Hughes Fowler Carruthers has once again been ranked Band 1 for Family/Matrimonial in Chambers UK Guide, with Frances Hughes ranked as a Star Individual and three partners ranked Band 1.

Chambers UK describes the firm as a “leading family boutique advising ultra high net worth and high-profile clients on post-separation issues as well as wealth protection agreements”. The directory further notes the firm “offers a strong practice in Children Act proceedings, including cases of international relocation” and is “renowned for its role in shaping recent developments in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters”.

A commentator highlights “the quality of instructions is first-rate and they have the desirable quality of getting to the heart of any case”. Other sources note the partners are “specialist litigators who know family law and care about their clients,” and are “thorough and have experience in complex high net worth family cases”.

Frances Hughes retains her Star Individual status and is praised as “an extremely effective litigator”. Chambers highlights Frances’ “total commitment to her clients”, noting she is the “lawyers’ lawyer in the family world”. The Directory further adds “her most important quality is her ability to quickly and accurately get to key issues in cases” and “she has a brilliant instinct about cases and inspires enormous confidence with clients”.

Pauline Fowler retains her ranking and is praised for her “immense wisdom in terms of understanding how to resolve things”. Chambers further highlights Pauline “has great skill as a litigator and mediator” and “is a formidable practitioner in this field”. The Guide notes “she has a very calm approach and thinks outside the box. She has a winning attitude”.

Alex Carruthers retains his Band 1 rank and is praised for being “very thorough and highly responsive” and “very straightforward and clear in advising on the best way forward” . The Directory further notes Alex is “very solutions-driven”, “intelligent and effective in complex cases related to trusts” and has “a good understanding of difficult legal concepts”.

Mark Harper retains his Band 1 rank and is described as a “very distinguished solicitor”. Chambers notes Mark is an “effective litigator” with “significant strength in multi-jurisdictional matters”, “who has retained his strong reputation in the family market”. The Guide highlights Mark “delivers results without fail” and “has great expertise in matters where trusts come into play”.

Renato Labi also retains his Band 1 rank and is described as “highly recommended for his established practice in divorce proceedings”. Chambers praises Renato for being “an extremely proficient practitioner who is notable for his calmness, thoroughness and intellectual calibre”. The Guide further highlights “he is experienced and looks for solutions” and “has a particularly good bedside manner with clients”.

Caroline Park has retained her ranking this year, and she is described as “an exceptional lawyer and a very smart litigator”. Chambers highlights Caroline “has a huge amount of commercial knowledge and she understands the language of business owners”. The Guide also notes “she is very good at complex international matters and is approachable and easy to work with”.

Bryan Jones has retained his Up and Coming status and is recognised for appearing before the Court of Appeal on cross-border matrimonial finance disputes. The Directory notes Bryan is a “highly competent practitioner who has the knack of not only getting to the heart of the case but is also very cool under fire”.

View HFC’s full editorial on the Chambers and Partners’ website here.