Stowe Family Law LLP operates across a network of Yorkshire offices, with locations in Leeds, Harrogate, and Sheffield. Matrimonial finance cases are an area of proficiency for the team, which is active for a range of high-net-worth clients. Rachel Roberts, in the Leeds office, co-leads alongside Chris Birch, who works from Beverley. Senior partner Julian Hawkhead is also a key name, with significant experience in high-value financial remedy cases. Angela Sussens‘ focus is matrimonial finance, including cases involving multiple jurisdictions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Stowe in West Yorkshire and Leeds has a really strong family team across their Leeds, Ilkley and Harrogate offices. Their cases are always well-prepared, they offer a high level of service, and are very experienced litigators.’

  • ‘Angela Sussens is a fantastic lawyer.’

  • ‘Jake Mitchell is exceptional; he has always made himself available and turned things around. He also isn't just a yes man, he gives me the advice I need, even if it is hard to swallow. I know he has my interests in mind when he tells me anything.'

  • ‘Shanika Haynes is highly competent and effective, far beyond her years of experience, and gives clients sound, realistic advice. She is an excellent litigator, and prepares her cases meticulously, but will always try and settle a case where possible.’

  • ‘SFL have grown to become a considerable force in family law, throughout the country but particularly across the North of England.'

  • 'They have an exceptionally strong team of experienced lawyers and prodigious talent at every stage, as one would expect from a prestigious firm.’
  • ‘Katie Kilburn - A very talented, personable lawyer with first-class client care skills.'

  • ‘The team in Yorkshire has good depth of experience.'

  • 'I would recommend Jake Mitchell for his excellent professional skills in dealing with my case and his capabilities at every stage of the process that made him perfect in his advice and guidance with very impressive abilities to predict the outcome, in advance.'

  • 'The team's strength is just that they are a team - they work as a team. I always know I can contact someone when things crop up, and I won't just be palmed off. On top of this, they cover each other and know when you may be going through a hard point and make themselves available to talk and understand your situation.'

Practice head

Rachel Roberts; Chris Birch

Other key lawyers

Julian Hawkhead; Angela Sussens; Maria Coster; Shanika Haynes; Katie Kilburn; Hannah Ross; Jake Mitchell