Private-equity backed law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood has appointed Charlotte Knappett, Head of Family Law, as its next Senior Partner.
FJG is part of Lawfront, a national brand of law firms with regional focuses including Brachers, Farleys, Nelsons, Slater Heelis and most recently Trethowans.
Knappett currently leads FJG’s Tier 1 ranked Family Law practice having been with the firm since leaving University. From January 2026, Knappett will work closely with CEO Paula Fowler while current chairman and co-founder Tony Fisher will retire at the end of 2025 but will continue to support FJG in a consultative capacity.
Commenting on her appointment, Knappett said:
“I’m absolutely honoured and humbled to be appointed to this role. Fisher Jones Greenwood has been my professional home for more than two decades, and I’ve cherished every moment of working for a firm that has a great culture, continually invests in its people, and supports them in reaching their full potential.
“I’m thrilled to be given this amazing opportunity to work alongside Tony – a truly inspirational leader – and Paula, who has mentored and guided me throughout my career and always made sure I had the opportunities to progress and succeed.
“I’m fully committed to continuing my work leading our fantastic Family Law team, while also helping to drive FJG forward. I look forward to supporting growth, maintaining the strong community values that have defined the firm, and developing our people and client-centred services to remain the law firm and employer of choice for clients and colleagues alike.”
CEO Paula Fowler said
“It has been a genuine pleasure to witness Charlotte’s professional journey and growth within the firm over the years. Her unwavering dedication, integrity, depth of expertise, and natural leadership have consistently distinguished her. If she were a stick of rock, she would have ‘FJG’ running right through her – she truly embodies the values and spirit of our firm.
“I could not be prouder to see her step into the role of Senior Partner. It is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional contribution and commitment. I am genuinely excited for all that Charlotte will go on to achieve in this new chapter, and equally optimistic about what the firm will accomplish with Charlotte in her new leadership role.”
Axel Koelsch, COO at Lawfront, added the appointment of Knappett was part of Lawfront’s strategy identifying people within the businesses to support growth and innovation.
“Charlotte’s appointment exemplifies our ‘Regional Leaders with National Scale’ strategy in action. Her journey from graduate to Senior Partner demonstrates the calibre of leadership talent we’re developing across Lawfront – deeply rooted in their local markets with the ambition and capability to drive long-term growth.”
Four appointments in Irwin Mitchell Family Team
Irwin Mitchell has announced the arrival of four family law specialists across its offices.
Alyssa Howard joins as Legal Director in Aske, North Yorkshire, bringing a wealth of experience in complex children cases, including high-conflict disputes and matters involving safeguarding and parental alienation. The appointments comes after the acquisition of Silk Family Law and strengthens the team in the North East.
Rory Laide joins the Brighton office, supporting Irwin Mitchell’s continued growth in the South. Rory is a Resolution-accredited specialist in both financial remedy and children matters, with advanced family panel membership from the Law Society. His expertise spans divorce, separation, financial settlements, pre and post nuptial agreements, disputes relating to children, and international family law, particularly cross-border matters between England and Ireland and expatriates in the Gulf region
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Grace Morahan joins the international divorce team, bringing specialist expertise in cases involving the Asia-Pacific region. Already qualified in Australia, Grace previously advised high-net-worth families, handling complex cases with international elements at Broun Abrahams Bereket in Sydney. She will work closely with Clare Wiseman, further strengthening Irwin Mitchell’s cross-border capabilities.
The team also welcomes Kerrie Greenley to the Newcastle team. Kerrie brings particular expertise in financial and cohabitation matters, including advocacy, further strengthening the team’s breadth of services.
Clare Wiseman, National Head of Family Law at Irwin Mitchell, commented:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alyssa, Rory, Grace, and Kerrie to Irwin Mitchell. Their depth of experience and international perspectives make them exceptional additions to our team. These appointments are a key part of our strategy to grow our presence across the UK and internationally, ensuring families receive the very best legal support. We have also welcomed a number of support colleagues to the team in recent months to make sure our lawyers have the very best assistance to deliver great service to our clients. With further recruitment in the pipeline, we are excited about our growth.
“Lawyers like Grace bring a unique advantage to our clients, helping them navigate complex cross-border cases and avoid duplicated costs when assets span multiple countries. Alyssa and Rory’s leadership in children and financial matters further enhance our ability to support families with complex and sensitive legal issues. Kerrie has really hit the ground running dealing with a number of complex and urgent issues in court with great success.”
Edwards Family Law grows to 13
Edwards Family Law has appointed Sarah Walker as a Junior Partner increasing the firm’s headcount to 13 people. Walker brings experience in high-value, complex family law, advising a wide range of clients both domestically and abroad.
Initially training as a corporate lawyer at Clifford Chance where she worked in the London and Singapore, Walker switched to family law in 2017. She initially worked at a city firm under the tutelage of Kelly Edwards before moving to Hughes Fowler Carruthers (“HFC”). At HFC Sarah worked with the renowned Frances Hughes on a wide range of cases, including the seminal case of Potanin v Potanin in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Sarah’s practice focuses on complex financial disputes involving offshore trusts, high-value business interests, complex award packages, and inherited wealth. She also advises on sensitive private law children matters, including relocation applications and parental alienation disputes.
Kelly Edwards, Managing Partner of Edwards Family Law, said it was another step on the road for the firm which launched in 2019.
“We’re excited to welcome Sarah to our firm as a Junior Partner. Her experience at the highest level, particularly her work on landmark cases and her commercial training, is an enormous asset. She joins at an exciting time as the firm continues to grow.”
Sarah Walker, Junior Partner of Edwards Family Law, commented on her appointment:
“I am thrilled to be joining Edwards Family Law and excited to be working alongside Kelly again. The firm’s reputation for being strategic, straight-talking, and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for clients aligns perfectly with my own practice.”
