Firms to the fore in family matters

Howells’ “impressive” family practice is divided into teams dealing with matrimonial issues and the law relating to children, which is regularly instructed by guardians ad litem and social services departments, and advises on international adoption and abduction, abuse, school exclusion and special educational needs, says the Legal 500.

Meanwhile, Irwin Mitchell handles multi-million pound company and pension disputes for private clients and advises on complex multi-jurisdictional private matters affecting children.

“Martin Loxley enjoys an excellent reputation and is particularly strong in high-value divorce and financial provision cases,” says the Legal 500.

Taylor & Emmet is the sole Sheffield firm in the second rank, sharing its place with companies from Hull and Harrogate, while Ashton Morton Slack, Bell & Buxton, Hlw Commercial Lawyers, Wake Smith and Watson Esam secure a third rank place.

Ashton Morton Slack provision of advice on domestic abuse cases, working closely with domestic violence support groups, is highlighted.