- Chair of Board: Frances Hughes
- Number of directors: 6
- Number of fee-earners: 13
- Total staff: 24
THE FIRM This niche family law practice is based in Chancery Lane in Central London and specialises in all aspects of matrimonial and family law. It was established in July 2001. The founding partners were Frances Hughes, who set up the highly regarded family law department at Bates,Wells & Braithwaite in 1983, Pauline Fowler and Alex Carruthers, all of whom worked at Bates,Wells & Braithwaite for many years. In 2004, they were joined by Ann Ison from Sears Tooth. Joe Vaitilingam and Renato Labi became partners in 2005. The firm incorporated in 2010. Hughes Fowler Carruthers is widely regarded as one of London’s leading family law practices. All the directors share a considerable breadth of experience which enables them to offer a wide range of skills from skilful negotiation to complex litigation to suit the individual demands of each client. Work is conducted with a high degree of professionalism and dedication. All solicitors in the practice are members of Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association). The practice is part of an extensive international family law network through memberships of associations such as the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Bar Association. This means Hughes Fowler Carruthers can provide a fully international service through the directors’ close connections worldwide.
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF WORK The firm handles all kinds of family law work but puts a strong emphasis on work with financial complexity and international aspects. Fields of expertise also include defending and attacking trust structures, tracing hidden assets, jurisdictional disputes and pension issues. The directors also have special expertise in complex children and child abduction work. The firm’s client base continues to cover a broad spectrum of UK and internationally based men and women including those in the City or in business elsewhere as well as those from the media, the arts and other professionals.