Hughes Fowler Carruthers has once again retained its Tier 1 ranking for Private Client – Family in The Legal 500 UK 2025.

Frances Hughes, Pauline Fowler and Alex Carruthers continue to be listed in the guide’s Hall of Fame. Mark Harper, Renato Labi and Caroline Park all retain their status as Leading Individuals, and Kate Brett is listed as a Next Generation Partner.

The guide enthuses that “they care. They are intelligent, mindful, insightful and very respectful of their clients needs and wishes, whilst professionally steering the client through the necessary processes. Informed decision making at all times.”

“Renato Labi is one of the very best divorce solicitors in London. He has been involved in some of the very biggest cases which have come before the courts over the last few years. He handles them amazingly. I have seen him outmanoeuvre his opponents and marvelled at his tactics. He is incredibly intelligent and fights as hard as he possibly can for his clients, but is always charm personified to his opponents. He negotiates as well as he litigates.”

“Caroline Park is a stand out for me. A brilliant lawyer and a clever tactician. Never fails to achieve an outstanding result whether by negotiation or in a hearing. My favourite person to work with. Accessible and completely on top of every detail.”

“Pauline Fowler has great wisdom and judgment. She knows how to find creative solutions that work for real families but isn’t afraid to fight when needed.”

“The team offers strength in depth across all family law matters, particularly matrimonial finance. HFC have also managed to retain their user friendly style, avoiding becoming the ‘big corporate’ and maintaining focus on the individual client. I believe that this is greatly appreciated by clients.”

“Mark Harper continues to stand out as a leading practitioner. His experience in international matters and trusts positions him as the ‘go to’ lawyer in these complex areas. His down-to-earth manner is greatly appreciated.”

“Alex Carruthers is a powerhouse of a lawyer, very experienced and exceptionally good at managing clients who have the highest of expectations.”

“HFC are the stand out market leaders in family law. Their clients can be 100% confident that they are getting the right advice and that the best team on their side.”

Read the full guide here.