Specialist family law firm Rayden Solicitors has had a stellar result in this year’s Chambers & Partners UK Guide; in addition to retaining all rankings in the London, West Midlands and Thames Valley guides, our new Salisbury team members, Partner & Collaborative Lawyer Heather Souter and Legal Director & Collaborative Lawyer Zoe Culverwell, have been ranked as ‘Up & Coming’ and an ‘Associate to Watch’ respectively in The South.
Heather and Zoe joined Rayden Solicitors in August 2026 from Paris Smith LLP and lead our recently opened Salisbury office, the second office opened in 2026, following Bristol in January. This is part of a trajectory of significant growth for Rayden Solicitors, after joining forces with private-equity backed Fletchers Group in late 2025.
Heather Souter enters the guide as ‘Up & Coming’ and is noted in particular for her ‘meticulous’ attention to detail”. Other glowing praise from industry peers includes:
“Her hard work and dedication to her cases help achieve the best outcome for her clients.”
“Heather is extremely hard-working, efficient and provides an analysis of cases so quickly that solutions are reached quickly.”
Zoe Culverwell is recognised as an ‘Associate to Watch’ in the guide, receiving fabulous testimonials emphasising her client-focussed approach:
“Zoe excels at client care and recognising her clients’ individual needs.”
“Zoe is excellent. She’s capable, calm and very warm and kind with clients.”
“Zoe handles tricky and sensitive cases with compassion and understanding. She fights hard for her clients with both grace and sensitivity.”
In the Thames Valley jurisdiction, Rayden Solicitors has retained its top-tier ranking in Band 1 and has received the following praise:
“Rayden Solicitors is able to offer the full breadth of expertise, with both robust litigators and individuals who can bring a sensitive approach.”
“Rayden Solicitors handles cases with a combination of legal rigour and genuine emotional intelligence.”
“Raydens Solicitors is full of people who genuinely care, not just about the situation and the outcome, but also about the people involved.”
Managing Director and founder of the firm Katherine Rayden retains her Band 1 ranking and is described as “exceptional” and “at the top of her game”.
Executive Partner Paula Butterworth is once again recognised in Band 2 and is “responsive, sensible and knowledgeable.”
Executive Partner and Children Arbitrator Emily Watson is ranked in Band 3 and is described as “calm and collected” as well as “the perfect balance of empathy, warmth, pragmatism and expertise.”
Executive Partner and Financial Arbitrator Julian Bremner, ranked in Band 3, is “a truly formidable lawyer” with “excellent strategic vision”.
Julian leads the Rayden London offering, with teams based in Hampstead and London Bridge. The London team have retained their Band 2 ranking, with glowing testimonials from industry peers:
“The level of personal attention and responsiveness is what makes them different to others.”
“The team is known not only for its mastery of complex family law matters, but also for its ability to deliver clear, strategic advice that is grounded in the realities facing clients at what are often the most difficult moments of their lives.”
“There are hugely experienced practitioners within the firm who do not bat an eyelid at even the most heavyweight and hotly contested cases.”
Hampstead-based Partner Jennifer Moore is recognised in the London guide in Band 4 and is noted for her ability to “distil complex and emotionally charged situations into clear, practical strategies, giving clients confidence and direction at difficult moments.”
Our Birmingham team, led by Partners Mary Kaye and Rebecca Calden-Storr, is once again ranked in Band 3 in the West Midlands Guide, and it is noted that:
“Rayden Solicitors takes an empathetic and caring approach, making clients feel at ease.”
“Rayden Solicitors’ team is highly experienced and knowledgeable, offering clear, pragmatic advice tailored to complex and sensitive matters.”
“There is always somebody on hand who can help with anything I need. They always remain in contact even when my lead lawyers are not available.”
“Rayden Solicitors is an extremely well structured and managed firm. The firm offers clients an extremely accomplished and high-level of representation.”
Office heads Mary Kaye and Rebecca Calden-Storr retain their rankings in Band 2 and Band 3, respectively. Rebecca recently joined Rayden Solicitors from Stowe Family Law.
Mary is described as someone who “does good, complex work and is a fierce advocate”, while Rebecca is “laser focused on getting the best results for clients but always provides pragmatic and child-focused advice.”.
Legal Director Lauren Parton is again named as an ‘Associate to Watch’ in the Birmingham guide and is described as “excellent, personable and highly skilled. She is always happy to go the extra mile for clients.”
Managing Director Katherine Rayden says “we are delighted with our rankings across the board this year and are very proud of all the individuals and teams recognised, every member of the team works incredibly hard to provide a top-tier service to clients. We are especially pleased for Heather, Rebecca and Zoe as new additions to the Rayden team. This is testament to Rayden’s ability to recruit top-flight talent due to the strength of the firm’s reputation, particularly in locations where the business has a newer presence than some of our longer established offices.”
