Family law teams in Bristol and Skipton have been strengthened with the appointment of three experienced specialists.
UK Top 50 law firm Birketts has welcomed Will MacFarlane and Sarah Dodds (main photo) to its Bristol office, with MacFarlane joining as partner and Dodds appointed as senior associated
MacFarlane brings 17 years of post-qualification experience, specialising in advising high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals on both domestic and international matters. His expertise spans the full spectrum of family law, with a particular focus on resolving complex financial claims, cohabitation issues, and drafting nuptial agreements.
He is ranked in the Chambers and Partners Ultra High Net Worth category, and appears as a recommended lawyer in the Spear’s Family Lawyer Index and The Legal 500.
MacFarlane said:
“I am excited to return to the city where I trained nearly twenty years ago and to be part of such a forward thinking, friendly and ambitious firm. Birketts was a natural choice for me and I look forward to getting started.”
Dodds advises on all legal issues arising on the breakdown of relationships. With over 10 years’ experience, she is recommended in the Spear’s Family Lawyer Index and is a trained collaborative solicitor. As well as complex, high-conflict child arrangements, Dodds has a particular interest in legal issues relating to modern families and family creation.
She commented:
“Birketts’ reputation in the market and their collaborative culture really stood out to me and I’m looking forward to working with the growing team in Bristol. It’s such a dynamic office and I can’t wait to get back into legal life in the south west.”
Katie Beaven, partner and head of the family team at Birketts, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Will and Sarah to launch our family team in Bristol. Their elite experience and commitment to growing their practice in the south west make them outstanding additions to the team. I look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow their team and develop their careers with Birketts.”
In Skipton, Moore Family Law has recruited Sara Armistead, who has practised family law for over 30 years in private practice and legal aid firms. Founder Fiona Moore said she had a long search for a suitable candidate and was thrilled with Armistead’s appointment.
“Finding someone for this role has been quite a challenge,” Moore said.
“Sara is a perfect fit for Moore Family Law as she shares our ethos in recognising the emotional toll of separation and the importance of providing empathic support for families alongside clear legal advice and guidance to help them through such challenging times in their lives.”
Armistead qualified in 1991 and brings experience in al aspects of family law to the role, including financial disputes arising from separation and divorce, cohabitation disputes, matters relating to children and personal protection orders.
“Fiona and her team have been so welcoming and friendly,” Armistead said.
“It is abundantly clear that this is a fundamental ethos of the firm and I’m looking forward to being part of such an empathic practice”.