An exceptionally well regarded figure in the field of family law, Joanne offers clear-sighted, shrewd, and carefully considered advice on all aspects of divorce and family law. She is consistently hailed by clients for her exceptional care, wisdom, and staunch dedication to serving their best interests. Founder and Managing Director of this specialist family law firm that was shortlisted for Family Law Firm of the Year 2023, Joanne offers innovative approaches to successfully resolving relationship disputes, bringing to bear her 27 years’ experience to every case, particularly family matters that involve family finances and financial settlements, regularly handling complex cases that include property, pensions, assets, businesses, and inheritances. For yet another year running, Joanne has been awarded the highly coveted Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” accolade for 2024 – the highest ranking possible by the publication – for her superior work and reputation nationally as a leading divorce and family solicitor. She is widely known for her tenacious approach, priding herself on her persistence to go the extra mile to ensure that her clients’ needs are met and that her team are operating at the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency. Joanne’s ability to negotiate outstanding strategic solutions on behalf of her clients is reflected in the wealth of 5 star reviews she has amassed from past clients. She is a very popular choice, often through recommendation from happy clients, their families, as well as other professionals in the legal sector. Joanne also takes very seriously her role of mentoring her thriving team, developing and guiding like-minded family solicitors who have the same high expectations and absolute dedication to achieving the best possible results for their clients.

With a successful track record in his family cases combined with confidence, expertise and a sincere understanding of his clients’ circumstances, Sam is an acclaimed family law expert and advocate at this Legal 500 ‘Top Tier’ specialist family law firm. Demonstrating a wealth of knowledge in all areas of family law including divorce, separation, financial relief and cases of domestic abuse, his real skill and passion lies in children law matters. Much of his caseload involves advising and representing parents and extended family members on child arrangements regarding where a child lives and whom they spend time with, but he is also sought after for his ability to deal with complex children cases. Sam’s work involves dealing with urgent matters which may require an immediate court application to protect a child, for example, where that child has been placed at risk of harm or to prevent an unlawful abduction outside the jurisdiction. He also advises on international disputes regarding which country a child should live in or visit, as well as representing same sex parents on surrogacy law arrangements. Providing consistent and specialist representation is important to Sam and he offers exceptional advocacy in court, wherever possible, recognising the need for his clients to be represented by somebody they know and trust. With a first-class reputation in the field of family law, Sam is listed in the 2023 edition of The Legal 500 as a ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Recommended Lawyer’. Sam is not able to assist with Legal Aid matters.

Standing out in the field of family law with a career spanning over two decades, Vicki is an exceptional family solicitor and Partner at this widely regarded multidisciplinary law firm. Renowned for her expertise in complex cases, she provides advice and representation on divorce, separation, children matters, issues of domestic abuse and concerns around drugs and alcohol within families. Vicki is also extremely well-versed in negotiating financial settlements, often involving substantial assets and complex financial relationships, always striving to reach the best settlements for her clients. Often representing and protecting prominent clients and their children from media attention, she prides herself on her excellent level of service, offering empathy, sensitivity, and discretion alongside expert legal advice. Vicki is recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the 2023 edition of The Legal 500 and noted in Chambers & Partners and City Wealth as a leading matrimonial and family lawyer. She is also a regular contributor to print and broadcast media on topical family law issues.

Recognised as a leading expert in the field of family law, Mark is well known for his meticulous approach to case preparation alongside a proactive and tough stance when negotiating the best outcomes for his clients. Partner and Head of the Family Department at this Legal 500 ‘Leading Firm’, Mark provides advice and representation to a varied client base, from business owners and professionals, to parents and spouses, to sportspeople and clients with international connections. His authority in family law is further underpinned by him holding two part-time judicial appointments: as a Deputy District Judge dealing with all types of civil and family cases, and as a Recorder specialising in more complex private and public law children proceedings. He is also authorised as a specialist complex financial remedies/family money Judge. As is to be expected, Mark practises in all areas of family law, with a particular specialism in family finances including high-value or complex cases in relation to contested trusts, estates, property, pensions, inheritances, and Court of Protection matters. He is noted for his calm and insightful analysis and can progress matters through the court process or by using a more collaborative approach to assist a settlement – he is a trained collaborative lawyer and a member of Resolution. Recognised for yet another year as a ‘Leading Individual’ in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 and ranked in Chambers UK, Mark is described as a “true professional” with clients commenting on his exceptional knowledge of the law whilst maintaining a compassionate approach.

