Collaborative lawyer and mediatory Louise Masters has joined Ward Hadaway as a Partner in its Family and Matrimonial team in the Newcastle office to drive the growth of its One Lawyer, Resolution Together service alongside Partner Gemma Iceton.
With almost two decades of experience and known for her leadership in alternative dispute resolution, her role will build on the firm’s efforts to offer more non-court solutions say the firm.
“There is fantastic talent throughout the Family and Matrimonial team at Ward Hadaway and I’m thrilled to join and contribute my skills and experience. The One Lawyer model reflects what many separating couples are looking for – a dignified, thoughtful way forward. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s leading the way on this, while also offering the depth of knowledge to handle complex and sensitive matters across the full family law spectrum”
said Masters.
Welcoming her to the firm Steven Petrie, Managing Partner at Ward Hadaway, added
“Louise has already made a significant impact since joining the firm. Her reputation in the market, her leadership with Gemma and her ability to guide clients through complex matters with care and clarity make her an outstanding addition to our growing team.”
Family firm Burgess Mee has announced the appointment of Alice Rogers as a Legal Director, joining from Hall Brown Family Law’s London office, where she was a senior associate. Rogers acts for a wide range of professional and high net worth clients, specialising in complex financial remedy cases (often involving assets across multiple jurisdictions) and trust disputes.
Aa a member of Resolution, she works closely with a variety of professionals, including wealth managers, accountants, tax specialists, private client advisers, and therapeutic support professionals to ensure a collaborative and strategic approach for her clients.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at Burgess Mee. The firm is leading the way with important initiatives such as trauma-informed family law practice. I look forward to contributing to their continuing success.”
said Rogers on her appointment. Antonia Mee, partner and co-founder of Burgess Mee, added
“We are delighted that Alice has chosen to take the next step of her career with us. She will be an asset to our team as a future leader in the industry, given her trajectory and recognition thus far.”
Moore Barlow has appointed Louise Barretto and David Hodgson to the family team as it expands its team further with a 36% increase in fee earners between 2024 and 2025 taking the team to 20 practitioners. Both join from Russells Solicitors; Barretto as Legal Director in the Richmond office and Hodgson as Senior Associate in the Family practice.
Barretto is dual-qualified in South Africa and in England and Wales and regularly acts for South African expatriates and high-profile clients, including non-court dispute resolution or where necessary robust litigation. Hodsgon specialises in the financial aspects of divorce and separation, particularly in complex cases with an international dimension involving businesses or trusts. Edward Whittington, Managing Partner at Moore Barlow, said:
“We are thrilled to introduce Louise and David to our Richmond Family practice. Their combined expertise and shared commitment to client-focused, commercially aware advice will be invaluable as we continue to grow and deliver exceptional service to our clients.”
The Family Law Company welcomes back one of its own after 28 years as Bridget Garrood returns to the firm nearly three decades after was the very first articled claerk taken on by founder Norman Hartnell. Reflecting on coming around full circle Garrood said
“This is something of a homecoming and it’s lovely that Norman is still very much at the heart of the company. There’s a real culture of positivity and everyone has been welcoming and supportive.”
And Family Law Partners has appointed Resolution YRes National Committee member and winner of the Wellbeing Champion awards at Resolution’s 2023 awards Matthew Richardson, joining the existing team of 16 specialists in child-inclusive and hybrid mediation.
Co founder, Alan Larkin, said:
“For us, mediation isn’t just an alternative, it’s at the heart of our family law practice. Matthew’s approach, which reflects our own, supports clients to ensure better outcomes and is aligned with the kind of progressive thinking we believe truly benefits families and the professionals who support them.
Additionally, his work on Wellbeing within the family law sector has been truly remarkable, and yet another synergy between Matthew’s and our own approach.”
Matthew Richardson concluded
“I’ve long admired Family Law Partners for their strong values and their commitment to doing things differently. Their focus on dispute resolution and keeping families out of court aligns completely with my own approach — one that prioritises calm, constructive solutions tailored to the families involved. Joining a team so committed to resolving issues in a bespoke, creative way – and with genuine sensitivity – is incredibly exciting, and I’m looking forward to working alongside colleagues who share a deep belief in helping clients find lasting outcomes.”
