Role: Partners

Jeremy Levison - Partner

‘Utterly brilliant’ and ‘one of the best family lawyers in the industry’. Top Recommended Family Lawyer.

2020 Spear’s Family Law Index

Contact Jeremy: [email protected]

Call: 020 7556 2400
Executive Assistant: 020 7556 2408

Start today with our simple AI tool

Jeremy Levison is a founding partner of the firm and has over 45 years’ experience in dealing with high-net-worth complex financial settlements.

A founder of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, Jeremy’s contacts with family lawyers worldwide assist in the successful resolution of a significant proportion of his cases that have an international dimension.

As well as being a lawyer, Jeremy is a passionate art collector and a supporter of artists unknown, emerging and emerged. Jeremy highlights some of his works which form part of his collection on this website under the section [email protected] He also has a love for, and a collection of, classic cars.

Jeremy frequently appears on television and radio discussing divorce issues. He was also the inspiration for Clive’s divorce lawyer in the irreverent daily cartoon strip in The Telegraph. Jeremy is consistently ranked as a “Leading individual” by both the annual legal research directories, Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as well as the Spears 500.

Recognition

“He is as very experienced operator.” Chambers HNW 2022

“An incredible lawyer.” “Very charismatic.” Chambers HNW 2022

Ranked Lawyer – Jeremy Levison enjoys an impressive reputation for his vast experience in handling divorce proceedings. His caseload includes multi-jurisdictional matters involving significant trust and tax structures. He also demonstrates prowess in financial remedy disputes that require property valuations. Chambers UK 2022   

“Jeremy Levison remains one of the best and most experienced lawyers in the family law world. He is a world-class strategist and has a real knack for predicting outcomes.” Legal 500 2022

“Jeremy Levison and Simon Pigott are both extremely experienced leaders in the field. They have seen it all and so have all the answers.” Legal 500 2022


“Jeremy Levison is an exceptional lawyer and the team supporting him provides a high quality service. He has the experience to assess the likely result and avoid unnecessary waste action.” Legal 500 2022

Jeremy Levison has extensive experience advising on high-value family matters. He has considerable expertise representing clients in complex financial and international matters. Chambers HNW Guide 2021

“Jeremy is a formidable opponent who never shrinks from fighting his client’s corner.” Chambers UK 2021

‘Jeremy Levison puts clients at ease, and has immense knowledge and experience.’ Legal 500 2021

Senior statesman Jeremy Levison remains active on high-value, complex financial proceedings. One family barrister describes Levison as “a formidable opponent who never shrinks from fighting his client’s corner,”and another says he is a “good, cunning lawyer and quite prepared to deal with difficult cases – it’s good acting for him.” Chambers HNW Guide 2020

‘Utterly brilliant’ and ‘one of the best family lawyers in the industry’. – Top Recommended Family Lawyer, 2020 Spear’s Family Law Index

“Mr Levison was utterly brilliant in the way that he handled my needs and aspirations.” Chambers UK Guide 2020

“He’s tough, strategic and knows when to fight and when to find another avenue that’s perhaps less confrontational.” Chambers UK Guide 2020

‘His strategic insight and long experience of family law makes him one of the best lawyers in the industry’. LEGAL 500 2020

“One of the stars in the family law world,” Jeremy Levison is held in extremely high regard by his contemporaries for his expertise in his field. “Jeremy is somebody who everybody’s heard of – he gets some of the biggest and best cases in London. He has a powerhouse reputation and he is a real character,” enthuse sources. Chambers HNW Guide 2019

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Jeremy Levison is a highly respected matrimonial practitioner who draws on leading experience in acrimonious financial disputes. One interviewee states: “He’s very experienced, and his brain is tuned in to strategic thought. When working with him, you get a depth of experience and wisdom that is rare to find in a practitioner.” Chambers UK 2019

Jeremy Levison has “so much experience that he always starts at an advantage to his opponents” Legal 500 2018/9

Jeremy Levison continues to receive high praise from market sources for his family law expertise. “He’s very experienced, his brain is tuned into strategic thinking, which is fundamental to matrimonial finance,” says a source, adding: “He’s an extremely safe pair of hands. You get a depth of experience, and with that experience comes wisdom.”Another interviewee states: “He’s highly intelligent and entertaining. He always has an interesting and impressive approach to a case. Chambers HNW Guide 2018

Jeremy is one of the “Top Recommended Family Lawyers” recognised by the Spears Family Law Index 2018.

