Dawson Cornwell ranked as Top Tier Firm by the Legal 500 2026

We are ranked as a Top Tier for Family: children and a Leading Firm for Family: divorce and financial remedy. The Legal 500 is one of the two main industry standard directories.

We are described by the Legal 500 as “the best firm for international children work” and “a cut above the rest”. “As one of the few remaining top tier law firms in central London with a legal aid certificate, there is no greater indicator of Dawson Cornwell’s commitment to justice above all else. They host one of the most international teams of family lawyers, which puts them at the very fore of international children and divorce issues” and are “a superb family law firm with real strength in depth” who “are capable of dealing with the most complex cases in all areas of family law.” We have two highly respected teams: the matrimonial and children departments which are headed by Russell Bywater and Carolina Marín Pedreño, respectively.

Four of our partners are listed in the elite “Leading Partner” list: Russell Bywater is “wiser than the moon” and “has seen it all”, Carolina Marin Pedreño is “one of the most well-respected international lawyers” whose “technical knowledge is unparalleled and her connections across the world of international children law unrivalled”, “titan of family law” Simon Bruce, whose “cross-border practice is strengthened by his commitment to mediation and pro bono work” Simon Bruce and Sarah Jane Lenihan who focuses on clients with layered business, trust, and international interests.

Additionally our partners Charlotte Conner, Jessica Reid, Anna Shadbolt, Hilka Hollmann, Charlotte Image-Flower and Forum Shah have been named in the “Next Generation Partner” list: Jessica Reid is “smart, driven, confident and experienced” nondisclosure of assets, Charlotte Conner “will go to the end of the earth for her clients. A real fighter”, Anna Shadbolt “is a superstar. A very thoughtful and creative lawyer”, Hilka Hollmann’s “knowledge of international surrogacy and international adoption law is exceptional”, “stand-out litigator on children issues”, Forum Shah “has taken some of the most innovative, important children cases in recent years” “public law care specialist of high ability and experience” and Charlotte Image-Flower who is “focused, available and works well in consultation with children’s guardians”.

Senior Associate, Aysel Akhundova has been promoted to Leading Associate, who “is a passionate believer in her cases. She will fight hard for her clients and is also realistic and pragmatic.”

Five of our lawyers are also “recommended” being Partner Sulema Jahangir, whose “cross-border knowledge in cases involving Pakistan makes her the first choice for any client involved in cases involving that jurisdiction”, Senior Associates Kate Brett “who is an absolute superstar, tipped for the very top” and “highly astute” with “excellent client relationship skills” Floriane Laruelle and Associates Sacha Lee who is “a complete star” and Gemma Adams who advises on domestic abuse and care proceedings.

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