The ‘first-rate family boutique practice’ at ’forward-thinking, fast-acting, client-focused firm’ Family Law Partners spans Brighton and Horsham and achieves the ‘best possible results’. Having launched its Agreeable model, a service for divorcing and separating couples, in April 2022, and embedding an in-house family therapist in its offering, the practice is led by a trio of lawyers including managing director and collaborative lawyer and arbitrator Robert Williams, who specialises in finance-related matters after relationship breakdown. Also co-heading the team is the ’truly stellar’ Kate Elliott, who is a Resolution trained mediator and undertakes a range of family matters relating to private children work, high-net-worth individuals, nuptial agreements, domestic violence and addiction issues, and Lisa Burton-Durham, who is ‘bright, personable and a pleasure to work with’ and offers expertise in spousal maintenance work, property portfolios, cohabitee disputes and TOLATA issues, as well as private children matters such as coercive control and parental alienation mandates. Collaborative lawyer Christopher Maulkin deals with financial issues and family matters involving unmarried couples. Also noted is ’approachable and friendly solicitor’ Gemma Hope.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Family Law Partners provides a service that is second to none. They are a forward-thinking, fast-acting, client-focused firm. Whilst they have a strong focus on collaborative law and mediation, they do not shy away from complex, interesting and difficult cases.’
‘Lisa Burton-Durham is bright, personable and a pleasure to work with. Hannah Gumbrill-Ward is a level-headed and hardworking solicitor with excellent judgment. Rachel Nicholl is a tenacious solicitor who is forensic in her approach to cases. Gemma Hope is an approachable and friendly solicitor who works tirelessly for her clients. Eleanor Pollard is determined and hardworking.’
‘Kate Elliott and Lisa Burton-Durham are stand out individuals who go the extra mile. They are astute, incisive and committed. I cannot recommend them more highly as a team and in general. This firm is progressive and forward thinking. Committed to family justice.’
‘Simply the best. Very focused on achieving the best possible result for the client by whatever means - be that negotiation, mediation, collaboration or litigation.’
'Kate Elliott is truly stellar. She is endlessly patient and compassionate. She is able to deliver time and time again in complex children work and those involving family finances. She is always on top of her game. She is very bright, has great attention to detail and leaves no stone unturned. She is able to achieve fantastic outcomes for clients, whether in court or out. Her skill, energy and hard work is unparalleled. She is someone you would always want on your side. Polly Dallyn is phenomenally hard working and intelligent. Polly brings clarity to the most complicated cases. She is working at a level beyond her qualification years. Her attention to detail often makes all the difference to the outcome of client's cases. Gemma Hope is a very clever lawyer who is dedicated to her clients and works hard to achieve positive outcomes for them.'
‘First-rate family boutique practice going from strength to strength. Solution focused, working to support the whole family.’
‘Robert Williams is an opponent who garners respect. He is clever, innovative and skilled in a range of ADR.’
'A hugely impressive firm, committed to achieving the very best for their clients both in and out of court. They have some brilliant lawyers, who really get to the heart of a client's case. They manage to achieve an excellent balance between compassion and tenacity. They have a full-time family therapist and coach, to holistically assist their clients with being able to exit their relationship on a positive footing. They are true all-rounders.'