Hunters celebrates continued success in Legal 500 UK 2026
We are pleased to report another successful year in the latest edition of the Legal 500 directory, ranking in eight practice areas and individual recommendations for 25 lawyers.
Find out more about the Legal 500 and access Hunters’ full rankings here: Hunters Law LLP (Legal 500).
Family – Children: Tier 2
Our Tier 2-ranked Family & Relationships department is praised for its ‘remarkable strength in international family law’ and expertise in financial remedies and complex children matters. Led by Henry Hood, the team advises high-net-worth and high-profile clients on sensitive issues including relocation, abuse and jurisdiction disputes.
Amy Rowe is described as a ‘superb lawyer’ for her strategic approach to international relocation and custody cases. Olivia Piercy ‘stands out’ for her ‘unmatched’ understanding of domestic abuse, while Jo Carr-West earns praise for her ‘laser focus’ and creative handling of high-conflict children cases. Maria Wright is commended for her empathy and strategic insight.
- Practice head: Henry Hood
- Leading partner: Amy Rowe
- Next generation partner: Olivia Piercy
- Recommended lawyer: Jo Carr-West; Maria Wright; Victoria Teymourian-Yates; Eri Horrocks
Family – Divorce and financial remedy: Tier 2
In divorce and financial remedies, our team is recognised for its ‘unparalleled’ service and ‘stunningly good’ approach. The ‘immensely wise’ Henry Hood leads with strategic insight, supported by Richard Kershaw, who is praised as ‘formidable’. Jo Carr-West has a ‘richly deserved reputation for quiet competence’ and judgment in complex trust cases, while Amy Scollan ‘works above and beyond’ in international finance matters. Rising stars Alex Brereton and Polly Atkins are highlighted, alongside ‘industry leader’ Olivia Piercy and ‘outstanding’ Eri Horrocks.
- Leading partner: Henry Hood; Richard Kershaw
- Next generation partner: Amy Scollan
- Recommended lawyer: Jo Carr-West; Olivia Piercy; Alex Brereton; Eri Horrocks; Polly Atkins
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Tier 2
Our ‘bright’ Private Client department is praised for its ‘deep technical knowledge’ and ‘highly impressive’ service. Jointly led by Wilfrid Vernor-Miles and Matthew Yates, the team is described as ‘responsive, efficient and solution-driven’.
Lucinda Tite is noted for her expertise in high-value trust restructuring, while Lara Barton remains a trusted advisor to ultra-HNW clients. Caroline Foulger adds further depth following her arrival in 2025. Julia Lewis is recognised for her practical advice, and Sunir Watts and Vanina Wittenburg for their clear, timely support.
- Practice head: Wilfrid Vernor-Miles; Matthew Yates
- Recommended lawyer: Julia Lewis; Sunir Watts; Vanina Wittenburg; Mary Elliott; Lucinda Tite; Lara Barton; Caroline Foulger
Family – Mediation: Tier 3
- Leading partner: Henry Hood; Jo Carr-West
Art and cultural property: Tier 4
- Practice head: Matthew Yates; Julia Lewis
- Key lawyer: Lucinda Tite; Sunir Watts
Contentious trusts and probate: Tier 4
Our ‘well-respected’ Litigation & Dispute Resolution department is noted for its calm, strategic handling of complex disputes.
Led by David Draisey, who is described as ‘a calming influence’ and a ‘pleasure to work with’, the team advises on estate administration, Will validity, and trustee disputes with ‘practical and commercial’ insight. David is praised for resolving matters in a ‘cool, pragmatic way’, while Richard Kershaw adds strength in private wealth disputes involving trusts, private equity interests, and cross-border assets. The department is known for its ‘serious private client lawyers’ who are ‘clever and personal’, and for delivering ‘wonderful service’ with strategic acumen and efficiency.
- Practice head: David Draisey
- Leading partner: Richard Kershaw
Residential property: Tier 4
Our Residential Property team continues to be recognised for handling complex, multi-million-pound transactions, often involving historic title issues and integrated tax and private wealth advice. James Vernor-Miles, described as ‘outstanding in his field’, leads the ‘knowledgeable, responsive’ team which delivers ‘excellent and well-rounded advice’.
Scott Battram and Cordelia Smith are noted for their work on high-value and listed property transactions, with Cordelia commended for being ‘very personable and helpful’ and for handling matters ‘superbly’. Clients report feeling ‘in very safe hands’ with our ‘efficient’ and ‘professional’ team.
- Practice head: James Vernor-Miles
- Recommended lawyer: Scott Battram; Cordelia Smith
Charities and not-for-profit: Tier 5
Our ‘small but mighty’ Charities department is praised for its calm, assured advice and deep sector knowledge. Led by the ‘inexhaustible’ Dominik Opaliński, the practice is praised for its work with charities, NGOs, religious orders, and almshouses, particularly in safeguarding, governance, and trustee disputes.
Dominik is recognised for his ‘extensive real-world experience’, friendly approach and clear, practical advice. Clients value the team’s ‘approachable’ style, in-depth knowledge and ability to provide litigation support in complex disputes.
- Practice head: Dominik Opaliński