Sherma Polidore is hardworking, super efficient and very organised; a joy to be instructed by and works really hard for her clients, ensuring that they receive high-quality and astute advice.
Legal 500 2024
Sherma Polidore is very committed to achieving the best outcome for her clients and is especially well known for public (care) proceedings.
Legal 500 2017/2018
Sherma Polidore builds a rapport with clients which makes it clear that they are in safe hands; leading international lawyer; hugely respected in the abduction world…
Legal 500 2021/2022
A big thank you for the help I received. Would not have got the result we did without you. I will be forever grateful.
The communication was amazing. The advice and knowledge given was second to none.
Very friendly and always willing to go the extra mile.
Care proceedings client
I have been a client since 2018 and I am very happy to see that Hira Rauf, who gave us all support as a legal assistant, is now a great solicitor who I strongly recommend. Thank you.
Júlio Camplesi, a client advised by Hira Rauf
Your excellent knowledge of the history leading up to this case and your attention to detail have not only helped me but also assisted the Court into understanding the necessity of an Interim Care order and ensured that the right decision was made. You were able to ensure that information shared by other parties, were corrected in order to give a true picture of the circumstances leading to the hearing. Your professionalism and expertise have been very valuable to me. Thank you!
A family court advisor and children’s guardian, Cafcass
I just wanted to acknowledge the diligent work that Zahra Manji has been doing on one of our cases together, her work is consistently a high standard and she prioritises the needs of the child.
A children’s guardian, Cafcass
For my case, I dealt with Mary – she was super helpful and professional and, most importantly, she was compassionate and displayed high moral grounds irrespective of “winning/losing” a case. It’s about securing the long term benefits via amicable resolution and compromises, which in most cases (especially family ones), are the most important aspects. I would happily recommend Miles & Partners.
A family law client advised by Mary Richardson
Ms Green represented me as the solicitor for the Children’s Guardian in a particularly sensitive children’s matter where there are a variety of placements and parental mental health issues. Ms Green was able to eloquently and effectively advocate our case on behalf of the children to ensure their safeguarding and welfare interests were central to the Court’s focus and decision making. Her sensitive, collaborative and professional approach was exactly what was needed in these difficult circumstances. I feel my instructions were interpreted perfectly and I would have no hesitation in recommending her.
Children’s Guardian
Linda, Kimberley and Olivia have been a huge support throughout my case, from the start to finish, with prompt responses to emails and completing paperwork relating to the courts. I would easily recommend them to anyone needing help with family law.
Kieran Murray, a family law client advised by Linda Pope
Lorraine Green provided an excellent service, not only in legal matters but also assisting in mediating with the parents. This was highly effective in reaching a consent order.
CAFCASS Children's Guardian and Family Court Advisor
‘Miles and Partners have been my solicitors for 11 years and have always been professional and supportive.
My main solicitor has been Amanda Dench who is highly professional and has worked very hard on my behalf. She has been very ably supported by Sara Nicolaou who has worked on my case for two years and has been professional, responsive, patient and supportive.
I could not have asked for a better team than Sara and Amanda and I am very grateful to them for all the work they have done.’
Family law client advised by Amanda Dench and Sarafina Nicolaou
‘I would like to recommend Miles & Partners for their excellent work in dealing with my family matter. The lady that dealt with my case was Harriet Brame.
Harriet is a very dedicated, warm and passionate solicitor. She made sure I was always comfortable with decisions she was putting forward and stood by me in a very tough and emotional time.
Thanks so much Harriet, you really did make it so easy for me to open up and truly guided me in the most challenging time in my life, and we also got the best outcome.
I will always be truly grateful for all you and Miles & Partners Solicitors have done.’
Family law client advised by Harriet Brame
“I would definitely recommend Mary Richardson at Miles & Partners who took on my case in June 2021.
The firm was recommended to me regarding advice on a care plan to becoming a special guardian. When I called Miles & Partners, Mary Richardson called me back on the same day and sounded very kind, professional and friendly.
