At Newton Kearns LLP, the team is ‘really vibrant and has great depth’ with a ’formidable mixture of experience and ability’. The group has a particular focus on the resolution of complex and high-value financial disputes arising from separation or divorce proceedings, as well as advising on substantial pre and post-nuptial agreements. The practice also specialises in assisting clients with the provision of financial support for children following the breakdown of cohabiting relationships. In addition, it undertakes standalone private children law work. Other excellent practitioners include Frances Petterson, Ali Granville, and qualified mediator Victoria Francis.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Patrick Kearns is a brilliant lawyer. He reads a case very well and can see with a Nostradamus-like foresight where the case is going. He mixes that foresight with a razor-sharp practical edge delivered with a light touch. If family law has artists, he is one of the most prominent.'
'Ali Granville is well on the way to being a huge star in the family law world. She is unbelievably user friendly for both counsel and clients which makes her extremely popular. She is also very good on the detail. The combination makes her an incredibly valuable member of any litigation team.'
‘The whole team is superb. Patrick Kearns has superb judgement and clients love him. Victoria Francis is extremely effective.'
‘Newton Kearns is a brilliant specialist family team, going from strength to strength. Its senior partners are widely respected by other lawyers and judges and particularly well known for their good sense and judgment. Never overawed by the most legally and factually complex cases, but also able to bring careful costs sensitivities and proportionality.'
‘Patrick Kearns is a brilliant litigator with excellent judgement and utterly committed to client care. He is a great advocate for his clients, and I would particularly recommend him to someone who has certain vulnerabilities and needs someone to fight their corner.'
'Paul Newton is incredibly well-respected by other lawyers. Everyone in the profession knows him and values his expertise which is invaluable to his clients, as when judges see he is acting they know he is likely to be right, and when other lawyers negotiate with him, they know he will be on top of his game.'
'Frances Petterson is a brilliant lawyer who always anticipates the next moves in litigation and is therefore invariably prepared and two stages ahead of everyone else. Victoria Francis has superb client care and great technical ability.'
‘Paul Newton combines in depth legal knowledge, focused analysis and client care to ensure the best possible outcome. Patrick Kearns is smooth and charming, but is terribly effective, a real velvet glove.'