Jeremy Levison has impressive depth of experience in family law issues, offering particular expertise in complex financial matters. He is also sought after for international cases. “He’s very sensible. He’s a fighter and a very experienced lawyer,”note interviewees. Chambers UK 2018

Jeremy Levison is “fiercely bright but also utterly charming. If a case needs a fight, he is the solicitor you would want in your corner’” Legal 500 2017

“There is nothing about family law that Jeremy Levison doesn’t know,” says a barrister, adding: “He is a charming man. His clients adore him – his client care skills are exemplary.” Levison’s popularity with and care for his clients is a much-repeated theme. One interviewee describes it as his “outstanding strength,” adding: “He empathises with their situation and their problem. He’s a very down-to-earth lawyer who always sees his client’s story and wants to promote their interests.” This source also praises his “incredible tactical judgement.” “He’s a delight to work with,” says another interviewee; “he’s been doing it for a long time and has a strong reputation. Very charming, but also imbues clients with confidence.” Chambers HNW Guide 2017

Jeremy Levison is a highly respected family law expert with significant experience in dealing with financial remedy cases. Interviewees describe him as “a real institution; he’s an absolutely excellent solicitor with fabulous instincts for the outcome of a case.” Chambers UK 2017

Jeremy is listed as a prominent figure within family and matrimonial law in the Leading Lawyers list published by Citywealth for those working in private wealth management.

Education

Charterhouse School ; University of Kent (1973 BA Hons).

Career

Trained Theodore Goddard, qualified 1974; founding partner Levison Meltzer Pigott 1998.

Member

International Academy of Family Lawyers; American Bar Association (Family Section)

Lynne Shrimpton
Jeremy's Executive Assistant

Please email Lynne at:
[email protected]

Lynne's Direct Dial
020 7556 2408

Simon Pigott - Partner

Simon’s experience, ability and sixth sense enabled him to quickly focus on issues and ensure that my case was presented to maximise the preferred outcome. He instils confidence in his clients and his preparation is brilliant. Chambers UK 2021

Contact Simon: [email protected]

Call: 020 7556 2400
Executive Assistant: 020 7556 2409

Start today with our simple AI tool

Simon is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. He has lectured for the College of Law and was one of the first family law mediators trained by the Family Mediators Association. He was Chair of the Association between 1995 and 1997, and was Vice-Chair of the United Kingdom College of Family Mediators between 1996 and 1998. He remains an accredited and practising family mediator. He is a trained Collaborative lawyer.

Simon was one of 12 members of the ‘small but hugely experienced’ working group, chaired by Mrs Justice Roberts, and appointed by the Family Justice Council as part of its primary role to promote an inter-disciplinary approach to family justice. In 2016, the group produced the publication “Sorting Out Finances on Divorce”, to help litigants in person manage the difficult process of negotiating their own agreements as well as the first edition of “Guidance on ‘Financial Needs‘ on Divorce” intended for the judiciary with a view to trying ensure a uniformity of approach across the family courts; the second edition of this informative guide was published in 2018 . Simon is consistently ranked for both Family Law and Family Mediation in the Legal 500 and as a Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners.

Recognition

“Simon is very, very experienced, very knowledgeable and very collaborative. He’s seen it all before which makes him very unflappable” Chambers HNW 2022

“If you were a client, you would find his manner very reassuring” Chambers HNW 2022

“He really fights for his clients and is very good and analytical. He really understands finance too, and has a lot of international experience.” “He is diligent and immediately gains clients’ confidence.” “He is an excellent, outcomes-focused mediator.” Chambers UK 2022   

“Jeremy Levison and Simon Pigott are both extremely experienced leaders in the field. They have seen it all and so have all the answers.” 

