Family: mediation

Russell-Cooke LLP

Conducting sole, hybrid, shuttle, and co-mediation, Russell-Cooke LLP’s six-strong mediation team works ‘effectively' and 'efficiently'. Fiona Read, team head in Putney, ’speaks with a calmness and authority that sets the clients at ease’; she offers arbitration and an early neutral evaluation service alongside expertise as a child-inclusive mediator. In the central London office, James Carroll is ‘one of the very few lawyer mediators that handle the most difficult and complex cases’, with experience supporting same-sex couples and handling issues with an international dimension. Alongside Read and Carroll, also in central London, Kate Hamilton ’exudes experience' in mediation for unmarried couples and family members intervening in divorce proceedings. Katie Longmate joined the team from AFP Bloom in January 2024, bringing a strong practice in child relocation cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Fiona Read has a fine reputation for both money and children, and is an experienced part-time judge and arbitrator. Fiona is always popular with clients, always willing to offer excellent advice and assistance and you feel as if you are working as part of a team. Very good at difficult, challenging and acrimonious cases. She speaks with a calmness and authority that sets the clients at ease.’
‘James Carroll is just excellent, with both lay clients and professional ones alike. He is always very calm and measured and extremely well prepared. He follows up with lay clients in a clear and plain English way which they appreciate.'
‘James Carroll is an excellent lawyer and one of the very few lawyer mediators that handle the most difficult and complex cases. James is always on top of his game and will always strive to find the best outcomes for his clients and for the couple in mediation.'
‘Russell-Cooke are not showy, they just get the job done effectively, efficiently and furthering their clients' interests.’
‘Kate Hamilton exudes experience, common sense and care. Her clients are lucky to have her on their team.’
‘Kate Hamilton is a brilliant mediator. She helps her mediation clients to focus on the relevant issues that will give them the best prospects of finding agreements that will work for them. She is supportive, knowlegeable and pragmatic. ’
‘Katie Longmate has cemented herself in the mediation world. A super human touch regularly helps clients reach successful outcomes. ’
'James Carroll is the "client whisperer"; he just has a way of making sense.’

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