The Oxford family team at Freeths LLP advises on a wide range of issues, including complex financial disputes involving pension issues and cross-jurisdictional assets, and children matters such as child abduction issues. Gavin Scott heads up the team, ‘a fearless, driven and dedicated practitioner’ with notable expertise regarding cases with international elements. Scott is additionally recommended in cases involving domestic abuse, parental alienation, and coercive control. The ’highly recommended’ Joanne Thomas has experience handling surrogacy and fertility work, and Gemma Nicholls-Webber has a particular focus on farming matters. For mediation, Tom Burgess is the go-to.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Freeths is an exceptional firm with a well deserved national reputation. They work well together and draw on their internal expertise across the regions.’
‘Gavin Scott has made a reputation for himself as a fearless, driven and dedicated practitioner who clearly enjoys the job. He is consistent with everyone he meets, kind and courteous, and is devoted to the client and their case.'
- 'Joanne Thomas is highly recommended. She has a calm, reassuring presence with clients, a wise head and a meticulous attention to detail. She tackles children and financial work with equal sensitivity and clarity.’
‘Tom Burgess is a really excellent family mediator. Stays very calm under pressure and an excellent manner.’
‘I’ve found Freeths to be sensible in their approach, realistic with clients, and good at avoiding unnecessary conflict. They also strike the right balance between being approachable and properly on top of the law. It’s a team that runs smoothly and delivers consistently.’
‘Gemma Nicholls-Webber is one of the most competent solicitors I’ve worked with in recent years. She’s all over the detail. She’s confident without being overbearing, and she has a really good feel for how to handle complex or high-conflict cases. She’s particularly good on financial remedy work—very switched on when it comes to strategy, but also very practical. Clients clearly trust her, and rightly so.'
- 'Tom Burgess is calm, reliable, and gets the job done without fuss. He’s a strong all-rounder, very steady with clients, and a safe pair of hands. His preparation is careful and thoughtful, and he’s not someone who overcomplicates things. He’s also good at seeing the bigger picture and gives instructions that are focused and well-judged. He brings a level-headedness to proceedings that’s very welcome, especially in more emotional cases.’
‘Gavin Scott is second to none when it comes to strategic awareness combined with exceptional client care.’
'Tom Burgess is a thoughtful and patient solicitor who gives sound advice.'
'The practice is unique is my experience because of the spread of regional locations, which has led to a very specific knowledge of local markets, practices and judges.'
Lawyers
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
Gavin Scott
Other key lawyers
Joanne Thomas; Gemma Nicholls-Webber; Tom Burgess