She took on my case and offered me an appointment after a few days to go through the care plan and explain clearly making sure that I was comfortable. I kept on calling her because I was very nervous and she was like a friend. I am glad Mary Richardson was my solicitor.”
Family law client advised by Mary Richardson
‘From the beginning Sara has been incredibly kind, professional and passionate, not just about her work as solicitor but also as a person who wants to make a difference. She has excellent communication skills, she is very effective and efficient with her work, has very good judgment and exceptional analytical skills.
I have been extremely happy with Sara’s work ethic, enthusiasm and professional legal advice. She is also caring and gave me hope when things were complicated. She is able to explain things in a very simple way and even took the time to ask how I was doing throughout my court process.’
Family law client advised by Sarafina Nicolaou
“Mary is a dynamic and inspirational lawyer. She commits to her cases going above and beyond her duties to her clients. She extensively researched…vitamin D deficiency and found an expert who changed the outcome of the NAI case.”
Circuit Judge
I think you have been brilliant, professional, and helped me with advice when needed. You have been straight to the point and made this process a lot easier for me to understand exactly what I need to do and whenever I have asked for any advice you always responded promptly.
Family law client advised by Thomas Lane
I wanted to write to you to let you know what a fantastic job Harriet has done for one of our mutual clients, a young mum with a history of addiction problems.
Harriet was instructed to represent the client at very short notice following the birth of her child. She was able to obtain detailed instructions, instruct me, then draft a very helpful response to threshold and a witness statement in just a day or two.
Most significantly she has worked tirelessly to research residential units and, after a very large number of emails and liaison with a women and children’s charity and a recovery support service, was able to secure a place for the client at a residential family support centre. This was no mean feat, given the client’s circumstances, so Harriet had to liaise further with the recovery support service whose insurers needed to give the go ahead.
Furthermore, Harriet also liaised with a drug support service who, after convening two panels, agreed to fund the client’s detox part of her assessment.
I just wanted you and your colleagues to know what a great job she has done on this case.
Lisa Peacock, barrister at Three Dr Johnson’s Buildings
I would like to express my forever gratitude to Miles & Partners for taking on my case. I am grateful to have worked with Thomas Lane who always listened and responded very quickly to my requests and questions. He is very professional and has great knowledge of family law.
I am very pleased with the service I have received. Thank you, Miles & Partners, and especially to Thomas Lane!
Family law client advised by Thomas Lane
“Thank you for everything you, Sara Nicolaou and David Jockelson have done for us – all the help, support and time you have all put in.
We would not have come this far if it was not for all your hard work and dedication. We are forever grateful!”
Mr & Mrs Davis, family law client advised by Amanda Dench, David Jockelson and Sara Nicolaou
“Mary Richardson instructed us in an unusual case that involved alleged non-accidental injury; skull fracture and wrist fracture…Mary showed a real maturity and understanding of the complex science contained within the expert reports…her contribution was crucial to our approach in this case.”
Counsel and Queens Counsel
Lorraine Green, Ritu Sood, Julie Nix are very experienced and confident solicitors who are tenacious and take pride in making sure everything is on target.
2020 Legal 500
Simply outstanding.
2021 Legal 500
“A dynamic, knowledgeable and practical team of specialists.
A very strong and knowledgeable family team that goes that extra mile for its clients.”
2021 Legal 500
Gemma Hodder is highly regarded solicitor who combines extensive experience in complex cases with a tenacity and a pleasing courtroom manner.
2021 Legal 500
Amanda Dench is exceptionally pragmatic, wise, hardworking and empathetic. Amanda safely steers cases (and clients) towards the best outcomes and is able to offer advice beyond black-letter law.
2021 Legal 500
“Most amazing, professional and dedicated lawyers. Amanda Dench, Thomas Lane, Sara Nicolaou and Martha Holmes did an astonishing job throughout the case.
