Hawkins Family Law

IT’S A CLICHÉ to say that client service is your priority, but Hawkins Family Law has grown organically by committing to just that. Managing director Jo Hawkins set up the practice with just 10 files and a secretary, having recognised that family clients needed a different approach. It has since grown to three directors and five supporting lawyers, plus two trainees.

The firm offers specialist accredited advisers, with six of its eight lawyers collaboratively trained, while four are trained mediators, and Jo is an arbitrator. It is indicative of the client service focus that the firm welcomed a consultant who is a psychotherapist: Emma Chamberlain. Emma supports training, offers clinical supervision and also sees clients in the office. Jo and her team of lawyers are all ‘people’ people. They are committed to the firm and to producing rounded outcomes for clients, offering expertise in whatever forum best suits the client.

The firm represents HNW individuals nationally; regularly against Magic Circle firms. This focus has seen HFL ranked Band 1 in Chambers and Partners 2021 and tier 1 in The Legal 500 2021, with Jo being named as leading lawyer for the last five years running.

The Legal 500 said that Hawkins Family Law ‘ fields a very professional team that delivers a high-class service and has strength-in-depth from senior to junior level’, with Jo Hawkins herself said to provide ‘clear and accurate advice and moral support through often testing times for her clients’, adding that ‘she focuses on deriving the best long-term outcome for her client and other parties.

Chambers & Partners, meanwhile, described Hawkins Family Law as ‘A boutique family law firm that punches above its weight in terms of high-value and complex matrimonial finance instructions relating to business assets, pensions and substantial property portfolios – including assisting with the handling of assets abroad.’

An impressed client says: ‘The team’s personal service is a great asset,’ adding that they are ‘always available to assist and understand the occasional need for immediate advice and guidance... [it is] a very reassuring service.’ Others praise HFL for its ‘clear and accurate advice and moral support through testing times.

FOCUS

Complex financial matters, trusts and high value assets; Collaborative law and mediation; Alternative dispute resolution

hawkinsfamilylaw.co.uk