Award Winning Solicitors In London

Our main objective is to provide a high quality legal service and the best result possible for our client, be it completing a house purchase or a complicated business transaction, dealing with complex domestic or international family issues, immigration or employment issues or in providing a fully comprehensive criminal defence service for both individuals and businesses.

It is particularly rewarding when our work is recognised by our clients and others in the industry. We are especially proud of the recognition that we have received from a number of leading directories and for the awards earned by our specialist teams.

The Legal 500

The Legal 500 UK is a directory of the most highly regarded law firms and practitioners in the UK. The directory is compiled using independent researchers who speak to clients, to other law firms and to professionals such as barristers to find out more about us and how good we are at the work that we do.

In the latest 2026 edition, our firm was ranked Top tier. Three of our departments – Family, Crime and Immigration have been ranked in recognition of their cutting edge and innovative advice. We are also proud to add that a total of 19 of our lawyers are recommended in the directory which is a huge achievement for a Firm of our size.

Our Family Department has been ranked every year since 2012. For the 2026 London edition there is a new division of rankings within the family category; Family: Children and Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy. We are very proud that all lawyers in the family department are ranked in the latest edition.

Our children law team are ranked Top Tier (Tier 1) in recognition of its renowned expertise in domestic and international children law matters; led by ‘two of the best partners in the business’ Nina Hansen and Laura Coyle, both of whom received special individual recognition. Joint Head and Partner Nina Hansen retained her place in the Hall of Fame. Nina is described as “a market leader in cross-border work, including Hague abductions, adoptions, complex care proceedings, and fact-finding hearings”, and is noted for advising “a wide range of clients, from vulnerable individuals to ultra-high-net-worth and high-profile figures, on both private and public law children matters”. Fellow Joint Head and Partner Laura Coyle is once again ranked a Leading Partner in recognition of her “…international and domestic work, frequently acting in public law cases involving serious allegations such as non-accidental injury and sexual abuse”. Laura is praised for her exceptional talent in her field “driven by genuine talent and deep legal insight”.

Family department Partners Andriana Syrimis and Marianna Michaelides are both ranked Next Generation Partners. Andriana is recognised for her work “on challenging cases involving relocation, abuse, and international jurisdictional issues”, and Marianna is described as “truly exceptional …(with) … a specialist practice in international children law, particularly Hague and non-Hague abduction, surrogacy, and jurisdictional disputes, as well as regularly handling Wardship and transnational abandonment matters”.

Recognition is also given to children law specialists Partner, Gulizar Candemir, Associates Sophie Lambert and Samantha Harris as well as Solicitor, Lucy Reynolds who are all ranked as Recommended Lawyers in the latest edition.

The Family department’s matrimonial finance team are ranked Tier 3 in the specialist Family: Divorce & Financial remedy category for 2026. The team is praised for their expertise in “complex financial matters” and cases with multijurisdictional elements.

Partners Mark Kosmin and Georgina Stavrou are also endorsed as Recommended Lawyers in the latest edition. Mark is praised for heading up our specialist matrimonial finance team supported by Georgina. Mark is described as a “thoughtful, pragmatic…tenacious & excellent strategist”, and Georgina noted as a “brilliant…go-to lawyer for financial remedies” with “excellent technical knowledge” and expertise in complex cases with “multijurisdictional finances”. Consultant, Rebekah Gershuny is also ranked as a recommended lawyer.

Our Criminal Department has also been consistently ranked in the Legal 500 since 2012. In the latest 2026 edition the department was ranked Tier 3 in recognition of the team’s reputation for being “quipped to handle the full gamut of criminal defence work, showcasing proficiency in sexual offences, assaults, & criminal housing code violations”

Partners and joint heads of the Criminal Department Michael Field and Kishoree Kotecha-Pau received special recognition for spearheading this successful team. Kishoree has remained in the prestigious Hall of Fame, and Michael ranked a Recommended Lawyer both recognised for their extensive expertise in complex criminal law matters. Kishoree is praised for her specialism in “high-profile criminal litigation in the healthcare sector”. She is described as “Wise, experienced, and practical” and “one in a million”. Michael is recognised for his depth of expertise in a wide range of criminal cases and his excellence in “handling sensitive matters with vulnerable clients”.

