Family/Matrimonial: Wales

This group is able to handle a wide range of family work including advising on prenuptial agreements, adoption and high net worth ancillary relief. Its vast experience and solid reputation throughout Wales mean solicitors from other firms feel confident in referring work to the team. It retains a dedicated legal aid franchise.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Powell QC is held in extremely high regard by sources, who admire his private law children practice. He has of late been particularly busy in non-accidental injury matters and adoption cases. He also offers mental health expertise. Malcolm Stevens is particularly praised for his ability to work well with every kind of client, and he is described as an "utter gentleman who fights fair, but fights for his clients."

This group focuses on public law children work, and sources note that it has continued to strengthen its team in the last twelve months. It is able to offer services on a legally aided basis.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frazer Nicol focuses on Children Act matters and "is really one of the leading lights in Wales," say sources. He is described as conscientious, talented and "an absolutely charming man." 

This boutique firm houses one of the largest specialist family teams in Wales. It is particularly adept in large and complex ancillary relief cases, often involving international dimensions. Clients include wealthy businessmen and other high net worth professionals. Sources say: "They are very professional in the way they deal with things, they don't take the aggressive approach. It is a very prompt and responsive group."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources note that Melanie Hamer and Thea Hughes form a very good and solid pair. The "very professional and businesslike" Hamer recently represented an international businessman in his divorce, a matter that included multi-jurisdictional assets. Hughes is praised as "very experienced and capable." She recently acted in a complex matter where the client's assets were in excess of £10 million.

This group has grown in the last year with the elevation of two trainees to solicitors. Complex and high net worth matrimonial finance is undoubtedly its forte, but it also continues to expand its children law capabilities. Its children lawyers are skilled in matters ranging from non-accidental injury to leave to remove cases. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ceri Price heads the department and comes highly recommended for her high net worth ancillary relief practice. A lot of her work brings her to London. Like Price, Suzanne Edwards draws on over 20 years of experience in the field. She is particularly adept in advising on substantial financial claims.  

This firm houses specialists in every area of family law, but is perhaps best known for its strength in matrimonial finance matters.  It also handles private and public children matters including child abduction, adoption and care proceedings.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Margaret Phillips handles complex matrimonial finance issues. She has recently handled cases involving significant assets placed in offshore trusts.