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Portrait of April La
Areas of expertise: Family law, Private wealth

Profile

April is an associate in the family law team in London. She has experience in advising high-net-worth clients in relation to divorce or dissolution, relationship breakdown, financial disputes, and wealth protection through pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Her cases frequently have an international dimension, involving assets in multiple jurisdictions. April’s practice further extends to private law children cases, including child arrangements, international relocation, safeguarding issues and child abduction. 

Adopting a compassionate and empathetic approach in her role, April focuses on the goals of each individual client and works collaboratively towards practical solutions. She is a member of Resolution, the leading membership organisation for specialist family lawyers in England and Wales, which is dedicated to promoting a constructive approach to family issues. She is also a contributor to publications such as Family Law Journal and ThoughtLeaders4 High Net Worth Divorce.

April qualified as a solicitor in 2022, having previously worked as a paralegal in the firm’s contentious private client team, before becoming a trainee solicitor in 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Oxford and completed the Legal Practice Course at BPP University of Law in London with a distinction. A diversity and inclusion ambassador for the firm, April is also an active member of the mental health and disability committee and the firm’s EMpower programme, which is committed to increasing the representation of Black and ethnic minority individuals in the legal sector. 

Recent work highlights

  • Negotiating and preparing a separation agreement in a case with assets worth in excess of £70 million, situated in corporate structures and international property and investments.
  • Securing a financial settlement for a spouse involving approximately £17 million in net assets, including liquid and illiquid private equity funds and investments.
  • Representing a parent in protracted and high conflict Children Act proceedings where there were significant safeguarding concerns. The case involved police disclosure and expert evidence from a child protection charity and social services.
  • Assisting a vulnerable parent in an international child abduction case in the High Court.

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