Led by the highly experienced Amanda McAlister, who specialises in complex pensions, divorce, and international cases, McAlister Family Law in Manchester is a specialist child and family practice that goes ‘above and beyond’ for a broad range of clients in both public and private proceedings. The group has unique expertise representing children, as well as niche capabilities in cases involving child alienation, forced marriage, and non-accidental injuries. Fiona Wood leads the divorce and finance division and Jason Stanley heads the unmarried property team while also having extensive experience in matrimonial finance work, wealth protection, and disputes child arrangements. The group also includes the ‘outstanding’ Ruth Hetherington, who is a public and private children law specialist, Nicola McDaid, who represents parents, local authorities, and children in a broad range of public law cases, and Paul Reay, who is ‘a real champion for his clients’ and is experienced in all matters relating to relationship breakdowns, children, and domestic abuse.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent knowledge of the law and practice, high calibre of lawyers, and great collaborators.’

  • ‘Client-focused firm situated in Manchester with a good team of solicitors who go the extra mile. Every case is meticulously prepared and briefs are sent in good time.'

  • ‘Nick Hodson is a superb advocate; very experienced, massively reassuring, and composed. Popular and charming, he delivers realistic advice and is very knowledgeable in all areas of family law.'

  • ‘Amanda McAlister is amazing and I can’t recommend her enough. She’s calm, so knowledgeable and makes you feel at ease in the most stressful situations.'

  • ‘I have worked with Paul Reay, who is an outstanding advocate and a real champion for his clients. Firm and fair is his approach.'

  • ‘Fiona Wood is a well-established senior family lawyer who leads the team in offering a superb standard of advice, support and guidance. ’

  • ‘Ruth Hetherington is a calm, friendly, knowledgeable and experienced professional. She was outstanding on my case. She was caring, approachable and honest. I felt totally assured that she understood the case and my needs.’

  • ‘Lisa Brown has been incredibly supportive and empathetic during such a highly distressing time in my life. She is very friendly and professional, extremely knowledgeable and explains everything perfectly and very clearly. A great outcome in the best interests of my child was achieved.'

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Amanda McAlister

Other key lawyers

Fiona Wood, Jason Stanley, Ruth Hetherington, Nicola McDaid, Paul Reay, Lisa Brown, Nick Hodson