Our Year in Review 2025
Celebrating our people, our work, and our global community – and preparing for the next chapter.
Celebrating our team
Partner Promotions
We were delighted to welcome three outstanding lawyers to the partnership this year:
- Lauren Carmichael
- Sophie Capo-Bianco
- Oscar Smith
Each has built a reputation for excellence in complex, cross-border family law matters. Their promotions reflect not only their technical expertise and strategic insight, but also their leadership within the firm and the profession. We are pleased to see their continued progression and the strengthening of our senior leadership team.
Antonia Church
Qualified Solicitor
A big congratulations to Antonia Church in our London team, who qualified as a solicitor in February after completing her training contract with Expatriate Law.
Since joining the firm in 2022, Antonia has built a strong foundation in family law, particularly in cross-border cases. She has worked closely with Hero Lomas and Oscar Smith in London, and also spent time in the Singapore office collaborating with Sonny Patel. Her experience includes financial remedy proceedings, jurisdiction disputes, and international child relocation cases, all handled with exceptional attention to detail and client care.
We’re thrilled to see Antonia reach this milestone and look forward to her continued contributions to the team.
Sherry Georgaki
Senior Paralegal
Sherry has been promoted to Senior Paralegal, testament to her work and dedication in supporting Alexandra Tribe, Oscar Smith, and Sophie Capo-Bianco on a wide range of family law matters. Sherry joined us as paralegal in July 2024 from a Legal 500 firm, with an LLB from Middlesex University and ongoing studies to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive.
Bethany Hinkin
Paralegal
A warm welcome to Bethany who joined us this year as Paralegal.
Bethany has already become a valued member of the team, contributing energy, professionalism and thoughtful support across the matters she assists with. We look forward to seeing her continued development at Expatriate Law.
Stephanie Hudson
Legal Secretary
We were delighted to welcome Stephanie Hudson to the firm as Legal Secretary this year. Stephanie quickly made her mark within the team, providing invaluable support across the practice, and we are genuinely not sure how we ever managed without her.
Legal achievements & cases
2025 was a significant year for cross-border family law, and our team continued to act in many of the most challenging and high-profile international cases before the English courts and overseas jurisdictions. Our work spanned complex financial remedy matters, international relocation disputes, forum challenges, and cases involving emerging jurisdictions such as the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Below is a selection of the key legal developments, notable cases and achievements from the year.
Reported and precedent-setting cases
Our lawyers acted in a range of cases that contributed to the development of family law jurisprudence, including:
- M v F (Parental Responsibility of a Non-Biological Father) [2024] EWFC 377 – a judgment exploring the scope of parental responsibility and its application to modern family structures.
- Matters involving international relocation between England and jurisdictions including Australia, France and the UAE, focusing on best-interests assessments, interim prohibitive orders, and the management of parallel proceedings.
- Forum disputes in which we advised on jurisdiction races, habitual residence, domicile, and the enforcement of foreign orders.
- Financial remedy cases involving offshore assets, complex corporate structures, inherited wealth, and issues of non-marital property, particularly when assets were spread across multiple jurisdictions.
These cases reflect the firm’s continued position at the forefront of international family law.
Strategic work in the Middle East
Our team remained heavily involved in matters engaging the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, one of the newest and most rapidly evolving family law jurisdictions in the world. We advised clients and legal teams globally on:
- Recognition and enforcement of Abu Dhabi and English orders
- Jurisdiction challenges where multiple courts could be seised
- Navigating the interaction between civil and common-law principles
Our experience in this emerging area continues to position Expatriate Law as a leading authority on cross-border UAE family law issues.
Awards, rankings and recognitions
Legal 500
We are pleased to share that Expatriate Law has been ranked in The Legal 500 UK 2026 across two core family law categories:
This year’s results reflect the continued specialist focus of our team on complex cross-border family law matters.
Chambers & Partners
Expatriate Law continues to shine, maintaining our Band 1 ranking in the UAE Family/Matrimonial High Net Worth Guide. Byron James was once again individually ranked Band 1, and Alexandra Tribe recognised as an Expert in the UAE.
We were also please see Alexandra ranked in the UK UHNW Guide, further reinforcing her standing as a leading practitioner advising internationally mobile families.
Sonny Patel continues his ranking in the Singapore HNW Family Matrimonial Guide.
Spear’s 500
We are proud to see the firm and our lawyers recognised once again in the Spear’s 500, the definitive guide to advisers for high-net-worth individuals. Alexandra Tribe and Byron James have been promoted to ‘Top Recommended’. New entry Hero Lomas has joined Sonny Patel and Eliza Hebditch as ‘Recommended’ in the Spear’s 500 for 2025 – a reflection of their continued exceptional expertise and reputation in family law.
Committee appointments
Alexandra Tribe has been appointed Co-Chair of Resolution’s International Family Law Committee – a role that recognises her leadership and influence in shaping the future of cross-border family law.
