Family/Matrimonial: North East

This Newcastle-based team continues to grow in stature, and clients appreciate their "friendly and accommodating" outlook. The firm's lawyers act across the full spectrum of family work, including public and private children law, matrimonial disputes and cohabitation disputes. Recently the team has seen an increased volume of private ancillary relief work, as well as a growing number of collaborative family cases, which it is well placed to handle with a number of lawyers trained in this field.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mary Shaw is highly regarded for her work in high net worth divorce cases and her thriving public children law practice. She is also known for her expertise in mediation and collaborative law. Experienced practitioner Elspeth Thomson focuses upon the representation of parents, children and other family members in both private disputes and publicly funded care cases. Up-and-coming partner Lucy Mead enters the rankings this year following recommendations from a number of market sources; clients particularly highlight her strong communication skills. She is adept at handling a variety of family law issues and specialises in financial provision, cohabitation and domestic abuse cases.

This specialist family law group has established itself as a leading regional player. Clients consider it to be "one of the best England has to offer." The team is highly experienced in all manner of family law cases and has niche expertise in matters involving corporate, farming and pension issues. Recent work highlights have included instructions from a number of high net worth clients on ancillary relief proceedings, but the firm also has the capacity to handle private and public children law matters and collaborative law work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Margaret Simpson is held in high esteem by clients: "Her arguments are meticulous, she is terrific and she makes me feel as though I am her only client." She is known for her specialist knowledge of cases involving landed estates and farming. Ian Kennerley is a barrister who provides advice and advocacy to clients on high value ancillary relief matters, as well as both public and private children work. He is lauded by clients for his attentiveness and his personable approach to matters: "He is not bombastic or pompous in any way." Associate Wayne Lynn is adept at advising high net worth clients on financial provision and prenuptial agreements. Sources appreciate his ability to "take trying situations in his stride."

This well-established team maintains a strong reputation, and has recently expanded with the lateral hire of associate Teresa Davidson from Dickinson Dees. The group is able to provide clients with specialist advice on high-value financial provision matters, public children law and cross-border children disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Jonathan Flower regularly handles divorces involving significant corporate assets, and also maintains a steady workload advising the NHS and representing children in care proceedings. Teresa Davidson enters the rankings this year following enthusiastic recommendations from a number of clients: "She is approachable and keeps people informed without bombarding them with information." Her expertise ranges from financial provision to private children law, and she is noted for her ability in matters involving civil partnership and unmarried partners. Associate Sarah Crilly is highlighted by clients for her practical approach. She has considerable experience in handling high-profile divorces and cases involving business assets.

This strong regional player comprises three partners offering a comprehensive family law service. It provides advice to clients on all aspects of divorce and childcare, with noted expertise in high-value and complex matrimonial finance.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicola Matthews is recognised by both peers and clients for her willingness to negotiate and her pursuit of sensible solutions. She is trained in collaborative law and is the chairperson of the North East regional group of RESOLUTION.

This team serves clients across a range of family matters, including high-value divorce cases and both public and private children matters. The group also features lawyers trained in collaborative law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jennifer Goldstein is recognised for her "practical approach and solid negotiation skills." She acts on high net worth divorces as well as representing guardians in publicly funded cases. Her role as a North East representative of Reunite International reflects her noted ability to attract instructions on international child abduction cases.

Sintons' family team advises clients on a range of family matters, including prenuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, high-value financial provision and children matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Well-established ancillary relief specialist Tim Gray is described by sources as a "tough negotiator who will fight for the best deal he can." His colleague Jo Whitfield focuses upon matrimonial law and is a qualified collaborative lawyer. She regularly handles matters for Belgium-based expatriate clients.