Northern law firm Harrison Drury has appointed Chris Longbottom as partner and head of family law.
Chris Longbottom joins from Clarke Willmott, where he spent nine years as partner and national family team manager.
A Leading Partner in the Legal 500 and ranked in this year’s Chambers & Partners, Chris was shortlisted for ‘Private Client Lawyer of the Year’ at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2025 and ‘Professional Services Leader of the Year’ in the North West Leadership Awards 2026.
Longbottom said: “Harrison Drury has exciting plans, and I’m delighted to play a part in delivering them. My vision is to develop our practice and bring through the next generation of family lawyers,
“Having worked in Manchester for many years, I also see a real opportunity to build on those relationships and strengthen the firm’s presence across the city.
“Family law is deeply personal, so our expertise must be matched by a clear understanding of what matters to each client. As we grow, practical advice and support that gives people confidence at difficult points in their lives will remain central to our approach.”
Norfolk family mediation charity, The Family Mediation Trust (TFMT), has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 National Mediation Awards.
It is up for the Innovation Award and for Legal Aid Provider (Family) of the Year, a title it won at the last awards.
TFMT says the Innovation shortlisting recognises the Trust’s role in bringing about a new domestic abuse screening tool for family mediators.
They continued saying the Legal Aid shortlisting recognises the Trust’s work with families on the lowest incomes.
Mike Mack, CEO of The Family Mediation Trust, said: “Separation is one of the hardest things a family goes through, and for people on the lowest incomes it can feel impossible. Legal aid mediation means they can sort things out without the cost of court or the ordeal of representing themselves, and that’s why being shortlisted again for Legal Aid Provider of the Year means so much to us.
“The screening work matters just as much. When the Domestic Abuse Commissioner raised the need for it with me, it was clear mediators needed a better way to make sure nobody is put at risk by a process that is meant to help them.
“We’re a small charity without much spare cash, but this was too important not to back. The credit for the tool goes to the Family Mediation Council and the charities and mediators who built it with them. We’re proud to have helped make it happen.”
Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham office expands with appointment of Lucy Barr as a partner.
In her new role, Barr will support the growth and development of Mills & Reeve’s family team from the Birmingham office, working alongside partner Katherine Kennedy.
With over 20 years’ experience, the majority spent in the Midlands, Lucy specialises in complex divorce and financial remedy proceedings, Children Act disputes, cohabitation cases and international jurisdictional matters, including Hague Convention child abduction.
Commenting on her appointment, Barr said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to join the Mills & Reeve family team and support its ambitious growth plans. The firm is recognised as top tier for family and children law, and I’m looking forward to working with a highly talented group of lawyers in Birmingham and across the national practice.”
Partner Katherine Kennedy commented: “Lucy brings real strength and depth to our family team in Birmingham. With her vast experience in litigating complex family disputes, she is able to give clients clarity and reassurance as to the appropriate strategy to resolve matters.
“Her expertise aligns closely with our growth priorities. I, together with my colleagues, look forward to welcoming Lucy and to continuing to build on our reputation in the West Midlands market.”