Citywealth Top 75 Family Lawyers 2025
Hero Lomas has been featured in the Citywealth Top 75 Family lawyers 2025 list. This accolade highlights Hero’s outstanding expertise in high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth international family law.
Spear’s Awards 2025
We were delighted that Byron James was shortlisted for the Spear’s Awards 2025 in the category of ‘Lawyer of the Year – Family’, recognising his outstanding work advising high-net-worth families on complex international family law matters, particularly those involving the Middle East. The shortlisting reflects Byron’s growing profile as a leading practitioner in this field.
Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2025
We are delighted to share that Byron James was once again shortlisted as a finalist for International Family Lawyer of the Year at the esteemed Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.
Eliza Hebditch also returned to the judging panel this year, reflecting her standing and experience within the family law community.
Citywealth Awards – please vote
We are excited to share that Alexandra Tribe has been shortlisted for Mentor of the Year (International) at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2026.
Antonia Church is also up for her first Citywealth award, having been shortlisted for the Tomorrow Club Award at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards.
Cast your votes in both categories now:
These accolades reflect our team’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the field of family law. Here’s to more achievements in the coming year! Here’s to continued success and even greater achievements in the year ahead!
Conferences & events
2025 was an important year for international engagement at Expatriate Law, with our flagship conference in Chamonix serving as a highlight of the global family law calendar.
We also continued to contribute to events across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, strengthening our relationships with practitioners worldwide.
International Family Law Conference – Chamonix 2025
Our annual International Family Law Conference took place in Chamonix, France, welcoming delegates from 18 jurisdictions. Set against the iconic Mont Blanc backdrop, this year’s conference focused on comparative panel discussions, allowing practitioners to examine how different courts around the world approach similar legal challenges.
Panels explored a range of issues including:
- International relocation and children disputes
- Cross-border disclosure and financial remedies
- Jurisdiction races, domicile and habitual residence
- International pre- and post-nuptial agreements
- Life in the Gulf
The comparative format — introduced in response to excellent delegate feedback in previous years — once again proved to be an outstanding platform for practical, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction insight.
A special thank you goes to Eliza Hebditch, who shaped the programme, selecting speakers and designing the social events that made this conference so memorable.
Save the date: Dubai 2027
We are excited to announce that our next International Family Law Conference will take place in Dubai on 22 – 23 April 2027.
After the success of Chamonix 2025, we’re preparing something truly special for 2027 – and we can’t wait to welcome practitioners from across the globe to one of the world’s most vibrant international hubs.
Expect:
- World-class speakers and comparative panels
- Insight into the rapidly evolving legal landscape of the Middle East
- A fabulous venue
- Unmissable networking with leading practitioners from across the globe
- A social programme designed to make this our most memorable conference yet
We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months.
Mark your diaries for 22-23 April 2027. Dubai awaits.
Follow us on LinkedIn so you don’t miss out on any conference announcements.
IAFL European Chapter Meeting, Istanbul
Alexandra Tribe participated as a panellist on Navigating Family Law Across Diverse Religious Contexts – An International Perspective.
Alexandra Tribe alongside her session’s co-panellists and moderator at the IAFL European Chapter Meeting in Istanbul, May 2025.
Jersey Finance Women in Leadership series in Riyadh
Alexandra Tribe attended the Jersey Finance event in Riyadh, taking part in informal and insightful discussions moderated by Amy Bryant, alongside Reem Kattach, Amjad Alamri and Debbie Lumsden, before continuing on to Dubai.
12th Annual Johannesburg Family Law Conference
Lauren Carmichael and Adam Mitchell travelled to South Africa to attend the Johannesburg Family Law Conference and presented on “Navigating Cross-Border Prenuptial Agreements between South Africa and England”. This drew on their expertise advising in family law matters involving England and South Africa.
Family Law Week’s International Children’s Law Conference
Oscar Smith was invited to Family Law Week’s International Children’s Law Conference in July 2025 and joined a panel discussion on International Practice – what you need to know: pleading and defending cases.
Oscar particularly enjoyed engaging with the complex issue of international child abduction with esteemed colleagues from a variety of jurisdictions.
Oscar Smith with his co-panellists at the Family Law Week’s International Children’s Law Conference in July 2025.
Bar Council of England & Wales – International Family Law Panel: English family law and the UAE’s civil family law system
Byron James was invited to speak at a high-profile international family law event in Dubai hosted by the Bar Council of England and Wales. Alongside a distinguished panel, Byron reflected his unique position as one of the only foreign advocates with rights of audience in the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court and his role in shaping cross-border understanding during a time of major reform in the UAE.
Byron James speaking alongside Charles Hale KC, Dr Hassan Elhais, Duncan Brooks KC, and Jennifer Lee.
