Top divorce lawyer Simon Bruce joins Dawson Cornwell

We are delighted to welcome top divorce lawyer Simon Bruce as a partner while we are celebrating our firm’s 50th anniversary. It is fitting that Simon, who is known for his constructive approach, has joined our firm; it was our senior partner, John Cornwell, who founded Resolution (the body of family lawyers who try to resolve cases constructively).

Simon, a former President of the Family Law Commission of the Union Internationale des Avocats, joins us after a highly distinguished 38-year career at Farrer & Co LLP.

Simon has acted in six Supreme Court cases, most notably for German heiress Katrin Radmacher in the landmark 2010 ruling that saw prenups and postnups made legally binding in England when they are fair, and for Yasmin Prest against her multimillionaire oil tycoon husband in the 2013 case that led the way for the English legal system on piercing the corporate veil.

Described in the Legal 500 2022 as “probably the best male divorce solicitor in London”, his combination of skills as top family finance solicitor with a strong international practice and half time pro bono lawyer specialising in child custody cases makes him unique.

Carolina Marin Pedreño, Head of the Children Department at Dawson Cornwell, said:

“We feel immensely privileged that Simon has chosen to join our firm; his prodigious expertise and experience is well known and he will be a welcome addition to our internationally renowned firm.”

Russell Bywater, Head of the Matrimonial Department at Dawson Cornwell, said:

“Simon Bruce’s international legal career is second to none and dovetails well with Dawson Cornwell’s highly regarded international work. As a keen mentor, he will also inspire the next generation of young lawyers who are embarking on their careers at Dawson Cornwell, following in the tradition of the firm’s many notable and leading lawyers both past and present.”

Alongside his work with ultra high net worth individuals and families, Bruce is devoted to uplifting the most vulnerable in society and was shortlisted as Pro Bono Lawyer of The Year 2021. He volunteers his time and legal expertise for various charities, including founding and overseeing the Family Law Clinic at Dad’s House, which was shortlisted as Pro Bono Law Clinic of the year 2021. He also provides free family law advice at the Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre and East Greenwich Legal Advice Clinic, as well as being pro bono advisor at The Law Society’s Free Legal Answers.

Bruce, who has long championed keeping family matters out of the courts, is a passionate advocate for discussions round the table, mediation and arbitration.

He brings his wealth of expertise to Dawson Cornwell’s most complex financial and children cases. Sharing the firm’s constructive approach to family law, but with the ability for robust litigation where necessary, he will complement Dawson Cornwell’s existing experienced team. Simon Bruce said:

“It has been a life ambition of mine to work at Dawson Cornwell. I have always admired its thought leadership, its client care, its ethos of amicable resolutions in family cases, and its harmonious teamwork where empathy is prized. It’s a holistic, selfless practice of family law excellence across the board, and I’m so happy to be part of it. We present a unique and special offering.

This is an auspicious time in family law and life is very tough for so many people. Our clients really matter to us, and I will always help to the best of my ability. The next chapter is always the best. Together, I absolutely know we will continue to make a real difference.”