An unflappable, discreet, and clear-thinker, Neil quickly helps his clients understand their legal options and the best route forward. With a strong reputation in the field of family law including over 40 years of expertise under his belt, he is able to provide high quality advice and representation on divorce, separation, children matters, and financial settlements. He has handled a range of cases over the years, from high value to those involving modest assets, gaining experience in the Family Proceedings Court, the High Court and Court of Appeal. Neil also handles some conveyancing work usually linked to his matrimonial work to provide continuity for his clients. He is praised by his clients for his sensitive, constructive approach to his cases which allows him to work closely with families to achieve the best possible outcome for all involved.

Sarah is a highly competent family lawyer and divorce solicitor who prides herself on building relationships with her clients and is focused on resolving their cases with their best interests at the forefront of her decision making. With over 11 years’ experience, she is instructed in a range of cases, including divorce and separation proceedings, child arrangements, financial disputes, domestic abuse cases, cohabitee issues and pre-nuptial agreements. Clients appreciate Sarah’s supportive manner, her clear explanations of the legal issues and willingness to fight their corner robustly when appropriate.

Sympathetic, clear and approachable, Sally works hard to assist her clients through what can be a challenging time and utilises her legal experience to achieve their goals. An experienced Solicitor Advocate in the Childcare department at this well respected law firm, she specialises in public law Children Act proceedings and is an expert at dealing with and assisting vulnerable clients. Sally acts on behalf of parents when social services are involved in a case, often involving complex care proceedings relating to non-accidental injury, abuse or neglect. Her work also involves special guardianship orders, emergency protection orders, adoption orders, child arrangement orders, prohibited steps and specific issue orders, child abduction and domestic abuse cases. Sally undertakes much of her own advocacy and instructs counsel in more complex matters.

Known as a go-to recommendation for family law in the Leighton Buzzard area, Krina is described as a solicitor who “never lets her clients down” and is particularly “well-versed in issues of forced marriage and female genital mutilation”. A Director of Family and Child Care Law, she specialises in public and private law matters with significant expertise in international child abduction, forced marriage applications, female genital mutilation (FGM) applications, emergency matters such as removal of children, and domestic abuse. Krina also handles complex children cases, representing parents, extended family members and children in child arrangements orders, special guardianship orders, child abduction matters, adoption proceedings and care proceedings, including serious non-accidental injuries. Her depth of experience means that Krina frequently conducts her own advocacy in court on behalf of her clients which ensures continuity in their case. She is noted as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500. Krina is also a fluent Gujarati speaker.

Building up over 38 years’ experience in family law, Simon is one of the most sought after lawyers in the Dunstable area for his ability to defend his clients’ interests and reach negotiated settlements. He has worked on cases encompassing all areas of family law from divorce, separation and civil partnership dissolution, to financial settlements, disputes relating to children, and issues concerning unmarried couples. Simon’s approach is constructive, pragmatic and proactive; he prides himself on delivering a bespoke service for all clients, focusing on their individual needs.

A long serving member of the team since 1985 and with over 40 years’ experience under his belt, Steven is a Director and Head of the Family team at this long established law firm. Supporting clients on a broad range of family matters, he is known for his sensitive, empathetic approach to family cases, recognising the need for family lawyers to understand the emotional aspects around divorce and separation as well as the legal issues. Steven is a member of Resolution and holds specialist accreditation in financial provision and domestic abuse. He is committed to encouraging a conciliatory outcome to each case, where possible, and provides his clients with a pragmatic and sensible approach to the difficulties of family breakdown. Steven also provides assistance with wills and probate.

Initially qualifying as a barrister and now specialising as a family law solicitor, Jamila has a reassuring, sensitive and focused approach to her family cases. She has experience in all areas including private children matters, divorce, separation, financial relief issues and applications for non-molestation and occupation orders. As a member of Resolution, Jamila believes in adopting a non-confrontational approach to resolving disputes, but with her advocacy background she is also able to successfully represent clients fully from point of instruction to court proceedings. Jamila is bilingual in English and Bengali and can interchange between the two seamlessly.

With over two decades of family law experience and Director of this boutique firm, Kuljit can advise on all types of family matters, with particular expertise in child-related issues. Her passion lies in helping clients through their challenging times, fighting for their rights, and using creative approaches to find the right legal solutions to reach the desired outcomes. Kuljit can advise on matters relating to children, such as child arrangement orders, specific issue orders, special guardian orders, and abduction. She also regularly represents clients with relationship issues ranging from divorce, cohabitation matters, and civil partnership disputes, through to cases involving domestic abuse, or those requiring non-molestation orders or occupation orders. Kuljit is a member of Resolution and so seeks to conclude her cases amicably with the other side whenever possible. She also contributes to a variety of good causes and her work with women’s centres and women’s refuges have earned her particular acclaim from the local community.