The Mills & Reeve LLP Leeds-based team is characterised by its ‘extraordinary technical knowledge’, led by ‘standout’ Philip Way, who is praised for his expertise in pensions disputes, divorce advice and work as a mediator; the team is a go-to for high-net-worth individuals. Claudia Gilham, ’a force of nature‘, handles complex, high-conflict private children matters including those involving allegations of abuse, along with pre- and post-martial agreements for the protection of multi-generational assets. Ellen Wilkinson regularly collaborates with the firm’s national teams, with experience in fertility and surrogacy matters and a developing international child abduction practice. Jane Ingleby and Stephanie Douthwaite joined the team at the beginning of 2024 from Clarion.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Claudia Gilham is a force of nature. She knows her area inside and out. She goes the extra mile for her clients and really gets to the bottom of what they need and how best to achieve that.’
‘Mills & Reeve are just superb, a cut above the rest. You cannot do better than them as a team of specialist family lawyers, all with extraordinary technical knowledge, but also emotional intelligence to be able to deal with the context sensitively.'
'Philip Way is standout - what he does not know about pensions on divorce is not worth knowing!’
‘Philip Way is the best in the region by a long way and he has trained a team of other lawyers who walk closely in his footsteps. Mills & Reeve junior solicitors/non partners know more than experienced partners elsewhere.’
‘Philip Way is an experienced and thoughtful professional with excellent judgment, clarity of thought and eloquent delivery.'
- 'Ellen Wilkinson was both thorough and encouraging throughout what was a very stressful divorce process. She is very professional, strong yet approachable and will not be bullied in the process. Great personality and brings a breath of fresh air to the process.’
‘Totally professional and confidential. Pragmatic yet act with pace.’
‘Ellen Wilkinson is a stand out professional. Doesn’t get ruffled when under pressure and complete clarity of thought.’
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jane Ingleby
Mills & Reeve LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Philip Way