“Simon listens and does not make decisions for his own gain or that of his firm, which is very rare in family law. The strategic advice and guidance was extremely thoughtful and well researched.”

Legal 500 2022

“ Simon offered sensible and fair solutions, which were both reassuring thoughtful. Simon is a rare breed in family law. He has a paternal and reassuring disposition that is not patronising or undermining. He wants the best and most fair outcome for his client and is not ruthless in his approach. This probably comes from the fact that he works as a mediator and while excellent at representing his clients’ interests, looks at the other side of the coin and makes important points that allow you to come to a well rounded and thoughtful decision.” Legal 500 2022

“Simon Pigott is excellence and experience in a glass.  Highly respected by all who work with him and trusted by all in the profession.  He is liked and admired by Judges and Clients alike and never fails to meet their expectations” Legal 500 2022 – Family Mediation

Simon Pigott has an excellent reputation as a lawyer and mediator within family law. A source explains: “Simon is quite simply magisterial in his approach. He is calm, measured and fair. He will fight his corner but knows very well the value of an agreement that all parties can live with.” A barrister notes: “He is brilliant, he’s an absolute legend. The reason he’s so good is he has a very quick mind, he reads situations brilliantly and is a very good people person. He can read the dynamic of a situation peerlessly, he is just brilliant at human dynamics.” Chambers HNW Guide 2021

“Simon’s experience, ability and sixth sense enabled him to quickly focus on issues and ensure that my case was presented to maximise the preferred outcome.” “He instils confidence in his clients and his preparation is brilliant.” Chambers UK 2021

“Simon Pigott stands out for his huge experience and measured approach. He is the archetypal lawyer you would want on your side.” Legal 500 2021

“Simon Pigott is a first-rate mediator – calm and assured” Legal 500 2021

“Simon Pigott has been doing mediation for such a long period of time and as a result is immensely experienced and knowledgeable” Legal 500 2021

“Simon Pigott is a highly experienced mediator and family lawyer of standing, respected by clients and peers alike” Legal 500 2021

“Simon works with complex financial issues and often high-conflict situations, wherever possible helping clients to find creative and workable solutions through mediation rather than recourse or return to the cost and uncertainty of court proceedings” Legal 500 2021

A client says Simon Pigott is “the voice of reason among all the ‘noise’ of divorce,” adding that “Simon cuts through all the jargon and the distress.” Pigott is also regarded as “a brilliant mediator” and has a highly active mediation practice. A source says he can “turn his hand to very complicated and highly acrimonious HNW mediations, and other things like international relocation where the mood is quite difficult.” Chambers HNW Guide 2020

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‘The sort of plain-speaking wisdom that has made Pigott’s firm an outlier’ – Top Recommended Family Lawyer, 2020 Spear’s Family Law Index

“He’s a polished litigator who is extremely experienced and a force to be reckoned with.” Chambers UK Guide 2020

“He’s tough, strategic and knows when to fight and when to find another avenue that’s perhaps less confrontational.” Chambers UK Guide 2020

‘Simon is a stand-out lawyer who has great technical skills and people skills. He is one of the most experienced mediators in London and I regularly refer clients to him with confidence.’ Legal 500 2020

‘The sort of plain-speaking wisdom that has made Pigott’s firm an outlier’ – Top Recommended Family Lawyer, 2020 Spear’s Family Law Index

“He’s a polished litigator who is extremely experienced and a force to be reckoned with.” Chambers UK Guide 2020

“He’s tough, strategic and knows when to fight and when to find another avenue that’s perhaps less confrontational.” Chambers UK Guide 2020

‘Simon is a stand-out lawyer who has great technical skills and people skills. He is one of the most experienced mediators in London and I regularly refer clients to him with confidence.’ Legal 500 2020

Education

Mill Hill School ; University of Southampton (1977 BSc Hons).

Career

Trained Wright Webb Syrett, qualified 1982; founding partner Levison Meltzer Pigott 1998.

