Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne goes ‘from strength to strength’, and is recommended for its strength in care proceedings, adoption, and finances, often representing unmarried couples. Both Karen Newman and Ruth Hawkins offer mediation. Hawkins forms part of the firm’s four-strong leadership team, regularly advising on complex children matters involving kinship care, advice for vulnerable mothers in care proceedings, and children separately represented in complex litigation. Emily Boardman is ’fiercely bright’, standing out for her work involving non-accidental injuries and adoption. Irena Osborne is a key name for international matters, often involving domestic abuse, and Helen Bishop heads the firm’s private matrimonial team. The group is based in Abingdon.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I cannot praise this firm enough. I found the team to have exceptional knowledge and expertise when dealing with my somewhat unusual case. I think clients would want to know that they are treated as individuals, that the firm is empathetic and understanding. They went out of their way to support and help me.’

  • ‘Emily Boardman is an excellent solicitor. She is brilliant at giving robust advice and just getting the job done.'

  • ‘This firm goes from strength to strength. The three partners are exceptional in their field and offer exceptional client service alongside legal expertise. ’

  • ‘Irena Osborne goes above and beyond for her clients. ’

  • ‘Ruth Hawkins goes to great lengths to meet the needs of clients in complex private law matters. She excels in seeing a case from the client’s point of view and accordingly goes the extra mile.’

  • ‘Emily Boardman is one of the best lawyers of her generation. She is fiercely bright, and has immense emotional intelligence. She is quite rightly very sought after for her work in children cases and adoption.'

  • 'Helen Bishop is an extremely capable financial remedy practitioner. She sees a case from all angles and is highly resolution focused.’

  • ‘Their dedication to their practice and their clients and wanting to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. All the clients are treated with compassion and care and as individuals and are provided with high quality legal advice and representation. The firm takes an holistic approach as well to cases, linking client's into other services when necessary.'

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.

Emily Boardman, Ruth Hawkins, Irena Osborne, Helen Bishop

Other key lawyers

Karen Newman