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London
This "experienced" family group
handles complex, international cases. With 18 lawyers, it is one of
the larger teams in Band 2, and the only one located within a full commercial
firm, with the in-house pensions, trusts and corporate teams adding
particular value to the work of the family practitioners. However, there
are murmurs in the market that the billing accompanying these advantages
does not quite bring with it the cutting-edge ability of an equivalent
pricing in Band 1. While there are fewer highly visible, top-value cases,
this is partly due to the firm's culture of discretion and preference
for settlement over public litigation. The "consistency of talent
down through the ranks" and the retention of developing junior
talent was widely remarked upon, placing the team well for the future.
Consultant David Davidson maintains the
widespread respect he has long enjoyed for his "particularly good"
very high net worth work straddling Scottish and other jurisdictional
borders. He is also well known for his expertise with both pensions
and heritage assets in the contentious marital field, and is a member
of the IAML and Resolution. "Personable and distinguished,"
William Longrigg acts increasingly on international matrimonial cases
involving assets from tens to hundreds of millions of pounds. This notably
includes Brussels II Revised: Maintenance Pending Suit, reported in
2006, which involved a nexus of Japanese, French and English elements.
Erica Shelton turns heads in powerful circles with her "high-profile
work." In addition to matrimonial finance, she also has a significant
practice involving private Children Act proceedings. Acting as a "straightforward
and effective" mediator in matrimonial cases accounts for a significant
proportion of Sarah Anticoni's caseload, and informs the rest of both
her own practice and that of her colleagues.
David Davidson is ranked in tier 2 of
4 as a leading individual
William Longrigg is ranked in tier 2 of 4 as a leading individual
Sarah Anticoni is ranked in tier 3 of 4 as a leading individual
Erica Shelton is ranked in tier 3 of 4 as a leading individual
Guildford
This organisation is rated as "eading
firm for its family work, in which the level of ability and professionalism
is high. Providing good coverage both within and outside London from
its five offices, sources particularly emphasised the well-led Guildford
office. With a respected reputation for private client work, the team
handles private child law, asset protection planning and prenuptial
matters. It is especially recommended for its collaborative and matrimonial
work.
Margaret Tyson can be tough to deal
with but does her job extremely well. She is respected for her straight
approach and easily has as good a reputation as London practitioners,
say sources. In particular, she has her head around the financial side
of things. Although more junior, Karen Wilsher also wins plaudits for
her handling of cases. She is recommended for international adoption
and private children work.
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