LexisNexis has shortlisted Family Law in Partnership and Grace Lawrence for two awards at the Family Law Awards 2026: the firm for Excellence in NCDR and Grace for Family Law Associate Solicitor of the Year.
Excellence in NCDR
Our approach to Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) is not simply about offering alternatives to court. We find constructive ways to resolve conflict and this has been at the heart of our ethos since the firm was founded.
Over the past year, our team has been involved in a number of initiatives designed to do just that.
One of our Directors, Elizabeth Fletcher was part of a small working group of practitioners who believe that parents and lawyers will find better solutions with knowledge of the children’s experiences. We wanted to find a way for children, whose parents instructed solicitors, to have their voices heard in a neutral space. The result was a protocol for Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) to be offered alongside the solicitor-led process, which was released in 2026.
We also contributed to the Putting Children First report, launched in March 2026.
Accessibility has been another important focus. In collaboration with FLANC, we developed and launched a practical toolkit which we provide free of charge to help professionals better support neurodivergent people taking part in NCDR. The toolkit helps individuals identify the adjustments they may need to participate effectively in NCDR processes and has been used by more than 1,200 unique visitors in the last year.
Alongside this work, our team continues to champion mediation and other forms of NCDR across the profession. Family Law in Partnership is involved in the organising committee for Family Mediation Week, hosting its largest in-person event and has contributed to conferences and events promoting mediation and collaborative practice.
Family Law Associate Solicitor of the Year
We are proud to see Grace Lawrence recognised individually following an exceptional year.
Grace advises on complex financial family law matters, with particular expertise in high value cases. Her recent successes have included defending a complex set-aside application in a hard-fought High Court trial and acting as lead associate in Sloutsker v Sloutsker [2025] EWFC 368, a widely reported case involving non-disclosure and litigation misconduct.
Grace is also developing a particular specialism in trusts on divorce. She is a member of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), a global professional body for specialists who advise families on inheritance, trusts, estates and planning their assets for future generations. Grace achieved a Distinction in the International Trusts: Law and Practice exam.
Grace was also recognised as an Associate to Watch in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026 in which her specialism was noted: “Grace Lawrence has an excellent understanding of financial concepts and trusts, which is rare for someone at her level and makes her a standout financial remedy lawyer. She is a brilliant strategist and is always on top of the detail. She is one to watch.”
Grace’s contribution extends beyond her legal work. She leads our work experience programme and annual Access to Practice scheme, which aims to create opportunities for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds to experience a career in law. She also volunteers with Restored Lives, a charity supporting people recovering from separation and divorce.
Family Law
Both nominations reflect something that has always mattered to us at Family Law in Partnership: combining excellent family law with a continued commitment to finding better ways to help people and families move forward.
If you would like to discuss how NCDR could help you and your family resolve issues more constructively, please get in touch with a member of our team.
We look forward to celebrating with peers and everyone shortlisted at the Family Law Awards on Wednesday 18 November 2026 in London.