They are some the most knowledgeable, authentic and devoted experts who stayed on top of my case like eagles, 24/7.
I could not ask for a better crew! I genuinely love and admire them.”
Mr Asemani
“In these difficult times, the family courts requires kind, smart and strategic lawyers like Mary who are willing to fight for vulnerable clients and do their very best for them.”
Barrister at 4 Paper Buildings chambers
“Lorraine Green is a star at Miles and Partners. She is an experienced and persuasive advocate. I witnessed her cross examine a consultant pediatrician in a broken bones in a baby case, and the Judge commended her on her style and focus. Lorraine’s cross examination was a turning point in the case and made a difference to the outcome for the child.
Lorraine is very respected by her lawyer colleagues and Guardians alike.
Lorraine is a skilled negotiator and has the ability to disarm contentious discussions between entrenched parties. Lorraine has a samurai style in achieving what she is seeking during pre hearing discussions.
Lorraine is a pleasure to deal with and has a good forensic mind when it comes to complex factual evidence.
Due to Lorraine’s experience she is able to take a global view of a case and quickly identifies the appropriate experts and what is fair procedure for all the parties to be able to put their cases at their highest.
I would be happy recommending Lorraine to friends and family.”
Stephen Lue, Barrister at Garden Court Chambers
“Thank you Amanda for the phenomenal support and how you’ve looked after us with care and insight into our family’s situation throughout the course of our court case and took care of the the stress it caused in our lives.
Thank for your wisdom, expert legal knowledge and your benevolent attitude, you continued to help me despite the uncertainty around the grant of legal aid.
We feel relieved it’s over now. I’m so grateful to my creator for sending you into our lives to sort the mess we were in.”
Anonymous family law client
“All I would really like to say is that I am very thankful for a solicitor like Ritu, she has always been with me when I needed her and she was always standing up for me. With the help of Ritu, I am very happy now with all my outcomes. I was very lucky to have Ritu as my solicitor, she is a very lovely lady who has helped me in many ways.”
Anonymous family law client
“Mary truly is a rising star… I have worked on several cases with Mary and in each case, she developed a trusted relationship with the client, was on top of the facts, had thought ahead to points of law and was fully committed … [she] demonstrated a forensic understanding of the medical evidence and… brilliantly articulated the weakness in the local authority’s case. In another non –accidental injury case… Mary successfully exonerated her client, [she] drafted one of the best witness statements I have ever read in such a case. Mary showed extraordinary judgment… and an amazing ability to distil medical issues.”
Barrister at 4 Paper Buildings Chambers
“Lorraine Green, Ritu Sood and Julie Nix are very experienced and confident solicitors who are tenacious and take pride in making sure everything is on target”.
2020 Legal500
“On a recent case where Mary acted for a grandmother in proceedings against the local authority, the client was effusive in her praise of Mary, having no doubt that the positive outcome the client was received was only due to the hard work undertaken by Mary and the constant pressure she applied on the local authority…It is hard to believe that Mary only qualified as a solicitor a year ago because her aptitude to understand complex legal issues is more akin to a lawyer with many years of experience.”
Barrister at 3 Dr Johnson’s Building Chambers
“I have been instructed by Mary as junior counsel to Anna McKenna QC in a very complex High Court Non-Accidental Injury case. Mary secured an excellent outcome for the client who was found to have inflicted serious injuries to her child. The children [were] successfully rehabilitated to the parents’ care. Mary’s hard and thorough work and thoughtful approach to this case reflect her commitment to her clients generally and her tremendous skill as a care practitioner. She impresses as someone considerably more experienced than her years. She is an incredible force in the care arena.”
Barrister at 4 Paper Buildings chambers
“Mary simply goes the extra mile for each and every client. She is relentless in her pursuit for justice on their behalf. Her clients are invariably vulnerable and facing a sea of difficulties. Mary is tireless on their behalf. Mary has a rare combination of both intellectual capacity and emotional empathy…if there are more Marys practising in child law- we can rest slightly more easy about access to justice for everyone.”
