Renato Labi

Spear’s Review

‘I like to tell my clients that if they listen to me and follow my advice, I can get them out of the difficult situation that they are in,’ says Hughes Fowler Carruthers partner Renato Labi.

Now entering his third decade at the firm, family lawyer Labi is used to big-money financial cases landing on his desk, as well as high-value nuptial agreements and some complex children cases involving relocation.

Described by a colleague as a ‘highly effective operator’ in the family law space, Labi is a strong litigator as well as a member of Resolution and a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Notable cases

• KV v KV (No. 2) [2024] EWFC 359
  
• DR v ES & Ors [2024] EWFC 176
  
• I (A child) (Relocation: Australia), Re [2024] EWFC 3 (B)

Adviser Profile

‘Universally liked by clients’ and a ‘fantastic strategist’, Renato Labi is one of the foremost family lawyers acting in the most difficult reported cases. He has wide experience in dealing with financial disputes within divorce proceedings and following cohabitation, and in complex private law children’s cases. He is particularly noted for his expertise in matters involving complex trusts and property issues, and he has acted in many cases involving the international relocation of children.

Renato is consistently highly recommended in the leading legal and high-net-worth directories for his practice. Peers note Renato is a ‘fine tactician who can take a case through to trial with relish’ and praise him for ‘always being two steps ahead of his opponent’. Known for his tactical nous and erudite understanding of legal nuances, ‘he negotiates as well as he litigates in high-stakes divorce matters’.

Renato continues to act for and against international high- and ultra-high-net-worth figures and trustees, and advises on high-value and extremely complex international family litigation, including cross-border financial remedy and enforcement cases.

‘Very bright on technical legal points’, Renato ‘spots them before other people do. He takes a strong view of how the case will go early on, and can spot a case that will go all the way to court,’ highlights one source. Another enthuses that ‘he has the client down to a tee, and he’s quick, efficient and has a good instinct for what the outcome will be’.

Outside of the office, Renato’s interests include politics, music and the arts. For many years he was a trustee and chair of the board of Poet in the City, a venture philanthropy charity.