“Nigel Shepherd has left an indelible mark on family law through decades of outstanding client service, professional leadership and tireless advocacy for reform. His pivotal role in advancing no fault divorce, combined with an unwavering commitment to constructive dispute resolution, has helped shape a more modern, compassionate and effective family justice system for generations of families.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Nigel Shepherd is one of the UK’s most recognised family law specialists, with more than 45 years of experience advising clients on divorce, financial settlements, children matters and family dispute resolution.

Best known for his leadership within Resolution and his long-standing campaign for no fault divorce, Nigel has helped shape family law policy and practice across England and Wales while building an outstanding reputation as a trusted adviser in complex family law cases.

What Nigel Shepherd does

Throughout his career, Nigel has advised clients on:

• Divorce and separation
• Complex financial settlements
• Business and company asset disputes
• Pensions on divorce
• Trust-related financial proceedings
• Pre and postnuptial agreements
• Cohabitation agreements and disputes
• Private children matters
• International family law cases
• Collaborative family law
• Family arbitration
• Private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearings

He is particularly known for helping clients achieve practical solutions while avoiding unnecessary conflict, cost and court proceedings wherever possible.

Why he stands out

Nigel is one of the most influential figures in modern family justice.

He remains the only person to have served two terms as National Chair of Resolution, the organisation dedicated to promoting a constructive and non-confrontational approach to family law.

His leadership played a significant role in the campaign for no fault divorce, a reform he championed for many years before it became law through the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which came into force in 2022.

Throughout his career he has consistently promoted family dispute resolution methods designed to reduce conflict and improve outcomes for separating couples and their children.

“My career has been committed to helping those facing family breakdown get the right outcome through the most appropriate and cost-effective process and approach for them as individuals. Avoiding confrontation is the aim.”

Recognition and trust signals

• Qualified Solicitor since 1981
• Over 45 years of family law experience
• Former National Chair of Resolution (twice)
• Honorary Life Member of Resolution
• Cornwell Award for Outstanding Contribution to Family Law (2019)
• Manchester Legal Awards Lifetime Achievement Award (2022)
• Former Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
• Former Head of Family Law at Mills & Reeve
• Former Financial Arbitrator and Early Neutral Evaluator

His influence extends beyond private practice through his contributions to policy reform, family justice education and professional training.

Leadership in family justice reform

Nigel has been one of the most prominent advocates for modernising family law in England and Wales.

His campaigning work on no fault divorce helped drive one of the most significant reforms in family law for a generation. He continues to advocate for improvements in family justice, including legal reform for cohabiting couples and greater access to dispute resolution services.

He is widely respected for promoting constructive, child-focused approaches to separation and divorce.

Career background

Nigel qualified as a solicitor in 1981 and has spent his career specialising exclusively in family law.

His career includes senior roles at Chafes, Berrymans Lace Mawer, Addleshaw Goddard and Mills & Reeve, where he became one of the firm’s leading family law specialists.

He now serves as Strategic Adviser to Ampla Finance, helping improve access to funding for individuals navigating family law disputes.

Professional memberships and appointments

• Honorary Life Member, Resolution
• Former National Chair, Resolution
• Former Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Governor, Chetham’s School of Music
• Former Chair of Resolution’s Mediation, International and Training Committees