Barrister at Garden Court chambers
“Amanda Dench is meticulous and has a wealth of experience which informs her practical, no-nonsense advice in difficult circumstances. She is empathetic and kind where appropriate, which makes her popular with clients.”
Legal 500 2019
“Its strength in depth and collegiate working practices enable it to deliver an excellent service to all its clients.
A pre-eminent firm in the public law children field. The team has incredibly strong solicitors all doing weighty children proceedings. They are persuasive advocates while running busy caseloads.
Excellent legal assistants and trainee solicitors who support the partners and make case management a seamless operation.”
Legal 500 2020
“Ms Richardson supported me when I was accused of Fabricated Induced Illness. She showed cultural competence when dealing with my case…understanding how culture and socio economic [status] impacts on inequality. Ms Richardson was able to understand every aspect of my family concerns, enabling her to provide quality consistent advice…we succeeded! I would strongly recommend her as she was able to challenge inequality and unconscious bias, ensuring the Local Authority followed the law.”
“Mary has been providing us with family law guidance to help us get our grandson in our care. She has proven to be a loyal and dedicated professional. I have been impressed with her command and understanding of the law. She motivated us to keep our hopes up and told us not to give up as she had a gut instinct we would win the case. She made sure we were fine during the time of struggle. I would rate her 10/10 for her outstanding work.”
Anonymous client
“The service I have received from this law firm has been fantastic! Especially Michelle Uppal who has been extremely efficient, helpful and very professional, I would certainly recommend her as a great family lawyer!”
Anonymous client
“I am very happy with the outcome and that has given me a lot of security… All of you, especially Amanda and Mary, gave me a lot of confidence and great advice. That allowed me to stay calm even when it was stressful. I am certain no other solicitor team would have done it better.
I wish I were a poet to find the proper words for expressing my gratitude to you all. Not only for the outcome, but also for everything else I learned. I can only say thank you so much from the deep of my heart! I also write it in Spanish since it will be more natural: gracias infinitas desde el fondo de mi corazón!”
Ivan Cano
Kate Hammond is extremely experienced and knowledgeable and considered a hero in the public law children sphere.
Legal 500 2018
“Throughout my case I found [Mary’s] attention to detail and ability to note and retain massive amounts of information a huge bonus…I was always so impressed by the way Mary came across as calm, collected and objective; when I was certainly none of those things…I felt like she really cared about my case and the outcome for me and my children. I really did feel like I was her only client. Her detective work on my behalf was amazing and her eye for detail and accuracy is undeniable…”
Anonymous client
“I am very impressed with the client focus of the family team, whether the client is a city lawyer or someone coming into contact with the law for the first time. They will always make sure the client is aware of all the options available to them, whether that is mediation, collaborative law, or traditional litigation and they will provide advice and support to the client every step of the way.
In addition, they have particular expertise in complex child care cases and are expert in supporting vulnerable clients facing the prospect that their child may be taken into care by the local authority.
Miles & Partners is truly focussed on quality and was instrumental in setting up a small group of like-minded firms, which meets regularly to exchange ideas, provide mutual support and share good practice. They are a great example of a progressive law firm.”
VL, Management Consultant
“I have been extremely impressed with the energy, child-centred focus and clarity of thought of David Jockelson at Miles & Partners when he represented a child in care proceedings.
We met the child and his mother together at the start of the proceedings. David had prepared a letter written in appropriate child-friendly language that could have been left with the child had he been unwilling to meet with us. He was very skilled in establishing a rapport with the child and mother and clearly explaining the proceedings, their options, and possible outcomes.
David has provided invaluable guidance to myself and helped to ensure that all options for the child to remain with his family were explored and that the case progresses in a timely manner. He has been skilled in helping mediate between parties to ensure good outcomes and constructive working. His excellent oral and written communication skills have in my view helped ensure a relevant child-centred focus at all times.”
