Family and Matrimonial - Legal 500 & Chambers Quotes

Legal 500 Quotations

2012 "Although smaller than other teams, Laytons represents many high-net-worth and high-profile individuals. Christine Barker is ‘a consummate performer in this field', and for some ‘the best ancillary relief solicitor in Manchester'."

2011 "Laytons' work in 2009 included a revision of a settlement where a disabled child of the relationship achieved majority and became entitled to benefits; and a revision of an aged settlement, where the parties wanted a clean break for the purpose of inheritance tax planning. Christine Barker is ‘pragmatic in her approach, and forthright in the advice'."

2010 "Laytons family practice is led by Christine Barker, who receives high praise from clients and intermediaries; she has a wealth of experience, exudes confidence, and is brilliant with clients. Emma Gill is described as 'a ferociously bright young lawyer'."

2009 "Laytons advises on complex divorce and children issues and is developing a specialist practice in cohabitation disputes. Christine Barker heads the team."

Chambers Quotations

2012 "This compact team is based in Manchester and provides a comprehensive family service for its clients. The group acts on behalf of a variety of high-profile clients including businessmen, entrepreneurs and other professionals with international assets. Contested children's custody, premarital agreements and cohabitation disputes are all key areas which this group regularly advises upon. Christine Barker heads the family group. She focuses on high-value financial provision cases, often involving complex trusts, pensions and other significant assets. Sources note that 'she has an experienced eye for cases; she is engaging, straightforward and approachable'. Associate Emma Gill often works alongside Barker as well as handling her own caseload. She is described as a 'tough negotiator who has a strong knowledge of the field'."

2011 "This firm fields a small but high-quality family team. It regularly acts for wealthy, high-profile individuals such as premiership footballers. Sources commend the partner-led, cost-effective service that it offers. 'The whole group is genuinely committed to saving clients' costs'. Christine Barker 'has both good common sense and a real instinct for the right outcome'. She is praised for her determined approach to high-value ancillary relief. Emma Gill is an impressive young associate, described by sources as 'cost-conscious, organised and responsive'."

2010 "The Family team is known for its quality service and attention to detail. 'It's effective, efficient and - in comparison to other city centre firms - offers very competitive rates'. Christine Barker combines a wealth of experience with a 'steely determination to get the job done in a proactive and commercial manner'.Associate Emma Gill is 'positive, enthusiastic and technically adept'."

2009 "A 'straight-talking, friendly bunch', this team enjoys a solid reputation for managing all aspects of private family work. It has recently expanded due to client demand and now houses four professionals. The team acts for local clients as well as those from further afield - handling matters for clients in such diverse localities as Cyprus, Dubai and the USA - and can draw on the resources of its private client department to offer additional advice on property and tax issues.  Christine Barker is admired for her 'straight-talking and pragmatic approach to family law: She calls a spade a spade', say peers."

2008 "This 'understated' firm may be 'small but it has a good team and does good work', according to commentators. The team at Laytons undertakes a wide range of work including divorce, financial provision, cohabitation and children work. Sources declare that Christine Barker is 'frank, honest and will do the best for her clients' whether undertaking divorce, matrimonial finances or private law children work".