Weightmans LLP fields a ‘reliable and professional’ team, with Manchester-based Emma Collins at the helm. Locally, Tania Derrett-Smith and associate Rupa Parekh are well-regarded. Areas of expertise include advising on divorce, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and arrangements for children. Derrett-Smith is known for her work on matters involving family businesses and properties in the UK and abroad. She is also adept at overseeing cases where there are complicated pensions issues. Parekh is skilled at handling an array of financial issues that arise on divorce and separation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Rupa Parekh is a very approachable and enthusiastic solicitor who has a bright future in the industry.'

  • ‘Tanya Derrett-Smith is always calm under pressure and exceptional knowledge.'

  • ‘Tania Derrett-Smith – highly experienced and robust when she needs to be – she understands the wider commercial imperatives for clients – she is efficient and responsive with an excellent knowledge of the law.'

  • ‘Exceptional team who have reassured me, helped me understand legal proceedings with patience and care. Tania Derrett-Smith has been incredibly patient and professional and had gone above and beyond to assist me.' 

  • ‘I found Rupa Parekh to be extremely professional and progressed matters in a timely manner. Rupa adopted a very pragmatic approach which enabled us to progress matters swiftly.'

  • ‘Tania Derrett-Smith is an excellent solicitor who is effective in fighting to get the most for clients whilst also offering sound and realistic advice. She is very well prepared.'

  • ‘Tania Derrett-Smith – every case is prepared with impeccable detail, no stone unturned and a true professional when it comes to pensions and finding a golden nugget in a financial remedies case.'

  • ‘The team is professional, sensible and reasonable. Tania Derrett-Smith has a brilliant legal mind, but is also very pragmatic and solution focused. She is a pleasure to deal with.’

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Emma Collins

Other key lawyers

Tania Derrett-Smith, Rupa Parekh