UIA 69th Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico
Hero Lomas attended the UIA 69th Congress in Guadalajara in November 2025, enjoying the opportunity to meet and connect with family lawyers from across the world and to engage in thoughtful discussions on international family law practice.
Hero Lomas with other attendees at the UIA 69th World Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico.
IAFL AGM and International Family Law Symposium in Nairobi
Lauren Carmichael and Adam Mitchell attended the IAFL AGM and International Family Law Symposium in Nairobi, hosted by the International Academy of Family Lawyers in collaboration with the East Africa Law Society and the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association. The event brought together family lawyers from across Africa, the United Kingdom and beyond, offering valuable opportunities for international dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of perspectives on family law practice.
AIJA Cambridge conference
David Hansford attended the AIJA conference “The Lifecycle of an Entrepreneur” in Cambridge (26–29 June).
A key highlight was a panel discussion on the enforceability of prenuptial agreements, featuring international family lawyers from England, France and Switzerland, exploring the risks and pitfalls of poorly drafted agreements, and examining enforceability across jurisdictions through a real-life case study. A further panel considered the impact of divorce on business interests, with lawyers from England, France and Poland discussing disclosure obligations, valuation issues and practical strategies to safeguard businesses. The conference was complemented by an excellent social programme, including dinners at the University Arms Hotel and Gonville & Caius College, and a Saturday punting along the River Cam in glorious summer weather.
AIJA Wealth Lab conference in Geneva
David Hansford also attended the AIJA (International Association of Young Lawyers) Wealth Lab Conference in Geneva on 13-15 November 2025, which focused on asset protection, tax considerations, philanthropic investments, investment returns on different types of investment/investment strategies and intergenerational wealth/estate planning.
The conference brought together international family law and private client practitioners to explore cross-border challenges facing families and advisers, alongside valuable opportunities to connect with peers from a range of jurisdictions. The social programme was excellent and everyone enjoyed delicious wine and fondue!
Publications, articles and podcasts
Family Law Live! Podcast
Beyond her practice, Hero is co-host of Family Law Live! podcast with Hannah Jones of 36 Family and Fiona Snowdon of Anthony Gold Solicitors. They’ve been shortlisted twice for ‘Family Law Commentator of the Year’ at the Family Law Awards (2021 then known as ‘Family Law in Lockdown’ and in 2022). Aimed at solicitors, their monthly webinar and podcast invite guests to discuss trends and hot topics in family law. Each webinar attracts 100+ attendees with more listeners for the recording. Have a listen.
Byron James publishes Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court Practice (LexisNexis, 2025)
Huge congratulations to Byron James on the publication of Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court Practice (LexisNexis, 2025) — the first practitioner guide ever written for the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Article by Sonny Patel and Min Joo Yoon published in the Financial Remedies Journal
Sonny Patel with Min Joo Yoon explored what the English family justice system can learn from Singapore’s therapeutic approach to family law.
In “Justice That Heals”, Sonny examines how Singapore’s problem-solving, family-centred model seeks to reduce conflict, support long-term outcomes for families, and promote more constructive resolution of disputes. The article offers valuable insight into how alternative judicial approaches may inform future developments in England and Wales.
International Family Law Handbook
Alexandra Tribe contributed to the International Family Law Handbook, published in January 2025. Her chapter draws on extensive experience in complex cross-border family law matters and reflects the firm’s ongoing involvement in shaping international best practice.
Family Law Week article by Sophie Capo-Bianco and Abigail Clements-Bewley
Sophie Capo-Bianco and former paralegal Abigail Clements-Bewley published an article in Family Law Week titled “Navigating Domestic and International Surrogacy – Practice and Policy Comment: G v Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority & Anor [2024] EWHC 2453 (Fam)”.
The article analyses the practical and policy implications of the decision, offering insight into the evolving legal framework governing both domestic and international surrogacy arrangements.
Expatriate Law featured in leading international media and publications
Throughout the year, Expatriate Law and its lawyers were featured in a number of leading international media outlets, reflecting the firm’s expertise in high-value, cross-border family law matters, particularly in the UAE.
Our work and insight were referenced in publications including the Financial Times, Spear’s, Tatler, and The National, with coverage spanning landmark divorce proceedings, developments in Abu Dhabi’s family law framework, and complex financial and children cases before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
In addition, the firm was appointed as an exclusive contributor to the Legal 500 Country Comparative Guide (UAE) for family law, further recognising our depth of expertise in this evolving jurisdiction.
Charitable work
Supporting charitable causes and community initiatives remains an important part of the firm’s culture. During 2025, the team was pleased to support a number of organisations whose work has a meaningful impact both within and beyond the legal profession.
These included the King’s College Nicholas Mostyn Parkinson’s Trust, the London Legal Walk, the Charlie Waller Trust, and GamMed, reflecting our ongoing commitment to health, wellbeing and access to justice.
