FM Family Law is the largest boutique family law practice in the region, with a team that includes mediators and collaboratively trained practitioners. The lead partner in Cambridge and Newmarket is founder Fiona McLeman, who is ‘fantastic with clients and strategically brilliant’. She works closely with the vastly experienced Sue Bailey in Norwich and Christina Hale in Cambridge. The ‘kind and empathetic’ Laura Clay-Harris and the ‘totally fearless’ Karen Fox are among the firm’s many talented associates. The firm typically acts for high-net-worth individuals in matters involving complex tax considerations, assets located overseas, trusts, and business interests. The firm recently launched its ‘one lawyer one couple’ service, Resolution Together.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Karen Fox - hugely experienced, very knowledgeable and totally fearless when it comes to giving clients realistic advice that they may not like to hear. Sue Bailey - quietly efficient, provides robust and realistic advice. Laura Clay-Harris - kind and empathetic whilst also being very efficient.’

  • 'Fiona McLeman is second to none in the Cambridge family law market. She is fantastic with clients, strategically brilliant and a pleasure to work with.'

  • ‘Sue Bailey and Karen Fox are by far the most experienced lawyers of the Norwich team. They get to grips with the facts of a case quickly and guide their clients through the maze of family law. Karen Fox is known for her good sense, professionalism and tenacity. Sue Bailey is growing her practice as a mediator. Both are highly regarded within the profession locally and further field.’

  • ‘Carla Morphett has been understanding, friendly and honest, if I didn't understand any thing she was always available to explain on the phone.’

  • ‘Both Sue Bailey and Laura Clay-Harris handled my affairs with a high degree of professionalism and care.’

  • 'FM Family Law has been nothing but supportive and compassionate. From the first meeting with Laura Clay-Harris, I felt at ease and trusted her fully. She carefully explained everything and been very empathetic. The whole firm are approachable; there have been times where I have needed advice immediately but my solicitor not available however the whole firm was able to support me and guide me.'

  • 'Laura Clay-Harris has been fully supportive, accessible, honest and efficient. She makes me aware of every change in my case, offered me guidance when I need it and I have never doubted her ability. I trust her fully and approve her honesty towards me. I’ve had a very difficult situation to deal with and Laura has passed no judgment, listened to me and I truly believe she has provided me with the best service possible. I could not be more grateful for her.'

  • ‘Kerry Read was my first engagement in anything related to the legal system and she did a fantastic job in reassuring and explaining things that I had no chance of navigating on my own. Extremely easy and efficient to work with coupled with such a wonderful personality made the whole experience much more comfortable. I would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat.’

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Fiona McLeman, Sue Bailey, Christina Hale

Other key lawyers

Laura Clay-Harris, Karen Fox, Carla Morphett, Kerry Read