Praised as ‘the strongest matrimonial team in London – and indeed the UK’, Stewarts Law LLP’s family team boasts ‘several big hitting partners and strength in depth at all levels’. Department head and ‘master strategist’ Stephen Foster is recommended as a go-to for ‘high value, multi jurisdictional and complicated matters’. ‘Excellent negotiator’ Debbie Chism is highlighted for her collaborative practice, while Matthew Humphries’ litigation experience stands out. For international matters, in particular those in the US, Emma Hatley is a go-to; Toby Atkinson also sought after for these issues. Richard Hogwood is ‘the mastermind of pre and post nups’, valued for his ’thoughtful and empathetic approach‘. Carly Kinch often handles matters involving trusts, family businesses and inherited wealth, while Lucy Stewart-Gould spearheads the team’s links with Hong Kong and the Middle East. Lewis Powers is also recommended, and Helen Ward remains a key figure in the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Probably the best family law team in London that goes from strength to strength under the leadership of Stephen Foster. Every member of it is five stars. The associates are superb and so well trained.’

  • ‘In the words of Tina Turner, simply the best. Stewarts are, without doubt, the pre-eminent family firm in London.'

  • ‘The top team in the country for financial remedies work. They have several big hitting partners and strength in depth at all levels.’

  • ‘There are by far the strongest matrimonial team in London - and indeed the UK. Their coverage is extremely strong with a number of a stand out partners.’

  • ‘Stephen Foster remains the master strategist and where you have high value, multi jurisdictional and complicated matters, he is the go to individual. His gravitas permutates any situation.'

  • 'Richard Hogwood is cerebral and the mastermind of pre and post nups. He has an excellent, thoughtful, and empathetic approach. A real star.’
  • ‘Stewarts Law have good strength in depth across the family law team. They have wide ranging litigation experience on which they can draw to assist their clients in the most challenging cases. They routinely attract top level work, and are also increasing their profile in child law matters.’

  • ‘If you want a lawyer who oozes confidence, Debbie Chism is the one. An excellent negotiator who, unlike many, maintains a good practice in collaborative law.'

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.

Stephen Foster

Other key lawyers

Helen Ward, Debbie Chism, Richard Hogwood, Emma Hatley, Carly Kinch, Lewis Powers, Toby Atkinson, Lucy Stewart-Gould, Matthew Humphries, Voirrey Ward, Charlotte Sanders, Sam Longworth