Hughes Fowler Carruthers has retained its Band 1 ranking for Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth in the annual Chambers and Partners UK Guide.

Frances Hughes remains ranked as a Star Individual. Pauline Fowler, Alex Carruthers and Mark Harper retain their Band 1 rankings, and Renato Labi and Caroline Park have both been ranked Band 2. Bryan Jones and Archie Best have also been ranked as leading solicitors.

Chambers describes HFC as “a force of nature,” stating “they are a real powerhouse. They are dynamic and at the cutting edge of the legal world.” A source highlights “they always provide bespoke and tailor-made solutions to clients, and they are very adaptable and flexible,” while another states “they are a dynamic group; they are very good at thinking outside the box and being straight with clients. They are well organised and tactical in their approach.”

The guide notes Frances Hughes is “tactically brilliant”, stating that she “can always see five steps ahead.” “Her dealing with clients is unsurpassed,” one source notes, “she just handles them extremely well.” Another comments “she is fearless, tenacious and not afraid to take on cases which, at first, appear to be against her because she can spot angles that others won’t see.”

Pauline Fowler is described as “very sensible, pragmatic and well respected.” She is praised for being “extremely clever and focused on getting a good outcome for clients,” with a source commenting “she is very pragmatic and good at working with the other side.” Another source observed “Pauline is a very effective problem solver; she has a good sense of what is going to be the right decision in a case, which comes from her vast experience but also her insight.”

A source comments Alex Carruthers “has got really good judgement on cases and he’s also very intelligent.” He is further described as “sharp, incisive and astute… tactically brilliant and extremely patient.” Another source comments “he is totally dedicated to his clients and will fight for them like no other lawyer I know. He is also a very strategic thinker.”

Described as “an extremely good lawyer who is a go-to on difficult financial cases and trusts,” Mark Harper is “very clever, hard-working and good to deal with.” A source comments “Mark is a very good, technical lawyer who is second to none in complex international finance work,” while another notes he “has a huge amount of experience and expertise.”

Renato Labi is praised for being “really effective,” with a source stating he “gives a beyond excellent service to his clients. Renato’s advice is always well thought out and he has a great sense of humour.” Another enthuses “Renato is about the calmest person I’ve ever met. He is excellent with clients, constructive in his approach and looks at things from hundreds of different angles to think outside the box.”

Caroline Park is described as “just brilliant; calm under pressure, measured in her approach, very bright and excellent in her judgement.” She is further praised for having “a brain the size of a planet,” with a source stating “she is so polished and her technical understanding is exceptional.”

A Chambers commentator notes that Bryan Jones “is tenacious and has a very good knowledge of the law.” A source further comments “Bryan is good at handling a complex caseload; he is unflappable, prepared for anything and is a wise head.”

A source comments that Archie Best is “absolutely terrific; he is very client-friendly and conscious.” “A rising star without a shadow of a doubt,” notes another, who continues “Archie is bright, pragmatic and hard-working. He is a brilliant lawyer who gets things done with a very measured and dignified approach.” He is further praised for being “utterly affable and absolutely excellent to deal with.”

Hughes Fowler Carruthers’ full profile can be found in Chambers UK here.