England - North West • Private client
Irwin Mitchell
‘Consistently one of the best fits for family law on the Northern Circuit’, Irwin Mitchell possesses a client roster of high-profile domestic and international clients who turn to the team for assistance in divorce, financial remedy, and private children work. While wielding strong alternative dispute resolution expertise, the firm boasts an impressive track record in litigation, routinely representing clients in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. ’The team continue to thrive‘ under the leadership of Ros Bever, a leading individual in the market who provides trusted counsel to individuals regarding complex trusts, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and proceedings involving cross-border assets. Nathaniel Groarke remains a go-to practitioner for businesspeople and entrepreneurs looking for wealth management guidance, as well as providing advice to an extensive list of international clients. Emma Benson, who joined from JMW Solicitors LLP in May 2022, has brought ’technical expertise and judgement’ concerning complicated Court of Protection cases and cross-border family matters. Phillip Rhodes joined the practice in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The family team are at the top of the market in Manchester in relation to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth cases and have the expertise to deal with unusual or unique aspects of any case. The team are extremely personable and dependable.’
‘Emma Benson is exceptionally hard working and trustworthy. Through the mutual clients we have, I have witnessed her technical expertise and judgement in complex high-net-worth finance cases and she truly understands the needs of her clients. She has built very strong relationships with her clients, building their confidence and trust in her. I would definitely refer business to her and the wider Irwin Mitchell family team as I know I can rely on her to provide an outstanding client service and outcome.’
‘The team have a national profile and have a brilliant reputation. Although the team in Manchester is relatively small, it stands out for having exceptional individuals who are able to work collaboratively with the national team.’
‘The team at IM benefits from working nationally which allows members of the team to draw upon a very broad range of experience and expertise. Unlike most other firms, IM benefits from having taken a number of significant cases to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. This litigation experience is invaluable.’
‘Irwin Mitchell is consistently one of the best fits for family law on the Northern Circuit. Always ahead of the game, investing in internal and external individuals as well as holding their clients' interests at the forefront of all their decision making. Clients naturally feel very supported when using Irwin Mitchell. A family law firm with exceptional corporate structure and business aptitude.’
‘My feedback wouldn't be complete without due recognition of Ros Bever - the team continue to thrive under her natural and effective leadership. Ros leads from the heart - super passionate about family law but a big believer in people and her team. She is a natural role model and you see the values and cultures cascade down to the team as a result of her behaviours. I have really enjoyed the 'team' working culture - not many firms encourage this but the client truly benefits from this approach.'
Key clients
- Julia Goddard-Watts
Work highlights
- Advised ex-wife of Screwfix millionaire in appeal proceedings raising a fundamental point of principle: Namely, if a party that has obtained an order, or two, through fraud be entitled to benefit from their fraud.
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.
Rising stars
Slater and Gordon
Senior associate I provide advice on all legal issues arising from relationship breakdown, including divorce, financial settlements and the arrangements for children. One of my specialisms is resolving disputes about the arrangements for children, including cases involving: Relocation of children in the UK and overseas Allegations of abuse Parental alienation Fabricated or induced illness in children Children with additional needs such as autism Applications by grandparents Parents with drug and alcohol dependency. I also provide advice about surrogacy arrangements (in England and overseas), donor conception and co-parenting agreements, and adoption. I have specialist expertise when it comes to advising LGBT parents and parents-to-be. I'm also experienced in advising co-habiting couples, both in terms of resolving issues relating to property and securing financial provision for children. I act for clients with assets of all levels but I have particular expertise in dealing with cases where the family finances are complicated and high value and those with international elements. My aim is always to try and help my clients come to a swift and fair agreement without going to court, whenever possible.
Next Generation Partners
Irwin Mitchell
Nathaniel is a partner specialising in all areas of private family law work. He is based in the Manchester Irwin Mitchell office but has clients across the UK, most notably in London. Nathaniel has broad experience of financial matters, ranging from high-net-worth cases, to those cases where the assets are more modest but the issues no less complex or important. Nathaniel has particular expertise in cases where there are complicated matters, such as those involving international issues, business assets and trusts. He also specialises in cases where there are suspected hidden assets or non-disclosure. He is regularly instructed on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, to protect family or future wealth. Nathaniel is a Resolution accredited specialist in Complex Financial and Property Matters (High Income Households and Substantial Assets) and one of the only specialists in the North West in European and International Law. Nathaniel also deals with private children matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ros Bever, Nathaniel Groarke