Simon is a member of:

Resolution; American Bar Association (Family Section); Family Mediators Association;
International Academy of Family Lawyers; Central London Collaborative Forum.

Publications:

Contributor, ‘Rayden and Jackson on Divorce and Family Matters’, 17th ed.

Sarah Stower
Simon's Executive Assistant

Please email Sarah at:
[email protected]

Sarah's Direct Dial
020 7556 2409

Alison Hayes - Partner

Alison Hayes is in a class of her own. Her judgement is spot on and she has the rare quality of being able to deliver firm and sometimes difficult advice with a humble and human approach which results in clients listening to her even when the advice is not what they want to hear. She is fearless but couples that with humility which makes her a joy to work with.

Legal 500 2021

Contact Alison: [email protected]

Call: 020 7556 2400
Executive Assistant: 020 7556 2419

Start today with our simple AI tool

Alison Hayes joined the firm as a partner in April 2002. She handles complex financial remedy cases and all aspects and type of work involving children often of a complex nature, managing a high level of emotion. Alison is experienced at drawing up all types of agreements between people wishing to regulate their relationships, whether married or not.

Alison does not need to litigate; she is also a Resolution accredited member and a qualified mediator, including qualified to mediate with children. She is also a trained Collaborative Lawyer.

Recognition

Ranked Lawyer – Alison Hayes shows particular strength in acting on international children and finance matters, including wardships and high-value prenuptial agreements. Her cross-border practice also covers contentious consent orders and matters with parallel criminal proceedings.  Chambers UK 2022   

“She’s very good at international trust issues and the need to enforce in foreign jurisdictions.” Chambers UK 2021

Alison Hayes is such a fighter and shows huge commitment to her clients. Legal 500 2021

‘Alison Hayes is in a class of her own. Her judgement is spot on and she has the rare quality of being able to deliver firm and sometimes difficult advice with a humble and human approach which results in clients listening to her even when the advice is not what they want to hear. She is fearless but couples that with humility which makes her a joy to work with’ Legal 500 2021

Alison Hayes is “very sensible, tough and fights her corner very hard,” says a fellow family solicitor. She is noted for work involving complex asset structures and international trusts. A barrister says Hayes is “very good at international trust issues and the need to enforce in foreign jurisdictions,” adding that “she is the go-to person for enforcement against offshore trusts.” Chambers HNW Guide 2020

“She thinks thoroughly about her clients’ long-term interests and offers a personal touch with her approach and attitude.” Chambers UK Guide 2020

Alison Hayes is commended for her experience in advising wealthy individuals on financial remedy matters, often involving offshore trusts, and for handling children cases. “She has this no-nonsense approach,” reports a market commentator who notes that “clients do not want to go anywhere else, they just want to stay with Alison.” Chambers HNW Guide 2019

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Alison Hayes comes particularly recommended for her work in sensitive private law children cases, but also has an active practice in financial remedy matters. One source comments: “She’s very good at holding her clients together and provides them with that element of emotional support necessary in a legal context.” Chambers UK 2019

Alison Hayes’ “dedication to her clients seems boundless. She is fantastically thorough and a team player through and through”. Legal 500 2018/9

Alison Hayes advises wealthy individuals on significant financial remedy matters and also handles children cases. “She is excellent on children matters,” observes a source; “she is formidable – she is fearless at times.” Another interviewee says: “She is a very good solicitor and she provides a bit of backbone for her clients,” adding: “She holds her clients together and provides them with that element of emotional support necessary in this context.” Chambers HNW Guide 2018

Interviewees note that Alison Hayes “will always go the extra mile for her clients – she’s so completely available and dependable. She also manages to combine delicate cases with humour so that she keeps her clients’ spirits up.” She handles a wide range of issues associated with relationship dissolution, including finance and private children matters. Chambers UK 2018

Alison Hayes “really goes that extra mile for her clients, and is completely client-focused”. Legal 500 2017

