Department profile
JMW Solicitors LLP

Family/Matrimonial

UK Guide 2026 : North West


JMW Solicitors LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by JMW Solicitors LLP

A unique offering, developed over years of practising family law at a high level, ensures each one of JMW’s clients benefits from a clear supportive strategy from the outset, and one that is tactically realistic and cost effective.

With industry leading experts in a wide range of family law, from surrogacy and adoption to complex matrimonial finance, JMW’s versatility and compassion are core features to our client approach.

Knowing when to fight and when to stand still are essential tactics we believe each client and their case deserves as we strive to achieve excellent results at all stages of family life; from pre- or postnuptial agreements, through to marriage, civil partnerships, children or divorce, we are always in our client’s corner.

Discreet, compassionate, creative and committed, JMW’s family department, led by Elspeth Kinder and Michael Chapman, are at the leading edge of family law. Focusing on developing a strong strategy from the outset and making full use of our national and international reach, best places the department to offer expert and leading advice on all matters pertaining to family law.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Family/Matrimonial - North West

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

JMW Solicitors has an impressive presence in the North West, with key offices in both Manchester and Liverpool. The team possesses noted expertise across a broad spectrum of complex family matters, handling high-value financial remedy cases involving pensions, businesses and trusts, as well as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. It is also adept at children law, including international cases and matters related to fertility law and surrogacy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They provide outstanding client service and have excellent negotiation skills in complex matters. They always ensure the best possible outcome for their clients.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • I’ve felt genuinely well supported throughout the case. The team has shown real expertise and attention to detail in handling my case.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • JMW Solicitors are well up to the task of dealing with complex and multi-jurisdictional matters.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Their team is close-knit, vibrant and forward-thinking.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleDavid Pickering
    Senior StatespeopleDavid Pickering

    David Pickering

    David Pickering is regarded as a stalwart in the Manchester market and has enviable experience handling financial remedy proceedings for high net worth clients.
    • David is the premium lawyer in his field in Manchester. He deals with complex matters in a professional and successful way.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Band 2Abigail Bennett
    Band 2Abigail Bennett

    Abigail Bennett

    Abigail Bennett is a barrister in the firm's Manchester office with an excellent reputation for family work. She provides advocacy during financial remedy proceedings, often involving high-value assets.

  • Band 2Beverley Jones
    Band 2Beverley Jones

    Beverley Jones

    Beverley Jones handles a wide array of private cases concerning divorce and relationship breakdown, including both financial and children matters. Her experience includes cases concerning surrogacy, child relocation and abuse allegations.

    • Beverley is bright and she gives sensible and pragmatic advice.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Beverley is an outstanding lawyer.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Beverley is a fierce litigator, who fights for her client's corner very hard. She gives her cases her all.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • She strikes the ideal balance between being assertive when required and also fair in her approach. She is always focused on securing the best outcome, even in the most sensitive and complex cases.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Band 2Elspeth Kinder
    Band 2Elspeth Kinder

    Elspeth Kinder

    Elspeth Kinder specialises in matrimonial finance cases, particularly with regard to high net worth individuals and businesspeople.

  • Band 2Michael Chapman
    Band 2Michael Chapman

    Michael Chapman

    Michael Chapman specialises in matrimonial finance cases. He has notable expertise in matters with cross-border aspects.

  • Band 3Pauline McNamara
    Band 3Pauline McNamara

    Pauline McNamara

    Pauline McNamara has considerable expertise acting for high net worth clients on financial remedy proceedings.

    • Pauline is impressive in every aspect of her practice.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Band 4Katie Lowe
    Band 4Katie Lowe

    Katie Lowe

    Katie Lowe regularly assists clients with complex financial remedies as well as associated children arrangements during divorce and separation proceedings.

  • Band 4Ruth Kearns
    Band 4Ruth Kearns

    Ruth Kearns

    Ruth Kearns has many years' experience in family law. She showcases particular strength in handling contentious divorces and complex financial remedy matters.

    • Ruth is extremely competent.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Ruth is friendly and approachable.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at JMW Solicitors LLP (8)

North West

Members

Provided by JMW Solicitors LLP

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