Praised for its ‘attention to detail and professionalism’, the family team at Pinney Talfourd LLP covers a full range of divorce, financial remedy, Children Act, and wealth protection work. The team also supports cohabitees, and has a growing practice in surrogacy and fertility headed by Louise Eady. Catherine Polli heads the practice from Upminster, recommended for her ’great negotiating skills’, while deputy head Claire Spurgeon, in Brentwood, regularly handles complex financial disputes involving business assets. In Hornchurch, Michael Sheville specialises in complex financial matters and private children law. Catherine Loadman departed the team in August 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Catherine Polli stands out due to her extensive experience in all family law matters, approachability and clear communication style. She has great negotiating skills but is a force to be reckoned with when needed.'
‘The team at Pinney Talfourd LLP was exceptionally efficient in assisting me with urgent family matters. Their professionalism and attention to detail gave me confidence throughout the process. I appreciated how they took the time to understand my situation, offering clear guidance and support at every stage. Their responsiveness and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome stood out.’
‘My solicitor Louise Eady is an exceptional professional. She approached my case with great confidence, put everything into context, put me at ease and guided me expertly through the whole process. Louise has vast family law knowledge and experience and provided the right advice through to a very successful conclusion. I would recommend Louise to anyone with a family law problem needing guidance and advice.’
‘It does not really need to be said that Surjit Verdi is completely on top of family law detail. Surjit is a very smart and exceptional problem solver, who is also clear about what can and what is unlikely to be achieved. I would unreservedly recommend her as solicitor for somebody like myself who did not have the first idea of what the process involved or what the implications could be. I feel fortunate that she was my legal representative at this time.’
‘Pinney Talfourd is known for its strong family team headed by Claire Spurgeon, but they also have impressive more junior members of staff including Jade Mercer who is one of the best junior lawyers that I have come across.'
‘An exceptional team of family lawyers experienced in all aspects of family law.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Michael Sheville
Practice head
Catherine Polli; Claire Spurgeon
Other key lawyers
Louise Eady; Michael Sheville; Surjit Verdi; Lucy Nicholson; Remyhs Baker; Jade Mercer