RP, Family Court Adviser, CAFCASS
“Without exception, everyone in the firm has dedication to their clients that is second to none. Many of their cases involve serious issues and they approach them with empathy and compassion and spend as much time with the clients as is needed. In my experience the gift of time is not one many firms are willing to give. Many of their clients are children and/ or are extremely vulnerable and they always make whatever allowances are required.
Miles and Partners always have the ability to inject new vigour into every case. Their motivation is both rare and inspiring. Coupled with their clear passion for the system, job and their clients they all have a sharp knowledge of the law and apply it accordingly. When instructed by them it is clear that they have full grasp of all the issues and their preparation of the case simply cannot be faulted.
Likewise when appearing against them as opponents, they conduct themselves with charismatic fairness whilst never faltering from the task of vigorously fighting for the interests of their clients.
The family courts would be much poorer place without them, both in terms of their personal presence and the assistance they give to judges and the family justice system as a whole.”
TH, Barrister
“Miles and Partners stand out in their field as they show real interest and empathy for their clients. This is so refreshing in a world where everyone is in such a hurry, time is money and often members of the legal profession find it so difficult to communicate in an accessible way.
The communication and assistance Miles & Partners offer is without exception, exemplary. Amanda and her colleagues will talk to the client (not at them or around them or to those supporting them) in an environment of their choice and will often travel to their homes.
Should a Barrister be required Miles and Partners source those who are able to spend the time to explain in simple accessible ways what is happening and what the client may expect.
Our clients require lots of time and reassurance. Amanda has the skill to be able to put people who are worried, frightened, not understanding processes or simply what is being said at ease. She has never made any of our clients feel different or that she does not have the time to speak to them.
Miles & Partners encourage the input of advocates and those who know the clients well to inform them and help to build working relationships. Miles and Partners will ensure that all the rights of our clients are observed, they will push for appropriate assessments by people with experience of people with learning disabilities. They will ensure appropriate time is given to allow for these assessments and that the clients fully understand what is happening and why. Their approach is consistent, reinforcing information and advice and always checking ‘did you understand that’.
People with learning disabilities often lack the support so they can continue to parent, Miles & Partners put the parent at the heart of the proceedings, highlighting the necessity for timely and appropriate support. Miles and Partners offer exceptional client care.”
LA, Crisis Support Officer, Learning Disability Experience
“I would not hesitate to refer clients who need expert family and matrimonial advice to Miles & Partners matrimonial team because I know they will receive a first class service and client care second to none. Miles & Partners geographical position, on the edge of the City, is perfect for clients who need a flexible and swift service that fits with their day and working patterns.”
“I have the deepest appreciation and respect for Kate Hammond and her colleagues, and their knowledge about legislation, domestic violence, mental health and children’s developmental stages.
I have worked with Kate when interviewing children. Kate is fully aware of how to approach children and deliver a message at a child’s level of understanding and in a child-friendly manner. Kate is equally skilled in speaking to the parties, in a balanced and fair manner, presenting a neutral message and making sure that they understand her role, as a child’s solicitor, always bearing in mind child’s best interests.
Kate has impressed me in terms of her professional courtesy shown to the parties, her ability to stay focused on the key issues, her ability to challenge lack of parental insight and her ability to effect prolonged engagement with the parties to promote a positive outcome on the case.
Kate Hammond is highly skilled in representing the interests of the children and other vulnerable client groups in front of the Courts, as well as a robust legal advisor, helping and supporting me to make the best and safest recommendations for the children in my work.”
MI, Enhanced Practitioner, CAFCASS
“I am a children’s Guardian and have worked with Miles and Partners on several cases and with more than one of their panel solicitors. My experience has been that they are committed professionals who are very child-centred in their practice whilst also being incredibly knowledgeable and advocating robustly on behalf of the children they represent. As a Guardian the advice I am given is always timely, sensible and thorough.”
LB, CAFCASS
