The Essex-based Birketts LLP family offering is a ‘brilliant team, full of highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals’. The team’s non-court dispute resolution offering is a particular stand out element, with access to the national team’s mediation capabilities and financial remedy arbitration, offered by Chelmsford head Emma Brunning. Brunning is additionally trained to offer the one lawyer one couple model, with a focus on the most complex financial disputes, often involving business assets, pensions, and tax issues. Lucy Birch joined the team from Stowe Family Law LLP in June 2024, with a particular interest in complex children matters including acting for grandparents in special guardianship orders.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I was very impressed with Tom Wright, who went above and beyond for his client. He was very compassionate towards the client but he did not let this diminish his professionalism nor the quality of his advice (which was excellent at every stage).'
- ‘Lucy Birch is a strong advocate for her clients and provides huge support for them as well as excellent legal advice. She wants good outcomes for her clients in the most cost effective way and encourages the use of ADR. Lucy is an excellent solicitor and I will continue to refer work to her and work alongside her.’
- ‘They offer an incredibly personalised service in which they offer enormous support to the client, whilst providing first class legal advice and service. Their clients have complete trust in them that is well deserved. I have seldom experienced such a cohesive and happy relationship between client and solicitor; and it is not just in one case but with each case that I have worked with them on.’
- ‘I worked with Katie Beaven with great success last year. She was simply wonderful with the client and held up a very fragile individual during a very stressful process.'
- ‘The Chelmsford family team at Birketts have grown over the past few years, with greater strength and depth to their offering.’
- ‘Emma Brunning as head of the family team in Chelmsford is widely recognised as a leader in the local family law community, especially for the promotion of Essex arbitration.’
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.
Lucy Birch
Practice head
Emma Brunning
Other key lawyers
Tom Wright; Lucy Birch; Dharshica Thanarajasingham