Renowned family lawyer joins Penningtons Manches Cooper

Posted: 30/01/2025


The private wealth group at top 50 law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper is delighted to announce the appointment of Suzanne Kingston – a leading international family lawyer who is widely recognised as one of the country’s pre-eminent mediators, and a pioneer in the use of arbitration in family disputes. 

Often referred to as 'the Queen of Arbitration and Mediation', Suzanne is the mediator of choice for high-net-worth clients, having done 'literally hundreds of complex children and financial mediations'. She is credited with spearheading family law arbitration in England and Wales and worldwide. 

Top ranked in all the directories, Suzanne has received a plethora of accolades throughout her career, including being named Spears ‘Family Lawyer of the Year’ and Citywealth’s ‘Lawyer of the Year’. 

She is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, and one of the few mediators and arbitrators who is regularly instructed in international disputes. Suzanne’s stellar practice includes client who are leading names in the world of arts and entertainment, as well as prominent entrepreneurs and sports people. 

Suzanne seeks to meet clients’ objectives with a constructive approach that prioritises finding solutions outside the courts where possible. She is the go-to family lawyer for those looking to resolve disputes quickly, in privacy, and with certainty.

Suzanne remains well-able to use her unique skillset in difficult litigation and has extensive experience of working with family law colleagues across multiple jurisdictions. Suzanne also regularly advises on multi-jurisdictional pre and post-nuptial agreements for clients where protecting family wealth is a primary concern.

She will join Penningtons Manches Cooper as a consultant, based in its London head office. She was most recently a consultant at Mills & Reeve, and previously a partner at Withers. Suzanne has been and will continue to be a family law consultant for Carey Olsen in Jersey.

Outside of work, Suzanne chairs the London fund raising board for the cancer care charity, Maggie’s. She also serves on the council and executive committee of Durham Law School Alumni Association. She holds a diploma in mentoring and supervision and mentors a number of individuals across the family law community. 

Commenting on Suzanne’s arrival, Anna Worwood, head of Penningtons Manches Cooper’s family law team said: 

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Suzanne to the firm. She is a true star in the family law world and will be a real asset to our department. Her deep knowledge and experience in alternative dispute resolution will complement the work of our existing team of mediators. Ongoing court delays combined with recent rule changes mean more clients are looking for solutions out of court – Suzanne’s appointment further strengthens what we can offer to support them.” 

James Stewart, co-head of Pennington Manches Cooper’s private wealth group, added: 

“Suzanne is recognised internationally for her stellar work in family law and the private wealth sphere. Whether she is acting as a family lawyer, a mediator or a trusted advisor, Suzanne is absolutely committed to giving the very best to her clients. As a lawyer, an educator and indeed as an ADR practitioner, Suzanne will further enhance our firm’s reputation as one of London’s leading private client and family law firms. From a personal perspective, I have known Suzanne since the outset of my career. She has been my friend and mentor throughout. I, together with everyone else in our family and private wealth teams, look forward to welcoming her.”

Suzanne commented: 

“I’m thrilled to be joining Penningtons Manches Cooper. The family law practice here is hugely respected and has a fantastic reputation for both its technical expertise and great client service. I’m looking forward to helping to contribute to the team’s ongoing growth and success.”


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Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP