There have been fantastic rankings for Family Law in Partnership in the inaugural Chambers and Partners High Net Worth guide – Chambers HNW 2016 – their first publication specifically aimed at the international private wealth market. The guide names the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families. Family Law in Partnership had five lawyers – David Allison, Gillian Bishop, Pamela Collis, James Pirrie and Ann Northover – named as leading family lawyers.
This is what Chambers HNW 2016 had to say about Family Law in Partnership and our lawyers:
“Family Law in Partnership is described by a source as “the most creative family department in the country. They are always thinking of new approaches to age-old problems,” adding: “They are bold, imaginative and innovative.” The firm has strong dispute resolution capabilities and regularly handles significant financial matters and private law children’s issues.
Sources recognise the firm’s leading collaborative law and ADR expertise. “They think about the process of what they’re doing a great deal. They are very much at the forefront of ADR,” says one observer. Another interviewee states: “They are a model firm. The way they set themselves up with in-house mediators is fantastic. They do not compromise their determination to get an appropriate deal for their clients, managing their cases in a sensible and non-confrontational way.”
Notable practitioners
David Allison concentrates on matters concerning financial claims, but he also acts regularly in cases involving cohabitants, civil partners and same-sex couples. “What really comes through is his absolute efficiency,” says a source, adding: “He’s just so pragmatic and applies legal concepts to real life.” “He lives and breathes family law, it’s a passion for him and that shows in the way he conducts himself. I’m a fan of him,” states an impressed interviewee.
Gillian Bishop is a founding member of the firm and an expert mediator. “She is an extremely good negotiator,” observes a peer, adding: “She is able to attend a round table meeting with both parties and solicitors present and manoeuvre her way through the process and get an agreed solution at the end of it. That’s quite a remarkable skill.” Bishop also tackles litigation and works on collaborative law cases. One interviewee says: “She looks at her cases holistically and is always trying to provide solutions that are best for the family concerned. She speaks with years of experience and vast wisdom.”
Pamela Collis is a highly experienced consultant at the firm. “She is bright and knows what she’s doing. She is sensible, good with clients and a nice person to deal with,” comments an interviewee. Collis advises wealthy international and domestic clients on marriage agreements, financial issues and matters relating to children’s law. “If someone wants a case to be settled, she’s the right person,” says a source.
James Pirrie is praised by sources for his “academic and practical” approach. A specialist in complex financial issues, he is a notable for assisting clients through collaborative law and ADR, and is frequently involved in Child Support Act cases. One source regards him as “the cleverest family lawyer I’ve ever come across,” adding: “He thinks so fast and is innovative and generous with his knowledge. I find him really astonishing.”
Ann Northover is praised by sources for being “very sensible, very easy to deal with and straight down the line.” Northover has particular expertise in complex divorce cases, children’s law proceedings and nuptial agreements, while she also has experience of assisting with tax and trust matters relating to divorce. Interviewees praise her as a “very sound and practical specialist.””
The Chambers rankings and editorial draw on independent research conducted by a team of private wealth researchers. The Chambers team interviewed hundreds of lawyers, family offices, accountancy professionals, tax advisers, bankers, investment managers and high-end real estate agents to get a comprehensive understanding of the private wealth sector in each of the jurisdictions covered.
To find out more about our outstanding team at Family Law in Partnership, please contact any of our lawyers:
T: 020 7420 5000