Areas of Practice
Track Record
Acting with Katie Male for the wife in the case of KA v MA (prenuptial agreement: needs) [2018] EWHC 499 (Fam), [2018] All ER (D) 92 (Apr) concerning the extent to which a court should uphold the terms of a pre-nuptial agreement which the wife sought to disregard. Taking into account all of the circumstances of the case the court largely overturned the pre-nuptial agreement, on the basis that it failed to meet the wife’s reasonable needs, and provided the wife with an award of £2.73 million, well in excess of the provision in the pre-nuptial agreement
Acting for the HNW fund manager husband in his financial remedy proceedings following his divorce (B v B (2013) EWHC 1232 (Fam)in a two week trial in the High Court, which is now the lead authority on how valuable private equity funds are to be treated in HNW financial remedy proceedings following a divorce
Acting for Mr Don Gallagher, a male civil partner in the case of Lawrence v Gallagher [2012] EWCA Civ 394 which was the first civil partnership financial relief case to reach the High Court and subsequently the Court of Appeal. The case was widely reported in the media, being the first of its kind
Awards & Rankings
Legal 500, Leading Partner, 2025 & 2026
Chambers UK, Ranked Individual, 2017 – 2020, 2022 – 2026
Chambers HNW, Ranked Individual, 2017 – 2025
Legal 500, Leading Individual, 2018, 2020 – 2024
Tatler HNW Address Book 2020 – 2023, Specialist in Family Law and Founding Partner
Education & Qualification
University of Nottingham
Qualified as a solicitor in 1983
Recommended by James
With carried interest soon to fall fully under the trading income regime, private equity leaders face a very different strategic planning environment. In FT Adviser, Partners, Emily Brand, Rahul Thakrar and Dom Rothbarth outline how the revised rules interact with continuation vehicles, matrimonial planning, tax structuring and forward looking carry planning.
Read more 2 min read 13 Mar 2026 Advising the new generation of women leading wealth decisionsIn IFA Magazine, Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand reflects on the shifting role of women within the HNW landscape. She outlines how women are increasingly shaping decisions around wealth transfer and protection, and considers the opportunities this creates for advisers responding to the evolving priorities of female clients.
Read more 4 min read 22 Jan 2026 Divorce means conflict – and separate lawyersIs divorce always a battle requiring two separate lawyers? Family Partner, William Rollin explores why that common assumption isn’t always true and how Resolution Together offers couples a calmer, more constructive route when separating. This joint‑advice model allows one specially trained solicitor to support both parties with clear, consistent legal guidance, helping them reach fair and informed decisions without unnecessary conflict.
Read more 8 min read 15 Oct 2025 PFDRs putting clients first – Alexandra Hirst writes in TL4 HNW Divorce Magazine
What makes a Private Financial Dispute Resolution (PFDR) hearing such an effective and flexible way to settle financial matters? Family Senior Associate, Alexandra Hirst, explains PFDR and outlines how preparation, clear communication and a tailored approach can help clients navigate the process confidently without proceeding to a final court hearing.
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