JMW reports boom in divorce cases
SOARING divorce rates are behind a boom at law firm JMW’s newly-enlarged family department.
The Spinningfields firm, which announced the hires of former Pannone partners Beth Wilkins and Catherine Jones last autumn, says referrals to its family department are up 73%.
The pair, whose arrival at JMW was followed in November by senior associate James Brown and associate Clare Williams, say new divorce cases in the last three months are also up by more than 70%. Clients range from entrepreneurs, to medical professionals, media personalities and professionals.
Beth Wilkins, joint head of family law, said: “It’s clear that the present economic situation is having a detrimental effect on marriage as divorce rates rise.
“We couldn’t be more pleased by the move of our team to JMW. Not only were we able to bring our clients with us but we have received a high level of new instructions.”
The other members of the firm’s family team are senior associate Sam Hall, who joined from Mills and Reeve last June and associate Gianna Lisieki-Cunane.
Beth Wilkins added: “Since arriving we’ve been able to work for a wide breadth of clients, and pass on the benefit of the lower cost base at JMW to all our clients.”
