Partner. Claire's predictions of outcome are spot on and she delivers the best results for her clients by being creative, solution focused but tough when needed. She protects her clients absolutely and they value her no nonsense approach, absolute support, and determination to achieve the right solution. Her work spans the full range of family law. Whether working with domestic or international clients, she deals with complex financial claims, children issues, pre and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitant disputes and has extensive experience advising on cases involving trusts. Her clients are in commerce, finance and tech, professionals, families with inherited wealth and those in the public eye. Whilst being highly experienced in difficult litigation she also has a thriving dispute-resolution practice as a mediator and collaborative lawyer.
England - London • Private client
Withers LLP
Withers LLP‘ has great strength in depth. The full service practice means they can offer a holistic service for their clients.’ The family mediation practice forms part of the large and strong family law team. Three of its partners – Suzanne Todd, Claire Blakemore and Diana Parker – are all experienced and highly regarded mediators. Todd is the ’go to’ lawyer in London for all divorces with an Italian theme. Blakemore mediates on both financial and children issues and has substantial international expertise. In addition, she has a strong understanding of trust law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Suzanne Todd is hard-working and human in great balance with her clients - she will move mountains for her clients. Very experienced and humble too’.
- 'Diana is a class act. She is elegant and considered in her approach, cuts to the chase and will help steer clients effectively to positive outcomes as quickly and simply as possible'.
- 'Claire is always at great pains to aim for a collaborative approach. She is sensitive to clients needs, thoughtful about the pressure points and thorough in all that she does. She likes to leave no stone unturned'.
‘Excellent at managing the UHNW and HNW financial cases, both Claire Blakemore and Suzanne Todd have got deservedly good reputations as mediators'.
'Claire has excellent judgment, and the ability to get on with all types of clients which is vital as a mediator. Suzanne is hugely efficient and hard working and achieves excellent results for her clients'.
‘Suzanne Todd's knowledge, experience and practical, constructive approach makes her a star name for HNW/UHNW mediation. She is empathetic but focused on attaining the best possible outcome for mediation clients'.
‘Withers have some of the best talent in London, breadth and depth in both partners and junior associates. They are a full service firm so also have specialist advisors where needed on trust or property aspects'.
‘Claire Blakemore is the full package as a lawyer. She is firm when needed but will settle cases which are capable of being settled'.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Suzanne leads the family and contentious trusts and succession teams in Europe and is one of the most highly accoladed family lawyers of her generation. She has more than 20 years' experience dealing with international financial cases with a special focus on Italy, private international child matters and negotiating multi-jurisdictional nuptial agreements. She regularly deals with family businesses, inherited wealth, tax and pensions issues. Her communication skills and ability to deal, with empathy with highly charged and emotionally sensitive matters is renowned. Her ruthless efficiency and contagious energy is universally recognised alongside her premier levels of client service. She always provides comprehensive strategic guidance from the outset but with an eye on the commercial reality of the situation. She is a practising Mediator and collaborative lawyer and lectures internationally on family law matters. Suzanne is fluent in Italian and well known for her Anglo Italian practice. Client: 'she has the right balance of sympathy for my situation combined with a razor sharp legal brain but a calm and non-confrontational approach to the negotiations with an obvious will to win'.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Suzanne Todd