Russell Bywater

Spear’s Review

Russell Bywater’s over 35 years as a family law practitioner has seen him act in some extremely high-profile cases, including Villiers v Villiers [2022], a landmark Supreme Court case that some argue gave a green light for ‘divorce tourism’.

Bywater is now managing partner at Dawson Cornwell, having previously served as head of the matrimonial team at the firm. His personal practice spans complex financial cases arising from relationship breakdown, and he has a particular expertise in international trust cases.

His clients, he says, are looking for depth of knowledge and experience. ‘What we are good at is being able to, from a very early stage, give them a sense of outcomes, and that can be extremely reassuring,’ he tells Spear’s. ‘By giving them a picture of what their future is likely to be, that enables them to look forward rather than be traumatised by their situation.’

Rank: Top Recommended

Top Recommended 2026, Family Lawyers

Family Lawyers

London

Rising Star 2026
Family Lawyers

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