Retaining an ‘an old world feel’ while approaching cases in ’an entirely modern way’, Farrer & Co regularly handles international matters for a range of high and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Department head William Massey is noted for his expertise regarding complex financial situations including trusts, tax issues, and multiple jurisdictions. Claire Gordon has particular experience in cases across Hong Kong, New York and Switzerland; international matters are also an area of expertise for Edward Floyd. Combining ‘fantastic strategic vision and a real mastery of the law’, Caroline Holley is sought after by clients in the entertainment industry. The team’s financial remedy expertise is combined with strength in children matters: Sarah Hutchinson regularly works at this intersection, including in Hague Convention proceedings, along with Amy Radnor and Flora Harragin. Frederick Tatham, ‘a ferociously good lawyer who will go very far’, has notable experience in Hong Kong, while John Davies ’is technical with a strong international focus’. Alexander Woolley is recommended as ‘diligent, technical and thoughtful’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great combination of professionalism, outstanding technical ability, commercial acumen, great judgement as well as empathy and a human dimension - outstanding all round. Farrer are a cut above the rest!’

  • ‘Ed Floyd has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and pays forensic attention to detail making him a top choice for big cases where he will know the papers inside out.'

  • 'Amy Radnor is super smart, is wonderful with clients proving kind but firm, and has good judgment.'

  • ‘Caroline Holley is a simply superb lawyer. She has fantastic strategic vision and a real mastery of the law. She is formidable and has an incredible drive. She marshals her cases brilliantly, with an excellent team beneath her. She cares deeply about her clients, both in terms of the outcome for them and their welfare. This really shines through in her interactions with them and they respond sensationally well to it.'

  • 'Freddie Tatham is one of my favourite lawyers and all round people. He is a ferociously good lawyer who will go very far. He is a shrewd operator who carefully navigates his client's case to maximise the outcome for them. He achieves really good results and does so with panache. Client's adore him and his manner which is both professional and charming.'
  • 'John Davies is a brilliant partner. He is technical with a strong international focus. He pairs his knowledge with a very well honed bedside manner. He is incredibly patient and kind with clients and you can see, quickly, that they value him enormously.'
  • 'Alex Woolley is a rising star. He is quickly ascending towards being a partner. He is very talented and will go very, very far. He is both diligent, technical and thoughtful which is a powerful combination. Clients love him because they can sense how invested he is in their case.’
  • ‘Farrers are a fabulous family law team. They are the leading firm in London. They have an old world feel but they approach cases in an entirely modern way: they are the very best.’

Work highlights

  • Acted in the first reported case of a second financial remedies final order being set aside on the basis of a second fraudulent non-disclosure.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

William Massey

Other key lawyers

Claire Gordon, Caroline Holley, Sarah Hutchinson, Edward Floyd, Amy Radnor, Flora Harragin, John Davies, Alexander Woolley, Frederick Tatham, Rebecca Heyworth