The divorce and family department in London is top ranked by Chambers and Partners and has received special recognition for its client service.

Our team of divorce solicitors are nationally recognised as leaders in their field. All lawyers within the department are members of Resolution (the recognised professional body of specialist family lawyers). A number of the Partners have been elected as Fellows of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

All of the Partners handle complex high value cases, often involving significant assets and trusts based abroad. Clients of the department are from a wide range of backgrounds including City professionals, entrepreneurs and those in the media, sports and entertainment industries.

Head of Department, Stephen Foster, is regarded as one of the UK's leading divorce solicitors with "an ability to think outside the box. He works hard to get the very best results for his clients". He is described by the Legal 500 as having "incredible insight", and an "unparalleled ability to handle extreme pressure and to get to the crux of a difficult problem very quickly". Stephen is ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal 500 2011.

Debbie Chism is one of London's leading divorce lawyers, ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners and noted as a "well-known expert in high-value divorces" (Legal 500). She is noted for a tough yet pragmatic approach: "She doesn't fight for fighting's sake, but wants to settle cases on the best possible terms". Clients report her as "very natural and easy to communicate with" whilst the leading legal directories comment on her "razor-sharp negotiating skills".

Emma Hatley has won legal awards for her expertise and is a nationally recognised leading divorce lawyer. She has been praised in Legal 500 for her "outstanding intellect, hard work and constructive approach". She was pivotally involved in the reported cases of Sorrell [2005 EWHC 717] and Charman [2006 EWHC 1879] and is regarded as a star of her generation. Emma is described by Chambers and Partners as "extremely thorough and diligent and provides fantastic client care".

Richard Hogwood is the most recent Partner to have joined the department. He is a highly regarded family lawyer and is recognised by Chambers and other independent publications for his expertise in handling divorce cases with complex tax and trusts issues. Legal 500 2011 describe Richard as a "star in the making".

Stephen, Debbie, Emma and Richard are assisted by a number of Associates and Solicitors who make up an effective and dynamic team.