Alison Hayes “pulls no punches,” says a source; “she’s very straight-talking, doesn’t waste anyone’s time but absolutely cuts to it. Whether that’s cutting to a deal or cutting to litigation, she gets there fast.” According to another, she “fights her client’s corner very strongly and doesn’t take many backwards steps. She’s quite formidable.” Hayes handles impressively complex family litigation matters, and has a strong international element to her practice. “She’s a litigator,”says a barrister; “I don’t mean she’s allergic to settlement – she’s perfectly pragmatic and sensible – but her instincts are battling instincts.” This source continues: “She is very much looking for a way to identify what the client wants and see if it can be fought for.” Chambers HNW Guide 2017

Alison Hayes is commended for her “brilliant client care skills.” Sources describe her as “a real all-rounder” who is highly experienced in complex children and financial matters. Chambers UK 2017

Alison Hayes is “technically brilliant”. Legal 500 2016

Alison is also consistently recognised in the “Leading Lawyers – Family & Matrimonial”. Citywealth Leaders List

“She’s very good at international trust issues and the need to enforce in foreign jurisdictions.” Chambers UK 2021

Education

St Alban’s Girls School ; North London Polytechnic (1990 BA Hons); City University (1992 CPE/LSF).

Career

Trained Mishcon de Reya; qualified 1994; partner Mishcon de Reya 2000-02; partner Levison Meltzer Pigott 2002.

Member

Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association).

Sarah Chalmers
Alison's Executive Assistant

Please email Sarah at:
[email protected]

Sarah's Direct Dial
020 7556 2419

Kate Stovold - Partner

‘Kate works tirelessly and meticulously on every case. Never loses sight of the bigger picture. She is disarmingly approachable and enviably efficient.’ Legal 500 2020

Contact Kate: [email protected]

Call: 020 7556 2400
Executive Assistant: 020 7556 2495

Start today with our simple AI tool

Kate specialises in the resolution of private family law matters, with a focus on financial claims arising on divorce or separation.  Kate’s practice encompasses a variety of cases, including those with an international element, or involving complex business structures and family trusts, as well as disputes surrounding inherited wealth.  Kate is also experienced in the negotiation and drafting of pre and post-nuptial agreements.

Complementing her specialist knowledge of financial litigation, Kate also advises parents in relation to disputes about the care of and financial provision for their children.  Kate has experience in acting for parents who are seeking to move the family to another part of the country or abroad.

Kate is committed to securing the best outcome for her clients whilst simultaneously recognising the need to preserve family relationships, particularly when there are children involved.  Kate sensitively tailors her advice to reflect the individual circumstances of her clients’ situation and their objectives.

As a member of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers, Kate conducts all matters in a constructive and non-confrontational way to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice. She strongly believes this alleviates tension for clients at an otherwise extremely difficult time.

Whilst Kate has extensive experience of the court process, she also understands the need to consider alternative forms of dispute resolution and will make every effort to settle cases where possible.

Kate was recognised by Legal 500 2020 and 2021 as a ‘Rising Star’ and is a ‘Next Generation Partner’ for 2022.

Recognition 

“She’s got all the qualities you want in a lawyer: she’s so hardworking and dedicated to her clients, she’s not afraid of a fight and she approaches everything analytically” Chambers HNW 2022

“She is one of my favourite people to work with. She is very, very easy to work with, pragmatic and well prepared. She is intelligent, nice to deal with and fantastic with clients” Chambers HNW 2022

“Kate Stovold is dazzlingly smart; her knowledgeable  judgement really shines on a case”  Chambers HNW 2022

“Kate Stovold is absolutely amazing”  Chambers HNW 2022

“New partner Kate Stovold is one to watch. Her cases are meticulously prepared and carefully planned. She is calm and reasoned and clients really like her.” Legal 500 2022

“Kate Stovold is excellent. She manages her client’s expectations well and she adopts a bespoke and pragmatic strategy depending upon each client’s needs.” Legal 500 2022

“Very good attention to detail and also recently promoted to partner.” Legal 500 2022

“A real pleasure to work with. Her cases are beautifully prepared and she is a pleasure to work with. It feels like a team effort when working with Kate.” Legal 500 2022

