England - South East • Private client
Machins Solicitors LLP
The ‘fabulous’ practice at Machins Solicitors LLP provides clients with ‘exceptional quality and diligence’ when assisting with adoption orders, child assessment orders, and care orders. The ‘outstanding’ Kathryn Ainsworth co-leads the team from Berkhamsted, and the ‘incredible’ Sarah Ashby co-leads the team from Luton. Ainsworth is a specialist in divorces and separations concerning children, financial arrangements, and businesses, while Ashby frequently acts for family members, interveners, and guardians with her ‘brilliant knowledge’ of matters involving sexual abuse, death of a family member, and non-accidental injury. Berkhamsted’s Richard Phillips has ‘excellent judgement’ when advising on the negotiation of separation agreements, and pre-nuptial agreements involving overseas assets. Sadie Glover joined the team in August 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They have a strong team of lawyers with a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of family law. Machins is a fantastic unit that stands apart from other firms by virtue of the exceptional quality and diligence they provide, alongside phenomenal client care. They work tirelessly to ensure the processes are flawless, facilitating the best outcomes for clients.’
‘Sarah Ashby is a real asset to the team. She is an incredible solicitor who works extremely hard and deals with all of her cases with great sensitivity and care. She gives pragmatic and robust advice to clients and deals with her opponents fairly and firmly. She is a force to be reckoned with in the court room, and has brilliant knowledge of the law and is a fantastic solicitor. It is always a pleasure to work with Sarah and she really does go the extra mile for her clients.'
‘Kathryn Ainsworth is absolutely no-nonsense and gives frank advice which is always correct. She is brilliant at telling clients what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear. I would always recommend her in any case where you need a lawyer to cut through the nonsense and just get to grips with the issues.’
‘Richard Phillips has always impressed me, he is sensible and focused on getting the best possible outcome for his clients. Richard has excellent judgement and is a pleasure to work with. He gives good, sensible, commercial advice and ensures that any cases that can settle do.’
‘Covering all areas of Family Law, Machins have unrivalled expertise at all levels of seniority. Calm and measured, whilst fighting their clients' corner with a level of commitment that is hard to match. They are courteous and professional. The family team have a great depth of experience and knowledge.’
‘A fabulous family team. Very proficient, strong and with an excellent reputation. They are an excellent team of solicitors with a strong wealth of experience in all areas of family law. They are always a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend them.’
‘I have been very pleased to work with Richard Phillips during my divorce. I feel confident he really understands my situation and has consistently given me sound and thorough advice. He has a kind, reassuring and pragmatic approach that is so helpful during what has been a very stressful process. I feel he has gone above and beyond to see my case to where it is today and his recommendations have proven to be spot on time and time again.’
‘Kathryn Ainsworth and Richard Phillips are both outstanding. They have a constructive and approachable manner which encourages successful negotiations. Both parties benefit from such an approach.’
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kathryn Ainsworth, Sarah Ashby