Fellow Partners Peter Bedingfield and Leo Martin are also ranked as ‘Recommended Lawyers’ in this area of practice. Peter for his expertise in all areas of criminal law notably his “strong track record in firearm offences” and for his representation of vulnerable clients, and Leo for “his representation of high-profile individuals”. Leo is described as a “tenacious litigator (who) pursues every available avenue to try and secure the best outcome to a case”

In the latest 2026 edition of the Legal 500 our highly experienced and respected Immigration Department are once again ranked in Tier 4 in recognition of their “reputation for integrity, professionalism and outstanding client care” and for their extensive work advising “vulnerable clients on citizenship and nationality matters, as well as unlawful detention, before the tribunals, higher courts and European Court of Human Rights.”

We are immensely proud that all lawyers in our immigration department have been ranked in this latest edition. Managing Partner and Head of the Immigration Department, Oluwole Osibona is once again ranked as a Recommended Lawyer. Oluwole is praised for being “highly experienced, calm and effective team leader and a highly skilled solicitor” with extensive expertise in handling a “full spectrum of personal immigration matters”

Also ranked as Recommended Lawyers are Immigration Partner, Katarzyna Jurkun and Solicitors, Lorraine De Guzman and Rebecca Salu. Katarzyna is described as an “outstanding immigration solicitor” and is commended for “advising vulnerable clients such as victims of modern slavery, domestic violence and trafficking”. Lorraine is praised for her ability to “expertly handle cases involving in-country and judicial review applications” and “to see the wider picture and grasp legal issues very quickly”. Rebecca is commended for her work in immigration matters involving settlement, visas & Human Right applications, appeals, student visas, as well as leave to remain.

Chambers and Partners Guide UK

Each year, Chambers and Partners UK conduct extensive, independent research into the UK legal profession and identify leading lawyers and law firms.

Our Family Department has been ranked in the UK guide every year since 2013. In the recent 2025 UK Guide the department was ranked in Band 1 in both Children: Public Law Matters and Cross-border Disputes, as well as Band 3 in Children Law. The specialist Children team of the Family Department are described as …”brilliant .. with a great wealth of talent, very able to deal with all possible scenarios and hugely respected in the space and by judges.”

The team is also described as “at the top of their game when it comes to children law and are really experienced with complex cases. Every single solicitor at Freemans is extremely effective and skilful.”

In the 2025 Guide Head of the Family Department and Partner Nina Hansen received special recognition once again. Nina is ranked as a Star Individual for Children Cross Border Disputes and in Band 1 for both Children Public Law Matters and Private Children Law. Nina is described as being “… in a class of her own, She has in-depth understanding across all aspects of children law and a down-to-earth way of engaging with people that clients of all backgrounds are receptive to”, “You can really see her tactical moves and experience shine through in how she tackles those earlier stages in abduction cases.” It is noted that “Nina Hansen is the best international abduction lawyer”, “There isn’t an area of children law that Nina is not an expert in.”

Partner Laura Coyle is ranked in Band 1 for Children Public Law Matters and Band 2 for Children Cross Border Disputes. She is described as “an excellent lawyer and hugely respected”, “She is a great advocate and is as tactically astute as one can be.” Laura “…will get into a set of revolving doors behind you but will somehow manage to get through first”. Laura is praised for being the “go-to choice on account of her intellectual ability, her encyclopaedic knowledge, her attention to detail and her commitment to the client’s needs.”

Partner Andriana Syrimis is ranked as a notable practitioners in both Children Cross Border Disputes and Public Law Matters and Partner Marianna Michaelides is ranked in Children Cross Border Disputes. In addition, Associate Sophie Lambert is ranked in Public Law Matters.

Andriana is ranked as an Up and Coming in both Children Cross Border Disputes and Public Law Matters. Described as “very good in her tactical approach to cases”, “Andriana is brilliant, formidable and absolutely knows what she is doing – her advice is spot-on every time, “ and “Anyone would be incredibly lucky to have her representing them. Andriana is praised for being “on the ball and never misses a trick.”

Marianna is ranked as an Up and Coming in Children Cross Border Disputes. Described as “strategic with an encyclopaedic knowledge of international children law”, “You couldn’t ask for a more diligent, efficient solicitor” and “Marianna is an exemplary international solicitor who shows exceptional understanding of the legalities surrounding surrogacy arrangements.”

