England - London • Private client
Boodle Hatfield LLP
Emily Brand leads an excellent team at Boodle Hatfield LLP, which ‘combines blue-sky thinking with sound commercial knowledge’. It is frequently instructed to advise on a sizeable number of ultra-high-value instructions, many of which have significant multi-jurisdictional components. James Ferguson is highly experienced at handling complex divorces and high-value matrimonial financial disputes. Katie O’Callaghan also specialises in assisting wealthy clients with financially complicated divorces. Harriet Errington has led on a number of substantial family matters for a mixture of UK and international clients, while Alexandra Hirst represents clients on cases with complex asset structures and offshore elements. Senior associate Katie Male is also impressive.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Whilst having a traditional, old-school reputation, Boodle Hatfield have really moved with the times and now have a vibrant, innovative team that has really made a huge impression in the field of matrimonial law.'
‘Great team led by Emily Brand, who recently took over from James Ferguson. Both lead by example. Harriet Errington and Katie O'Callaghan have swiftly moved up the ranks and the future of the family department is very much in safe hands. Alexandra Hirst and Katie Male are both recommended.'
‘The Boodle Hatfield team delivers high-quality work whilst running a tight ship. It is a small team which means that clients feel like they receive a very personal and bespoke service. Alexandra Hirst is on top of the papers and gives practical, good advice.'
'Harriet Errington is an incredibly empathetic partner who remains all over the detail.'
'Katie O'Callaghan is an excellent junior partner and one to watch. She is a good judge of a case and gives realistic advice. Katie Male is an excellent associate and one to watch.'
'James Ferguson is a veteran with masses of experience. He handles difficult cases with confidence and class. He is completely unflappable.'
'Emily Brand provides an exceptional service, combining sensitivity, brains and legal knowledge. Unlike many, she listens to her clients and fights for what they prioritise. It is about them and their needs. She is supported by an outstanding team who clearly love working together and love their jobs.'
'Harriet Errington and Katie O'Callaghan are the future of the team at Boodle Hatfield and leaders in the field of family law. Harriet Errington is a super bright, composed, organised and tactical, and she is a force to be reckoned with. Katie O'Callaghan is a brilliant lawyer; she doesn't miss a beat and clients adore her.'
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Emily is the Head of Family and specialises in family law with particular expertise in complex financial proceedings, often with an international dimension. Emily's experience ranges from drafting pre and post nuptial agreements to litigating on children disputes in the High Court. Emily frequently advises on cases involving family businesses or private equity assets. She is widely respected for her combination of compassion for her clients’ unique circumstances, and her astute ability for intelligent problem-solving.
James is a Partner in the Family team and specialises in family law dealing with all matters arising from the breakdown of a marriage/relationship. His legal specialisations include: separation and divorce, financial proceedings, children, and pre-marital pre-civil partnership and separation agreements.
Next Generation Partners
Harriet is a Partner in the Family team. She is an accomplished family law partner, experienced litigator and skilled negotiator. She has been advising clients at Boodle Hatfield for over a decade, steering them sensitively and assuredly through complex personal matters. Harriet’s practice covers all aspects of family law, including divorce and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, children disputes and cohabitation claims. Harriet has particular expertise in international cases, specialising in complex financial disputes involving high net worth individuals. Harriet has acted for some of the wealthiest and high profile families in the Middle East and Europe. Harriet also specialises in complex international private children law matters including international leave to remove and child abduction cases. These cases can be highly emotional, but Harriet guides her clients through them sensitively and assuredly.
Katie is a Partner in the Family team. She advises clients on all aspects of family law, with a particular emphasis on high net worth financial remedy proceedings on divorce. A high proportion of her workload involves complex wealth structures both in the UK and abroad. She often acts for clients where the majority of the wealth is tied up in a family business which raises issues not only about the value of the company but also the ways in which funds can be extracted from it to buy out one spouse’s interest. She has a varied client base with backgrounds in private equity, sport, retail and technology. Katie has a particular interest in the preparation and negotiation of pre- and post-nuptial agreements in order to seek to protect certain assets in the event of a divorce. Katie is also a qualified mediator and is trained to help clients focus on what really matters to them and their family and to help clients to discuss and agree the best arrangements for the future.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Emily Brand