a strong command of financial proceedings.'
1
Charles Eastwood
'Charles is fantastic at dealing with cases where there are complex financial structures. He is a skilled advocate and negotiator.'
1
Frances De Navarro
'She is a fantastic forensic barrister that can cut thorough complexity with ease and translate that into written advocacy that is so easy to follow for the court and for the client.'
1
Neil Montaldo
‘Neil's silky smooth delivery effectively disguises the force of his submissions and the relentless pursuit of his client's case, resulting in excellent outcomes without the risk of alienation with aggression. A superb advocate.'
2
Michelle Burley
2
Simon Charles
‘Simon has a quiet gravitas which belies his years. He is exceptionally clever and incredibly astute. His advocacy is measured and highly effective. He is never aggressive or over the top and when he speaks, the court listens.'
2
Elisabeth Cooper
'Her preparation, client care and advocacy skills are tremendous. Judges love her considered approach.'
2
Hannah Wood
She is clear and calm and is able to explain complex concepts to clients with ease. Her advocacy is always of a high standard. She is persuasive without being abrasive and measured in her arguments.’