Firm promotes joint heads of family to director positions
Lawrence Stephens has promoted joint heads of its family department Eleanor Wood and Jim Richards to director positions.
Having led the firm’s family department since November 2023, Eleanor and Jim have significant experience acting for high-net-worth and high-profile individuals, foreign nationals, non-domiciles, UK nationals living abroad, and multinational families.
Eleanor and Jim recently acted on RM v WP [2024] EWFC 191, a landmark financial remedies case concerning the division of matrimonial property and to what extent real property had been ‘matrimonialised’.
Eleanor specialises in complex family issues, with a particular interest in Children Act matters, including cross-border relocation, as well as divorce and matrimonial finance work. She also completes her own advocacy to ensure a smooth and cohesive process throughout separation proceedings, helping support her clients through this often-challenging period.
Jim specialises in family litigation involving a number of different assets and jurisdictions, particularly financial settlements and Children Act cases. He was also previously a member of the Law Society Children’s Panel, working on complex cases where the children were parties to the litigation.
Eleanor said: ‘Jim and I are delighted to have been made directors, and are proud that the development of our family practice has contributed to the firm’s growth and success. As a people-focused business, the firm has always prided itself on its supportive environment and wonderful team and we are honoured to continue to be a part of it!’
Jim said: ‘Having led the family team with Ellie since late last year, it is an honour to be appointed alongside her as directors. We are extremely proud of the work we have achieved, and we look forward to building on these successes as the firm goes from strength to strength.’
Steven Bernstein, managing director at Lawrence Stephens, commented: ‘We are delighted to announce the promotion of Ellie and Jim to directors. Their family law expertise is a great asset to the truly full service and integrated legal advice we provide for our clients at Lawrence Stephens.’
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