“Kate Stovold has an effortless class about her approach to clients and cases. Her work is meticulous.” Legal 500 2022

‘Kate Stovold is a joy to work with for her complete commitment and passion.’ Legal 500 2021

‘Kate works tirelessly and meticulously on every case. Never loses sight of the bigger picture. She is disarmingly approachable and enviably efficient.’ Legal 500 2020

Education

College of Law, Guildford: Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course (2006 – 2008)

University of Leeds: BA History (2003 – 2006)

Wellington College – Sixth Form (2001 – 2003)

Career

Levison Meltzer Pigott (2017 – present; promotion to Partner in April 2021)

Trethowans (2014 – 2017; promotion to Associate in 2016)

Barlow Robbins (2010 – 2014; qualification to Solicitor in 2012) 

Kate is a member of

Resolution

Vice Chair of Hampshire YRES (former) 

Co Chair OW Law Careers Opportunity Group [alumni group for Old Wellingtonians]

Publications

The Review, February 2018: Prenuptial agreements: Radmacher and beyond

Kate writes for Vantage Point – a magazine circulated to families and businesses in Kate’s home town of Farnham in Surrey. You can read her latest article here.

Felicity Cox
Kate's Executive Assistant

Please email Felicity at:
[email protected]

Felicity's Direct Dial
020 7556 2495

Benjamin Stowe - Partner

Benjamin is bright, engaged and wise beyond his years. Legal 500 2021

Contact Benjamin: [email protected]

Call: 020 7556 2400
Executive Assistant 020 7556 2410

Start today with our simple AI tool

Benjamin specialises in all work relating to Family and Child Law bringing his commercial law skills to Divorce Law. An expert in dealing with the financial repercussions of relationship breakdown. His work frequently has an international dimension, often involving tax and trust implications, substantial assets or incomes. He advises clients on the practical, legal and financial consequences resulting from the breakdown of relationships, covering a wide range of assets from the modest to those involving complex business structures. Benjamin has considerable experience in disputes relating to children, both within and outside of the Court forum.

Benjamin’s clients include City professionals, entrepreneurs, those in the arts/media, financiers, the independently wealthy and their spouses/partners.

Benjamin has appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live, LBC and ITV to comment about family law issues. He is also often quoted in the national and international press, most recently in The Times.

Benjamin trained, qualified and worked until 2017 with global law firm Ince & Co, specialising in commercial disputes.

Recognition

“He’s got a really bright future. He is unflappable, so hardworking and gets to grips with complicated facts quickly” Chambers HNW 2022

“He’s so calm under pressure, he’s really efficient and good at providing sensible advice. He makes clients feel reassured and understood” Chambers HNW 2022

Ranked as a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500 2022:
“His client skills are second to none, he is clever and pragmatic and I can really see him being one of the greats of family law. His prior career as a commercial solicitor really comes through and allows him to bring an edge to his financial cases”. Legal 500 2022

“Ben Stowe – a young newly promoted partner with gravitas beyond his years. Very diligent and hardworking with a sound knowledge of the law.” Legal 500 2022

“Ben has skills beyond his years. His case load is complex and varied and clients love him for his calm manner with hard hitting tactics.” Legal 500 2022

“Ben Stowe has a real gift of pragmatism” Legal 500 2022

Ben was named as one of the 2021 eprivateclient Top 35 under 35 men; this is designed to identify, recognise, introduce and promote the rising stars of the private wealth advisory sector.

Recommended  in The Legal 500 2021 for being  ‘bright, engaged and wise beyond his years’

Education

Kaplan Law School: 2010-11. LPC Law University of Leeds: 2007-10. First Class Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Awarded the Irwin Mitchell Prize for European Union Law Leeds Grammar School: 1995-2006

Career

Trained Ince & Co; qualified 2015. Stowe Family Law 2017 -2018. Joined Levison Meltzer Pigott 2018

Member

Resolution

Janine Douglas
Benjamin's Executive Assistant

Please email Janine at:
[email protected]

Janine's Direct Dial
020 7556 2410