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Celebrating the Female Lawyers in our Family Team for International Women's Day

on Monday, 07 March 2022.

This year's International Women's Day campaign focuses on how we can #breakthebias to celebrate women's equality. We wanted to take the opportunity to praise our experienced and talented lawyers in the Family team at VWV.

Sam Hickman

The Family team is headed by Sam Hickman. Sam joined the firm in 2016, with a wealth of experience in all areas of Family Law. Sam is very well connected in the South West legal market and is able to provide clients with an impeccable holistic service. Sam is now focussing on developing her mediation practice alongside her usual day job. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her two girls and long walks in the country with her dogs Luna and Simba.

Since joining the firm, Sam has grown the team exponentially. We now have eight qualified lawyers supported by two paralegals across the two offices. Our lawyers in Bristol and Birmingham advise clients across the UK and overseas.

Lucy Barr

Lucy Barr oversees the Family team in our Birmingham office and works closely with Sam. Lucy joined the Family team in 2018 and has over 17 years' experience of Family law. Lucy generally acts for clients of a high net worth. She often acts for clients with jurisdictional disputes and has represented clients where proceedings have been issued under Hague Convention Child Abduction, issued in the High Court.

When she isn't working, Lucy has a young family to care for, who keep her on her toes! She also likes to keep fit, and enjoys running half marathons, raising £17,000 (as part of a team) for Bowel Cancer UK, last year at the Great North Run.

Kim Phillips

Lucy was joined by Kim Phillips, Solicitor, in September 2021. Kim advises clients on all areas of family law, including divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships, financial proceedings, Children Act proceedings, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. She has experience advising a full range of clients including high net-worth individuals. In her spare time, Kim enjoys horse riding and participating in fun or competitive equestrian events.

Emily Roskilly

Emily Roskilly, a Senior Associate, specialises in disputes between cohabiting (unmarried) couples and also contentious probate matters. Emily has experience of acting for clients in relation to bringing and defending Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) claims, which involve claims relating to constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel. She is able to assist with cohabitation agreements, separation agreements and legal advice for unmarried couples. When she's not at work, Emily enjoys spending time with her young family particularly by the sea!

Katie Hanson

Katie Hanson, an Associate, joined the firm in 2014. Katie spent her first five years of practice advising corporate clients on matters concerning Company Law. Katie has extensive experience of business structures which is invaluable when advising business owners going through divorce and financial remedy proceedings. Whilst Katie can advise on all areas of Family law, Katie can provide specialist advise on protecting or distributing business assets in financial settlements. In her spare time, Katie enjoys running, cycling and spending time outdoors with her young sons.

Melita Bown

Melita Bown, an Associate, joined the Family team in Bristol in February 2019. Melita has experience advising across all areas of Family law, however is particularly passionate about advising clients on Children Act matters. Melita has experience advising on UK and International child arrangements. Melita is qualified in Level 2 British Sign Language and is able to advise D/deaf clients. When she is not working, Melita enjoys travelling and is a keen (albeit very amateur!) photographer.

Alice Stephens-Mayor

Alice Stephens-Mayor, a Solicitor, joined the Family team in 2020 after completing her training contract at VWV. Alice advises clients in all areas of family law, including divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships, finances (involving both complex and modest assets) and matters involving children. Alice also provides specialist advice to unmarried couples, either at the outset of a relationships or at the time of separation. Outside of work Alice enjoys being by the sea, paddleboarding on the estuary where she lives, and cooking for family and friends.

Amy Critchley and Kay Davies

The teams are supported by our paralegals Amy Critchley and Kay Davies. Their dedication and support is invaluable to the team. They provide an impeccable service to clients and help with putting clients at the centre of everything we do. Outside of work, Amy enjoys going to the gym, attending dance classes and visiting family and friends.


If you would like to get in contact with any of our Family Lawyers, please contact a member of our New Enquiries team on 020 7405 1234, or complete the form below.

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