Dawson Cornwell LLP

Dawson Cornwell is one of the UK’s leading specialist family law firms, recognised by The Legal 500 as “exceptionally dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable” with an unparalleled caseload of high-profile and complex international family law matters, and widely regarded as leaders in the field. The firm combines expertise across all aspects of family law with a renowned reputation in international children law, operating through two dedicated departments – matrimonial and international children – which work closely together to deliver bespoke client services.

The matrimonial department is led by partners including Russell Bywater, Charlotte Conner, Jessica Reid, Sarah Jane Lenihan, Simon Bruce, and Anna Shadbolt, supported by consultants Kate Allen and Rhiannon Lewis. The international children department is headed by Carolina Marín Pedreño, supported by Sulema Jahangir, Hilka Hollmann, Charlotte Image-Flower, and Forum Shah. The majority of the firm’s work is international, with significant expertise in cross-border jurisdictional issues and a strong record of reported cases in complex children matters.

Dawson Cornwell has a reputation for handling some of the most challenging and sensitive international cases, including those involving stranded spouses, forced marriage, and surrogacy. The firm’s lawyers advise on the full spectrum of family law, covering prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, financial settlements, child maintenance, and enforcement of foreign orders. Its award-winning international children team specialises in custody disputes, abduction, adoption, relocation, leave to remove, international care cases, and recognition and enforcement under EU regulations. The firm also advises on surrogacy, assisted reproduction, and same-sex parenting, with notable experience representing high-profile commissioning parents.

With a partner-led approach, Dawson Cornwell ensures clients have direct access to senior lawyers while maintaining a cost-effective structure supported by junior fee-earners. The firm is also committed to alternative dispute resolution, with collaborative law and mediation forming a key part of its practice.

Languages
Spanish
Bengali
French
German
Gujarati
Hindi
Italian
Malayalam
Polish
Punjabi
Russian
Urdu
Catalan
Tamil
Turkish
Creole
Azerbaijani
Swedish
Portuguese
Krio

Staffing Figures
13 UK partners
25 other UK fee-earners