Family

Russell-Cooke LLP

As ‘a truly excellent firm’, Russell-Cooke LLP‘s family team is ’always at the forefront of developments’ from a range of non-court dispute resolution options, including mediation and arbitration, to international surrogacy arrangements. James Carroll, managing partner, is ‘a brilliant strategist’ with experience of complex financial disputes, leading the central London team alongside Kate Hamilton, who is ‘second to none’; Katie Longmate, who joined the team in January 2024 from AFP Bloom; and Jemma Pollock, who is a go-to for cohabitation disputes. Arbitrator Fiona Read and financial specialist Hannah Minty co-head the Putney team. Sarah Richardson leads the children team, handling serious child protection matters and with a growing practice in alternative family law, where Jade Quirke, a fertility law specialist, is a particularly experienced. Samantha Little and Rachel Donald are also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Sarah Richardson is a market leader in complex children law cases, an absolute go to. She has the most extraordinary patience and empathy and an unparalleled knowledge of public law.'
'Jade Quirke has built up a real following in modern families work. She is hardworking and innovative in her approach.’
‘Russell Cooke are a truly excellent firm, particularly in the field of children law. They are always at the forefront of developments.'
‘Katie Longmate is a popular addition to the partnership. Katie is passionate about all her clients, capable, unflappable and very well respected by her peers.'
‘Samantha Little - very experienced and solid children lawyer, with additional expertise in adoption and surrogacy, good juniors coming through.’
‘The team are friendly, efficient and always available. They are compassionate and professional. I always felt I was an important client even though my case was small.’
‘Kate Hamilton’s expertise, efficiency and empathy was second to none. I would highly recommend her to others.’
‘James Carroll is everything you could ask for in a Partner. He is highly empathetic but firm. He is a brilliant strategist but willing to dive into the detail.'

Work highlights

Advising the Wife in respect of a post-nuptial agreement where the assets are in the region of $850m and there are existing US pre-nuptial agreements.
Representing one party in relation to the dissolution of a civil partnership and associated financial remedy proceedings in the High Court where there are significant arguments in relation to pre-partnership wealth, a pre-partnership agreement (signed without legal advice), the date of separate and conduct arguments.
Acting for a parent in relation to a parental order application made out of time following a surrogacy arrangement in India.