Irwin Mitchell remains a go-to choice for significantly wealthy individuals seeking advice on a wide array of complex and acrimonious nuptial finance matters, modern family matters such as surrogacy and assisted reproduction, and complex child issues. Highly reputed family lawyer Mark Hands leads the team, supported by ‘force of nature’ Zahra Pabani, whose remit encompasses high-value financial remedy and pre- and post-nuptial agreements for ultra wealthy clients, and Sarah Balfour, a principal point of contact for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and elderly or vulnerable clients and their families. Marie Kilgallen’s caseload spans child law work, financial remedy, and wealth protection. Also on the team is the ’truly excellent’ Sabrina Powell, well-versed in advising cohabiting and unmarried couples, and Charlotte Clewes, who is noted for knowledge of issues of capacity and her extensive areas of capability. Dan Moreton is a key contact for LBGTQ+ families, and hybrid mediator Rachel Baker leads the team’s NCDR practice. Sangeeta Kohli, Tara Smith, and Lucy Todd are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Irwin Mitchell's family team are growing an increasingly impressive reputation for modern families work and children work. They have an impressive and strong team who work collaboratively with counsel and are incredibly bright and ambitious.’
‘Dan Moreton is a rising star and definitely one to watch!’
‘Zahra Pabani - a force of nature! Second to none in her relationship building with clients. I have absolute trust in her skills, abilities, and desire to deliver a fantastic service. A leading partner! Mark Hands leads the Birmingham offering and has a very strong focus on raising the bar when it comes to the city being the centre of excellence for family law.'
‘Mark Hands gives sensible advice, but fights his client's corner and encourages appropriate dispute resolution. Sarah Balfour has an excellent reputation - dedicated, great technical knowledge, and wonderful manner with clients. Rachel Baker is highly competent and knowledgeable, proactive in moving matters forwards for her clients, responsive and sensible in her approach with other lawyers - also an excellent mediator.’
‘Sabrina Powell is a truly excellent lawyer who works hard to get the best outcome for her clients. The documentation she prepares for the court is of the highest standard, thorough and persuasive.'
‘I work mostly with Charlotte Clewes and Sarah Balfour. Sarah has a calm and focused approach, providing realistic advice and handling difficult cases with sensitivity. Charlotte has a bright and enthusiastic personality, a supportive manner with clients and a keen sense of strategy in extracting optimum client outcomes.’
‘Mark Hands is probably the best family law solicitor in country. He is stupidly clever, strategic, has excellent knowledge of the law, and has great client care skills. He is also extremely proactive and a problem solver.'
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sabrina Powell
Lucy Todd
Practice head
Mark Hands
Other key lawyers
Zahra Pabani; Sarah Balfour; Marie Kilgallen; Sabrina Powell; Charlotte Clewes; Dan Moreton; Rachel Baker; Sangeeta Kohli, Tara Smith; Lucy Todd; Grace Mullis; Shannon Park