About The Team

Philip is a Partner and Group Head of the Dispute Resolution London Family team. Philip acts in all areas of family law and advises clients on the most efficient and effective way of settling financial and children disputes following the breakdown of a relationship. Philip’s particular focus is on high value domestic and international financial proceedings where there are complex corporate or trust assets. His practice includes advising on protecting family wealth through pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Philip is recommended by The Legal 500.

In addition to his family practice, Philip continues to advise Private Clients in disputes including: professional claims against solicitors for negligence in family proceedings; domestic and international fraud litigation; harassment claims and injunctions; and defamation.

Philip has lectured to the Institute of Directors and various business leaders on the protection of commercial and private assets in the event of divorce.

Natasha is a Partner in the London Family team and has a wealth of experience in cases where there are international issues in relation to children and financial matters.

Some examples of the international financial cases on which she has worked include jurisdiction cases, disputes concerning the choice of forum for enforcement of a foreign financial order and applications made to the English court for a financial settlement following an overseas divorce.

She regularly deals with complex and cross-jurisdictional children disputes, including managing leave to remove cases where international elements of law are relevant. Her international focus has meant that she is experienced in international legal advice and is familiar with Russian, Swiss, Monegasque and Ukrainian aspects of family law.

She has worked on all types of Section 8 Children Act disputes, including leave to remove, together with child abduction, alienation cases and domestic violence matters in relation to obtaining non-molestation and occupation orders.

Aziz is a Partner at the firm. He is highly regarded for his expertise on financial matters in divorce and has been recommended by the Legal 500. He has dealt with jurisdictions in every continent and regularly deals with matters with complex international issues. Aziz often undertakes his own advocacy, frequently winning very favourable outcomes for clients at Court hearings.

Aziz was described by Jonathan Swift (Chambers of Nicholas Francis QC) as “highly competent and skilful family practitioner who balances realism with pragmatism. Thoughtful and thorough in his assessment and execution of a case”.

With a reputation for giving exceptionally astute advice and being a highly intelligent tactician, Aziz acts for all types of family law client including high net worth individuals based in England, the Middle East, continental Europe and other parts of the world. He is also a mediator.

Mark is a Family partner and Group Head of the Family team in Horsham. He is a family law specialist advising on all areas of matrimonial law and assisting parties in resolving financial disputes arising from the breakdown of their relationship. He has particular experience in dealing with cases which involve business ownership.

Known as an effective litigator handling complex disputes in both high and mid net worth cases, Mark seeks to bring a warm and human touch to a process which some people can find difficult; it is his aim for you to feel supported throughout.

In addition to matrimonial law Mark frequently advises on Inheritance Act claims and will disputes. Mark has successfully negotiated many pre-nuptial agreements and has a keen interest in wealth preservation.

Nigel is a family Partner based in the Horsham office, practising in all areas of family law, collaborative law, and contested ancillary relief proceedings (disputes concerning the division of assets on divorce).

Nigel’s particular expertise covers collaborative law, contested litigation (particularly the division of assets), pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, divorce and children disputes.

Partner at our Guildford office and recommended by The Legal 500, Samantha has specialist expertise in divorce, children matters, complex international cases, and is a trained mediator.

She has particular experience in representing parents, business owners and senior managers, and has dealt with numerous complex international matters. She has represented a number of high profile individuals, where confidentiality and dealing with sensitive information is crucial to secure a positive outcome for the client. Being a parent herself, Samantha understands and can empathise with her clients, especially when dealing with matters that involve and affect children.

Amanda is a highly experienced family law partner providing expert advice on all aspects of family law, divorce and separation with an emphasis on financial remedy cases.

She has specialist knowledge of complex financial cases, including pre-nuptial agreements, representing high net worth individuals with diverse asset bases. She balances a firm approach to Court proceedings with an emphasis on trying to achieve a fair settlement by agreement between the parties.

Her clients include high net worth individuals with a mix of family and private wealth as well as successful business owners and directors. Her focus is on wealth protection. Amanda has over 30 years experience in family law having qualified as a solicitor in March 1991

Her wealth of experience was obtained from training and working at City and “magic circle” law firms in London.

