Firms look to grow family practices with new hires

Winckworth Sherwood, the leading full-service UK law firm, today announces that Sarah Ingram has joined the Family practice as Partner.

Sarah brings with her invaluable experience, having worked on many cutting-edge family law cases over the years at all levels up to the Supreme Court, mostly notably for the Petrodel companies in the landmark case on company assets and corporate veil-piercing in family proceedings, Petrodel Resources Ltd v Prest. A recommended Family Lawyer in the Legal 500, Ingram’s other clients have included sports stars, celebrities, UHNW business people and royalty.

Sarah joins Winckworth Sherwood following the recent hire of Senior Solicitor Jim Richards as the Family Team continues to grow to meet the demand for its services.

Ingram’s expertise includes divorce, complex financial disputes, pre and post nuptial agreements, cohabitation, children and Inheritance Act claims.

Katie Spooner, Partner and head of the Family Team at Winckworth Sherwood, commented:

“We’re delighted to welcome Sarah to our team. She brings significant experience and expertise at a time when we’ve seen unprecedented levels of interest for our services and this appointment will further strengthen the firm’s presence in family law.”

Commenting on her appointment, Ingram, said:

“This is an exciting time to be joining Winckworth Sherwood’s Family Team. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, those who have been in need of pragmatic advice and support about changes to their family circumstances can now obtain it. I look forward to working with the team and helping to drive the continued expansion of the practice.”

The family law practice at Winckworth Sherwood has a strong track record of delivering results in cross-jurisdictional disputes, sensitive children matters, cases involving complicated financial structures, pre-acquired or inherited assets and family run businesses.

Meanwhile Thomas Mansfield Solicitors has strengthened its family law practice with the addition of Amelia Montgomery from London firm Woodfords Solicitors LLP, and Martina D’Avino from Tier 1 Legal 500 regional firm Tees Law.

Amelia and Martina advise on all aspects of family law and work with a wide range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals with international aspects to their cases. Both solicitors are members of Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who strive to resolve issues in a constructive way. Martina also sits on the Young Resolution National Committee and Amelia is active as a member of The Law Society’s Junior Lawyers Division and American Women Lawyers in London.

The growth of the firm’s 19-strong family law team comes as the practice responds to a surge in enquiries for their specialist advice. The double appointment follows several recent hires over the course of the last 18 months and the development of the firm’s international family law services in France and Spain.

Susi Gillespie, Head of Family at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, has commented:

“We are very pleased to welcome Amelia and Martina to the team at this exciting time. We have seen unprecedented growth in enquiries throughout the pandemic as people re-evaluate their lives and look to the future. Amelia and Martina’s experience will complement our existing offering and ensure we continue to meet this increase in demand along with maintaining our commitment to excellent client care and supporting our clients to achieve their desired outcomes.”