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.

A renowned family law expert, excellent strategist and described as “pragmatic, sensitive and personable”, Sebastian is Managing Partner at this well-regarded specialist family law firm and has been offering high quality legal advice and representation in family law matters for over 20 years. He has an excellent success rate in handling complex family cases, involving divorce, separation, marital finances, the dissolution of civil partnerships, and cases with an international element. Sebastian is particularly skilled at deciphering detailed financial matters within family disputes, involving multiple types of assets such as property, pension portfolios, investments, family businesses, and City bonus structures. He also has an enviable track record in cases relating to children, involving applications for child arrangements orders, special guardianship orders, substance abuse by parents, domestic violence cases and non-compliance with court orders. Well versed in wealth protection matters, he advises on and drafts pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Sebastian is a Resolution accredited specialist in complex financial remedies and Children Act cases and is a committed Chair of Resolution Essex and advocates a constructive and amicable approach to his cases, always pursuing the best outcome for his clients.

Avril is Head of the Family Department with over 30 years’ experience in providing support and advice in relation to family law issues. She specialises in matters relating to separation, divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, financial settlements, disputes relating to children, and family care proceedings, bringing her wealth of expertise to bear in achieving positive settlements. Avril is a member of Resolution and was one of the first solicitors to be admitted to The Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme, and offers a constructive and collaborative dispute resolution approach to her cases, where possible, to help minimise the pain of a relationship breakdown. If court proceedings are required, Avril has experience of supporting her clients through the process in order to achieve the best outcome.