A Senior Associate in the firm, Joanna is based in the Brighton office. Her background is in commercial litigation, having trained with the firm and qualified into the Technology and Media Dispute Resolution team in 2007, before moving on to specialise in family law. She is, therefore, uniquely qualified to bring a commercial and pragmatic approach to matrimonial financial cases which involve complex business and overseas assets.

Joanna advises clients on a wide range of private family matters including divorce, financial disputes and injunction proceedings. She is regularly instructed to deal with complex and high net worth divorce cases involving trusts, businesses, high value property and assets located outside the UK.

In additon to financial cases, Joanna also has extensive experience in relation to private children law disputes (including applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and leave to remove applications) and domestic violence (including applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders).

Joanna has a wealth of experience advising on the protection of family wealth through pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements.

Joanna has built up a strong network in Brighton and the surrounding area. This, combined with her particular skillset, has enabled the team to carve out a niche as a market leader for complex matrimonial cases in the region.

Kirsty advises clients on a broad range of family law issues that arise following the breakdown of marriage or cohabitation, with a particular emphasis on financial claims arising on divorce. Kirsty has particular experience of high value domestic and international cases involving complex corporate or trust assets, and often involving jurisdiction disputes.

Kirsty’s practice also includes advising on children disputes (including applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and leave to remove applications) and orders to protect clients from domestic violence such as non-molestation and occupations orders.

On the non-contentious side, Kirsty regularly advises clients on the protection of family wealth through pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements.

In addition to her family practice, Kirsty also advises clients in relation to will and probate disputes including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975.

Having previously worked at a leading London family law firm, Kevin specialises exclusively in family law. He advises in all aspects arising on relationship breakdown, divorce and separation, as well as pre and post nuptial agreements, same sex marriage and civil partnerships. He also has experience in relation to private law children issues, including contact arrangement, relocation disputes – both within the UK and where one parent is seeking to move abroad with the children. Kevin has a particular interest in providing sensible, commercial advice on a range of family law issues.

Kevin is a member of Resolution, an organisation of family lawyers committed to a constructive and non-confrontational approach to family law matters.

Away from the office, Kevin enjoys spending time with his young family and challenging himself in outdoor activities as often as possible.

Ella’s work involves all family issues including high-value and multi-jurisdiction divorce and complex financial and children matters.

Ella has extensive experience in running successful Schedule 1 cases, securing harassment protection, negotiating pre and post nuptial agreements, acting on joinder/intervenor and cohabitation disputes. She also has specialised in domestic abuse and alleged coercive control cases for many years.

Ella acts on complex children matters including cases of fabricated/induced illness and substance misuse. She is known for her compassion and efficiency in resolving contact issues.

Ella has experience of vulnerable client cases and is an advocate for neurodiversity. She also specialises in asset tracing and has worked on large cryptocurrency matters.

Gemma is a specialist advising on all areas of family law including divorce and separation (often involving jurisdiction issues), complex financial matters involving business and trust assets, drafting pre and post nuptial agreements, and children matters including internal and external relocation, wardship and child abduction.

Gemma has developed a reputation in international work. She is often instructed to advise clients who are ‘forum shopping’, selecting the most appropriate jurisdiction to start divorce and financial remedy proceedings. She is used to consulting and working alongside family practitioners abroad.

Gemma has had articles published in the LexisNexis International Family Law Journal and The Law Gazette on a range of international topics.

Gemma is committed to alternative dispute resolution and in March 2020 completed her training as a Collaborative Lawyer.

Susan qualified as a solicitor in 1992. She is a longstanding member of the Law Society Specialist Children Panel and Family Law Panel. Susan is a trained Collaborative Lawyer and a member of Resolution. She has successfully applied for membership of the Family Law Advanced Accreditation Scheme and is one of only four members in the Brighton and Hove area.

Jennifer joined the firm following the completion of her training contract at one of the larger general practice firms in London, specialising in property and family law. Recommended by The Legal 500, Jennifer has experience in all elements of family law, including high net worth financial proceedings, Children Act proceedings, financial claims with international assets and has successfully defended an appeal of a financial order.

