Operating out of eight offices across Yorkshire, Stowe Family Law LLP covers all private family law issues, including divorce, complex financial settlements, nuptial agreements, and children disputes. Julian Hawkhead heads up the national team from Leeds and is a financial remedy specialist; also in Leeds, Rachel Roberts leads the team in the North of England and is a go-to for sensitive matters involving child arrangements, while Sarah Barr-Young heads up the Leeds, Ilkley, Harrogate and Huddersfield groups. Chris Birch, managing partner, covers Beverley, York, and Sheffield.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Stowe are at the forefront of family law nationally. Their expansion has been phenomenal.’

  • ‘There are many great lawyers. Each of them have the same client focused approach and ensure that realistic advice is provided from the outset. They work well with other lawyers and provide a team approach throughout.'

  • ‘Stowe are wonderful. Market leaders and one of the biggest family teams in the country. The people on the ground, the family lawyers, and their leadership team, are exceptional.'

  • ‘As a niche family firm Stowe have the expertise which enables them to provide high quality family advice to their clients. I believe Stowe generally adopt good practices to find ways of resolving cases and always consider ADR.’

  • ‘I find Katie Kilburn tries to find a resolution taking a conciliatory approach even in the most difficult of cases and where the parties' relationship is acrimonious. ’

  • ‘Rachel Roberts is straight forward and no nonsense and always give sensible advice to her clients, she is someone who will pick up the phone and deal with a case head on.’

  • ‘The practice has an extremely strong reputation in the Yorkshire market. They are very proactive and excellent to work with.’

  • ‘The stand out individuals are Sarah Barr-Young and Angela Sussens. The practical advice delivered with empathy is extremely impressive. ’

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Julian Hawkhead, Rachel Roberts, Chris Birch, Sarah Barr-Young

Other key lawyers

Angela Sussens, Kate Sarsfield, Shanika Varga, Katie Kilburn, Hannah Ross