We are so proud to celebrate further recognition for our Family Law team, with Nicola Deakin ranked as a Band 4 Recommended Lawyer in the Chambers & Partners UK Legal Directory 2027.
The latest rankings also see the firm maintain its Band 3 ranking for Family Law in the North West, alongside Director Victoria Poole retaining her individual Band 3 ranking. These achievements reflect the team’s depth of experience, specialist expertise and continued commitment to supporting clients through challenging and often deeply personal family matters.
For Nicola, the ranking marks an important professional milestone, recognising her skill as a family practitioner, particularly in children matters involving domestic abuse. It also reinforces the strength of a team whose work is built on combining robust legal representation with sensitive, practical client care.
Recognised for expertise and client care
Chambers & Partners highlights Susan Howarth & Company’s particular experience in children matters, including child arrangements orders and care proceedings, as well as cases involving relocation, abduction and assault. The team also advises on divorce and financial remedy proceedings, helping clients navigate complex legal and personal circumstances.
The directory’s commentary specifically praises the firm’s combination of experience in complex cases and client care, describing it as what distinguishes the team. Client feedback also highlights the team’s friendly, professional and efficient approach, alongside its emphasis on practical, solutions-driven advice that helps clients feel supported, informed and confident throughout their matter.
Clients particularly value the accessibility of the team and the reassurance of knowing that someone is available to answer questions and provide guidance when needed. This reflects the firm’s belief that excellent family law advice involves more than legal knowledge alone: it requires listening carefully, understanding individual circumstances and helping clients make informed decisions about the way forward.
Individual recognition for Nicola Deakin and Victoria Poole
Nicola Deakin’s new Band 4 ranking recognises her expertise in children matters involving domestic abuse. Client testimonials describe her guidance as flawless and praise her knowledge, commitment and willingness to go above and beyond. She is also recognised for her effective advocacy on behalf of clients, while maintaining high professional standards in complex family matters.
Victoria Poole’s continued Band 3 ranking recognises her considerable family law expertise, including her work on difficult cases involving domestic abuse and coercive control. Chambers describes Victoria as an experienced and diligent solicitor, with client feedback praising her competence and professionalism.
Together, the individual rankings reflect the specialist knowledge and dedication within the team, as well as the importance placed on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients while ensuring they feel heard, understood and supported.
A proud moment for the team
Founder Susan Howarth said:
“We’re delighted to see Nicola’s expertise recognised in this year’s directory, alongside the continued recognition of Vicky and the firm. These rankings are a real testament to the experience, commitment and care our team brings to every matter.
“What particularly stands out to me is the recognition of our ability to combine expertise in complex cases with genuine client care. Family law can be incredibly difficult for the people involved, and our role is not simply to explain the law or represent someone’s position. It’s to listen, give clear and realistic advice, find practical solutions wherever possible and help clients feel supported and confident in the decisions they make.
“I’m immensely proud of the team and grateful to the clients and professional colleagues who have taken the time to share their experiences with Chambers. Their feedback makes this recognition especially meaningful.”
SH&Co. remains committed to providing specialist legal advice alongside a personal, compassionate approach, ensuring clients receive clear guidance and feel properly represented throughout their matter.
Speak to our Family Law team
If you need advice about divorce, financial settlements, arrangements for children, domestic abuse or another family law matter, our experienced Family Law team can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Call 01606 48777 or email info@susanhowarthsolicitors.co.uk and remember that all new Family Law clients receive a FREE 30-minute appointment.
About Chambers & Partners
Notoriously the most difficult legal directory in which to receive recognition, Chambers & Partners is a prestigious, independent legal directory that researches and ranks law firms and individual lawyers across a range of practice areas. Its rankings draw on research and feedback from clients and professional peers, recognising legal expertise, professional ability and the quality of service provided.