Jennifer studied Modern History with Economics at The University of Manchester. She then completed her Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course with Distinction at the University of Law in Guildford.

In her spare time, Jennifer was previously a member of the Scottish International Dodgeball team and now enjoys playing badminton and tennis.

Gavin gained several years’ experience working in family law before qualifying as a solicitor in March 2018 at a large national general practice firm. Recommended by The Legal 500, Gavin has experience of a broad range of family law matters including divorce and financial proceedings and international child abduction proceedings involving Hague Convention countries.

Gavin also deals with Children Act proceedings and has worked with QCs in complex Child Care matters involving non-accidental injuries and serious allegations of harm. Gavin is also fluent in Cantonese with a good understanding of written traditional and simplified Chinese.

Gavin studied law at University College London and latterly passed his Legal Practice Course with distinction at the College of Law.

Outside of his work, Gavin plays piano and is a qualified Badminton England coach.

Lauren's expertise includes advising clients in all areas of family law, namely, divorce (including those with an international aspect), finances upon separation, children matters, pre and post nuptial agreements, separation agreements, domestic violence cases where injunctions are necessary, the enforcement of orders and TOLATA matters. Her priority is to achieve the best possible results for her clients, whilst breaking down the legal jargon to provide clear, concise advice.

Lauren is a member of Resolution and is committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues that considers the needs of the whole family. She is also an advocate for resolving matters for her clients both swiftly and amicably, where at all possible.

Rachael is a highly capable member of the family team in Brighton. She specialises exclusively in family law, advising on divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, financial disputes and injunction proceedings.

She also advises in relation to private children law disputes, and the protection of family wealth through pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements

Amber has experience dealing with a range of family matters including divorce, finances, separation after cohabitation, arrangements for children and leave to remove cases (relocation outside of the jurisdiction). She also advises on domestic abuse.

Amber is a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving disputes constructively.

She is passionate about improving access to the profession and leading the way for the next generation of lawyers.

Amelia completed her training contract at a private client firm in the City and initially practised as a private client solicitor, which gave her experience in handling the financial affairs of high-net-worth individuals with discretion and care.

After transitioning to family law, Amelia has advised a wide range of clients, from victims of domestic abuse to wealthy businesspeople. Her experience in financial matters has included advising on family trusts and cryptocurrencies, as well as nuptial agreements. Amelia also has a particular interest in children matters and has acted in several cases involving parents with serious mental health conditions.

Eva is an AAT qualified accounts manager and holds full AAT membership (MAAT). She gained her degree in financial accounting from the University of Economics in Bulgaria.

Prior to joining the firm, Eva held several commercial roles including working at accountancy firms in both Bulgaria and the UK, most recently spending 3 years at a London-based firm. Eva is also a fluent in Bulgarian.

Victoria provides secretarial support for the office.

In her role as secretary, Victoria provides a range of administrative tasks for the solicitors. These tasks include preparing legal documents and liaising with various courts, counsels and legal bodies. Prior to joining Brookman Solicitors, Victoria worked as a legal secretary in the matrimonial department of a legal firm and also worked as a secretary within the legal team of an insurance PLC.

In her spare time Victoria likes to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Michelle provides secretarial support to Henry Brookman.

A very experienced family law secretary, Michelle has worked in law for over 12 years. Her role includes organising client meetings, producing legal documentation and liaising with Counsel. Prior to joining Brookman Michelle worked for large legal firms in London and Kent, predominantly in family law but also media law, litigation and employment law.

Outside of her work Michelle enjoys the gym and has a passion for music.

Patricia is an experienced secretary and office administrator. In her role, Patricia handles the calls that come into the office, greets clients, manages office presentation, housekeeping, and administrative duties and provides secretarial support. Prior to joining us, Patricia worked for a large family law firm as paralegal and secretary. Before undertaking her career in law, Patricia held front of house positions in the private sector as well as the local council supporting case workers and undertaking legal research.

Patricia has a degree in law and can also provide translation services for Spanish and Portuguese clients.