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

Frances Hughes remains ranked as a Star Individual. Pauline Fowler, Alex Carruthers and Mark Harper retain their Band 1 rankings. Renato Labi retains his Band 2 ranking, with Caroline Park moving up to 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.”

Frances Hughes is described as “a force to be reckoned with,” adding “she is direct, straightforward and great at handling the most complex and tricky cases. Her ability to talk straight to clients is impressive.” A source notes “she is tactically brilliant; she can always see five steps ahead,” and another remarks “I think her judgement is just impeccable.”

A source notes Pauline Fowler “is really precise, very attentive to detail and tactically strong. She is extremely clever and focused on getting a good outcome for clients. She is technically brilliant,” while another states “she’s a complete delight. She’s straightforward, no nonsense and experienced.”

Described as “very incisive, gets straight to the point and a pleasure to deal with,” Alex Carruthers “provides very clear and concise advice.” A source comments “he is very efficient; he is completely on top of the detail and his client service is absolutely top-rate,” while another remarks “he is totally dedicated to his clients and will fight for them like no other lawyer I know. He is a very strategic thinker.”

A source comments Mark Harper “absolutely knows more about the nuances of international trusts and divorce than anyone else. He’s one of the top lawyers for high net worth divorces.” Another notes “he is incredibly pragmatic, straightforward and very realistic in his approach.” Mark is further described as “an excellent lawyer. He’s very, very astute, very incisive and conscientious.”

Renato Labi is praised as “a fantastic strategist,” and for providing “really thorough, well-informed advice.” The source observes that “he is superbly clever and also prepared to take a measured and appropriate risk where needed.” He is further described as follows: “Renato is a fantastic solicitor and I think he is extraordinarily well prepared, a good tactician and very intelligent. He leaves no stone unturned and he’s always thinking one step ahead of the game.”

Caroline Park is regarded by peers as “one of the brightest solicitors around.” Described as having “a brain the size of a planet”, one commentator states “she is always at the top of my list when recommending a lawyer to friends or family. She is so polished and her technical understanding is exceptional.” Another reports “she’s incredibly impressive; you always have to be at the top of your game to do a case against her. She is very constructive and will cut through the issues.”

Bryan Jones is described as “so hard-working and extraordinarily diligent. He is so thorough, client-friendly and goes above and beyond.” A commentator adds “he is extremely numerate, he comes up with great solutions to problems and he’s also extremely clever.”

A Chambers commentator states that Archie Best is “incredibly hard-working and when there’s a case with immense detail, he’s who you want on your side.” Another comments “I rate him very highly. He’s very clever, extremely numerate and has very good judgement. He is a star of the future.” 

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