Sophie is ranked as an Associate to Watch in Public Law Matters. Described as “A brilliant solicitor who works tirelessly for her clients”, “She is superb”, “She also reads the room very well at proceedings”and “Sophie is very patient with clients and builds trust well with them.”

Our Criminal Department has been mentioned in the UK Guide for several years. In the current 2025 Guide the department retained its Band 4 ranking. The team is described as “knowledgeable and skilled, enthusiastic and compassionate, complete and holistic whilst also suitably brief and clear, flexible and open-minded” and “Freemans Solicitors combines excellent negotiation and courtroom advocacy skills with a keen attention to detail and compassionate client support.” The team is also praised for being “extremely knowledgeable, easily contactable and supportive.”

In the 2025 Guide Partners and joint heads of the criminal department Michael Field and Kishoree Kotecha-Pau were ranked as notable practitioners for their expertise in the field.

Michael is ranked in Band 3 described as “Completely dependable, his integrity as well as compassion to his clients is as notable as his dedication to his duty and work”, “Michael is knowledgeable, approachable and a fantastic lawyer”, and “Michael’s profound understanding of legal intricacies was evident in his strategic approach, ensuring a robust defence. Michael is praised for his approach being “marked by a combination of legal acumen and genuine empathy.” “His unwavering support and reassurance to clients during trials is invaluable.”

Kishoree is ranked in Band 4 in and is described as “.. always on top of everything, making sure that all information in need is provided accordingly”, “Kishoree is an amazing lawyer who is always happy to help and listen and give best advice.” She is noted for “Her big strength is the way she deals with people, she’s absolutely outstanding at calming them down and channeling their thoughts, and is there for them throughout.” “Kishoree Kotecha-Pau is absolutely amazing, her client care is second to none and she really cares about her cases.”

Times Best Law Firm

Every year The Times publishes a list of the Best Law Firms in England and Wales. The list is compiled following a survey of solicitors and barristers. As part of the survey, those lawyers are asked to recommend a firm whom they consider to be the best in a particular area of practice. The firms that receive the most votes are included in The Time’s infamous list.

In the latest 2026 publication our family department were commended for their extensive knowledge and expertise in all aspects of family law including children (private, public, international) and matrimonial finance. The publication highlighted the team’s various high-profile reported cases including their recent success in a complex children law matter. We represented the father against various allegations made by the child’s mother. After a four-week fact-finding hearing, the Court concluded that the allegations were fabricated and the child now lives with our client, the father.

The 2026 publication also highlights the complex and high-profile cases undertaken by our highly regarded immigration department as well as by our exceptional criminal defence team.

Our immigration team recently represented an Afghan judge who was being threatened by the Taliban. The case centred around the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy decision that had been made in this case. This resulted in the High Court clarifying the law that indirect UK links are not enough to support a relocation. This case has reshaped the legal thresholds for Afghan allies seeking sanctuary under UK government schemes.

Our criminal department were recently involved in a case where a pharmacist was acquitted of murder having given his father a smoothie highly dosed with morphine taken from his pharmacy. The defence argued that this was not a case of murder but assisted suicide. This case is one of many that have led to calls for change and in 2024 Parliament began debating the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill” which may eventually lead to a change to the law on assisted suicide.

Awards

We are delighted that our Family Department’s specialist children team have been shortlisted for the Children Team of the Year award at this year’s Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards. The ceremony is due to take place on 28 November 2022 in London.

We are honoured and proud to have won two awards at the 2018 UK Diversity Legal Awards. Freemans were winners of the Managing Diverse Talent Award. Partner and joint head of the criminal department Kishoree Kotecha-Pau received a Highly Commended BSN Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards are recognition of our efforts in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality across in the legal profession.

We are delighted that our Family Department has been awarded Adoption Law Firm of the Year, and the Crime Department Business Crime firm of the year by Lawyer Monthly for 2017.

We were also pleased that Kishoree Kotecha-Pau was awarded Society of Asian Lawyers Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year in 2013 “for her unstinting dedication to assisting those on Legal Aid and her active involvement in the campaign to protect those who may lose this valuable right.”

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