Suzanne Daley, Bell Lamb & Joynson family law partner and head of family (pictured), has been named Professional Services Woman of the Year at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2026.
The award recognises Daley’s legal career and her resilience, compassion and unwavering commitment to supporting others both inside and outside of the workplace.
After becoming the Bell Lamb & Joynson’s youngest equity partner in 2016, Daley built the firm’s Family department into a thriving team of 15 legal professionals.
Alongside her professional achievements, Daley has dedicated herself to making a lasting difference within her local community. Her four-year-old son, Jonah, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer and the family was supported by the Owen McVeigh Foundation.
After Jonah completed treatment, Daley became a passionate advocate for charity and has supported families facing the same challenges as her own. She has also played a key role in establishing the Bell Lamb & Joynson Foundation, helping turn an idea into a lasting initiative that now supports and fundraises for four local charities every year.
Daley said: “Our family’s journey has completely changed my perspective on what truly matters. The support we received following my little boy’s cancer diagnosis has been overwhelming, and it’s that support that has reminded me what I’m capable of – inspiring me to be my best and to bring out the best in others.
“I’m honoured to receive this award, especially to be recognised alongside such an inspiring group of fellow finalists. Family law has always been about supporting people through some of the toughest moments in their lives, and it’s a real privilege to be able to do that every day, alongside such a brilliant team.”
The Family Law Company (right) has expanded its presence in Cornwall with the acquisition of specialist care lawyers @Cornwall Law, adding five new employees to the firm’s Truro office 
and bringing the team to 12.
Karen Furness and Kate Hamilton from @Cornwall Law will join The Family Law Company’s board.
Lucy Theobald, director at The Family Law Company, said: “This acquisition marks another important step in our commitment to widening access to specialist family law services in Cornwall.
“As one of the leading boutique family law firms in the South West, our holistic approach ensures we can support clients at every stage of family life, whatever their personal circumstances.”
The Family Law Company, which also has offices in Exeter and Plymouth, launched its dedicated Cornwall service in 2021 and opened its first Truro office in 2022.
North-west firm Slater Heelis Solicitors (left) has secured a debut ranking for its Family team in the Chambers High Net Worth guide.
The ranking, in the Family/Matrimonial Finance: High Net Worth category, spotlights firms handling complex financial matters typically valued between £5 million and £50 million.
The recognition reflects the team’s strength across high net worth divorce cases, wealth protection through pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, international family law, offshore trust matters company and shareholder cases and financial claims for children.
The firm has also been named in The Times’ Best Law Firms 2026, where it was commended in the Family category for the fifth consecutive year.
The Family team is led by partner Charlotte Beck, who is also head of the Manchester office. Beck is recognised individually in the Legal 500 and Chambers directories. She sits on the Manchester Resolution Committee and is a collaboratively trained lawyer.
Beck said: “To be recognised by the Chambers High Net Worth guide is a fantastic achievement for the whole team. It reflects the breadth of expertise we offer, from complex financial remedy and wealth protection work through to international family law and trust disputes and is testament to the fact clients trust us with matters of real significance and complexity.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone in the department and this ranking is a strong platform for us to build on as we continue to grow our national and international reach.”
