Bethan Carr
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLPIn Guildford, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP houses an ‘exceptionally strong’ team which handles the full range of financial disputes involving multi-jurisdiction property portfolios and complex pension structures, and contentious child arrangements matters. The group has notable strength in surrogacy law, spearheaded by Emma Willing and Bethan Carr. Practice head Veronica Gilmour is recommended for her ’huge experience combined with a hardworking approach’ as a trained hybrid mediator. Sarah Duckworth has experience in children matters involving allegations of abuse, coercive control, or parental alienation. Joanna Blakelock joined the department from Edwards Family Law in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The solicitors I was in touch with were all wonderful to deal with. Really human and empathetic, with the starting point being non-confrontational, but also very clear about when we should be pushing back or standing our ground. I valued the clarity of explanations at each stage, there was very limited “legal speak”, and wherever that was necessary e.g. in legal documents it was all explained in a way that made it easier for me to make decisions. Very responsive and were able to make themselves available when I needed further input. Would highly recommend for anyone going through divorce. ’
‘Veronica Gilmour is the leading family law solicitor in the area and offers her clients the immense reassurance of huge experience combined with a hardworking approach and a dedication to each and every client. She is top of the list when it comes to recommendations to clients in the area.’
‘PMC are an exceptionally strong family law team. They have a real range of high quality partners and associates, both in their London and Surrey offices. Instructions are always very detailed, thorough and organised.’
‘Emma Willing is clearly very intelligent, and inspires confidence. Excellent knowledge of the law, coupled with a calm & authoritative manner, makes her a pleasure to work for. Clients clearly respect her from the off. She will be a real force for many years to come.'
‘The family team at Penningtons Manches Cooper is hugely knowledgeable and experienced and can be trusted with any level of family law dispute, whether in matrimonial finance or children.’
‘Magic circle advice with a friendly local feel.’
‘The whole family team have a great combination of being highly skilled lawyers as well as being personable to work with for the clients. ’
Lawyers
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.
Veronica Gilmour
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Emma Willing
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Veronica Gilmour