Appreciated for its ‘laser sharp and analytical approach to the issues in hand’, Cardiff-based boutique Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice has built up a very strong following throughout South Wales and provides ’constructive and sensible advice’ to individuals across the gamut of family law issues. Founding partner Melanie Hamer has a ‘calm and understanding nature’ which is well-suited to handling complex and often highly charged matrimonial finance matters, including for high-net-worth individuals, who she also often advises on pre-nuptial agreements. Thea Hughes has ’excellent negotiation skills’, which she imparts to very good effect on often challenging divorces involving myriad assets, including multiple properties and companies. Sarah Wyburn , who has a ‘knack of being empathetic with her clients whilst being fierce in her negotiations on their behalf’, is another popular member of the team, including in relation to handling same sex marriages and civil partnerships. Rebecca Knight is a ’fearless fighter who works incredibly hard for her clients’, and alongside the ‘very empathetic’ David James  excels at handling Schedule 1 Children Act matters. Recently promoted to partner, Sam John  goes ’above and beyond for his clients’, while at associate level, Fay Jones  ‘assimilates information quickly and gets to the heart of a case’. Lucy Morris joined the practice in August 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'A niche practice offering the highest calibre advice and representation at truly competitive rates. The lawyers provide constructive and sensible advice.’
  • ‘The firm provides a laser sharp and analytical approach to the issues in hand.'
  • 'Melanie Hamer provides pragmatic and prudent advice. She has a calm and understanding nature.'
  • 'Melanie Hamer is clever, thorough, approachable, understanding, co-operative, tenacious and compassionate.'
  • ‘Sarah Wyburn has a knack of being empathetic with her clients whilst being fierce in her negotiations on their behalf’,
  • 'Thea Hughes has excellent negotiation skills.'
  • 'David James is extremely empathetic, clients trust him and his detailed knowledge of every case.'
  • 'Rebecca Knight is a fearless fighter who works incredibly hard for her clients.'

Lawyers

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Leading associates
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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Melanie Hamer, Thea Hughes, Sarah Wyburn, David James, Rebecca Knight, Sam John

Other key lawyers

Bethan Tapper, Fay Jones, Lucy Morris