Family lawyers are celebrating a raft of successes this month, with award wins, new service launches, acquisitions and promotions across the country.
UK Top 150 law firm Trethowans has won the Innovative Marketing Award at the Legal Growth Awards for its The Candid Divorce Lawyer podcast, which aims to make discussions about divorce, separation and family transitions more relatable.
The podcast brings together legal experts and guest contributors to explore real experiences and emotions behind the law and plays a central role in Trethowans’ commitment to offering supportive, practical guidance that extends beyond traditional legal advice.
Kimberley Davies (pictured left, main photo) is partner in the Family Team at Trethowans and host of the podcast. She said: “Hosting the podcast has been a great experience. Family law touches every aspect of people’s lives, and this format allows us to talk about those moments in a way that feels honest, human and approachable.
“I also want to express my thanks to all the guests who have joined us so far and to those who will be part of the upcoming season. Their openness, insight and willingness to share their experiences are what make this podcast special. Being recognised for that work is incredibly encouraging, and I’m proud to see the podcast celebrated in this way.”
Hugh James, a top 100 firm with offices in Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Plymouth, has launched Family Law Plus, a dedicated online hub designed to support existing family law clients alongside legal advice. The hub provides clear information, guides and resources as well as signposting to wider practical, financial and wellbeing support.
Developed by the firm’s family law team in response to client feedback, Family Law Plus is designed to enhance the level of support to clients, complementing the legal expertise of the firm with broader, practical support to help clients make informed decisions.
Victoria Cannon, partner and head of family law at Hugh James, explained: “On the surface, family law is about guiding families through a legal process, but there is so much more to consider. We find clients are looking for someone to listen and guide them, support with their finances and long-term stability, and often feel overwhelmed and confused. Family Law Plus brings together trusted resources, guidance and optional introductions to wider support, so clients can access help when they need it, at their own pace.”
Bournemouth-based firm Steele Raymond has expanded is central south footprint with the acquisition long-established Christchurch, Dorset firm Williams Thompson, whose lawyers will join Steele Raymond’s existing teams.
Clients will continue to be served from Williams Thompson’s Christchurch offices, maintaining a local presence while offering clients a broader platform of connected specialist teams.
Jennifer Rogerson, managing partner at Steele Raymond, said: “The addition of Williams Thompson builds on the momentum created by our Reeves James acquisition last May. As always, our growth is guided by client need. Williams Thompson is a highly regarded Christchurch practice and a strong fit in terms of quality, values and client care.
David Orr, head of private client at Williams Thompson, said: “Our clients value long-term relationships, trusted advice and local understanding. Joining Steele Raymond allows us to keep that local service and give clients deeper support across a wider range of legal needs. It also gives our people the platform to develop as part of a full-service firm with a strong reputation for quality.”
Finally, Olivia Stiles has been promoted to family partner at Kingsley Napley. Stiles joined the firm as a trainee over 14 years ago and undertakes a full range of private family law work, including complex financial cases, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and children matters, both domestic and international.
She is also expert in surrogacy, fertility law and alternative routes to parenthood. Much of her work has an international element and involves HNW individuals and City professionals with modern family structures. She is recognised in the Legal 500 and in Chambers and was listed in the Pro Bono Recognition List 2025.
