The Tunbridge Wells-based team at Cripps is an 'absolute powerhouse of a regional team’, regularly handling cases involving rural estates, and matters involving privacy and reputational concerns for for ultra-high net worth individuals. Praised for her 'encyclopaedic knowledge of her cases', Helen Fisher focuses on matrimonial finance cases and nuptial agreements involving complex asset structures. Practice head Alex Davies is recommended for his ‘pragmatic and solution-orientated’ approach, regularly acting for high-net-worth individuals. Mediator Katy-Louise Allen stands out for her ’unparalleled command of family law’, handling both complex financial matters and highly sensitive children cases. Vanda James departed the team in November 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Cripps are an absolute powerhouse of a regional team and all that you would expect of a firm that does London work in the provinces. The strength in depth they have as a team is up there with the best in Kent, Surrey & Sussex.'

  • ‘Alex Davies has built the family team up in a way that others can only try to replicate. He would not be out of place at any of the top firms in London!'

  • ‘The team at Cripps has both strength and depth; they are excellent at what they do whether money or children, and when appropriate they work together to ensure that key strategic decisions are made with a coherent and tactical approach.’

  • ‘Alex Davies is an absolute class act; extremely knowledgeable, thorough and thoughtful. He is pragmatic and solution-orientated, and a pleasure to work with.'

  • 'Helen Fisher is wonderful; she is clever, strategic and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of her cases.'

  • ‘Helen Fisher is exceptional. She knows the most likely outcome and is able to get her client to it as swiftly as possible.'

  • ‘Cripps distinguishes themselves through an unwavering commitment to client focused legal solutions. What sets them apart is not only their profound legal acumen, but also their holistic approach to understanding and addressing the unique needs of their clients.'

  • ‘Katy-Louise Allen demonstrates an unparalleled command of family law, coupled with a unique set of qualities that make my every interaction and legal representation exceptional. It is evident that Katy not only has an exceptional understanding of the law, but more importantly, possesses an incredible ability to apply it strategically in diverse scenarios, ensuring the most favourable outcomes for her clients. Katy can distil complex legal issues for her clients and communicate them into comprehensible terms.'

Work highlights

  • Acted for a high profile actor to resolve financial remedy claims through the collaborative process.
  • Acted on behalf of a client to prepare a pre-nuptial agreement to protect family company assets with a value of approximately £40 million.
  • Represented a mother in Children Act proceedings including serious allegations of harm made against her by her ex-husband.

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.
Alex Davies
Cripps
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Alex Davies

Other key lawyers

Helen Fisher, Katy-Louise Allen, Louiza Tagziria