“Sam Longworth has established himself as one of the leading family lawyers of his generation, recognised for navigating complex international family disputes, sophisticated wealth structures and high-stakes financial proceedings with exceptional strategic skill. Combining commercial acumen, technical excellence and a reassuringly straightforward approach, he is trusted by clients across the globe to protect their interests in matters where substantial assets, multiple jurisdictions and life-changing decisions intersect. His role in shaping modern family law through landmark litigation reflects a practitioner operating at the highest level of the profession.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Sam Longworth is a Partner in the Divorce and Family team at Stewarts and is widely recognised as one of England’s foremost specialists in international and high-value family law matters.

With nearly two decades at the firm, Sam advises clients across the UK, the United States, Asia, the Middle East and other major international jurisdictions. His practice focuses on complex financial disputes arising from divorce, international family law issues, private wealth protection and cross-border children matters.

What Sam Longworth does

Sam advises individuals, families and trustees on a broad range of sophisticated family law issues, including:

• High net worth and ultra-high net worth divorce cases
• International divorce and cross-border family disputes
• Complex financial settlements
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
• Family wealth and asset protection strategies
• Trust and inheritance-related divorce disputes
• Divorce arbitration and private dispute resolution
• International child relocation cases
• Parental disputes involving multiple jurisdictions
• Forum disputes and jurisdiction challenges

His clients include leaders in the financial and technology sectors, entrepreneurs, international families, sports personalities, entertainers and individuals with substantial inherited or dynastic wealth structures.

Why he stands out

Sam has earned a reputation as one of the most effective strategists in modern family law. Clients value his ability to simplify highly complex issues and deliver practical, commercially focused advice that protects their long-term interests.

He is particularly known for combining detailed technical expertise with an unfussy, approachable style that inspires confidence during some of life’s most challenging situations.

Chambers and Partners has praised Sam as:

“A great tactician and a good fighting litigator. He’s very clear and forthright in his advice, and commands total respect from his clients.”

Another Chambers commentator described him as:

“The coming man and within a few years will be the top divorce solicitor in the land. His clients absolutely adore his unfussy, reassuring and efficient way of doing business.”

Landmark Supreme Court success

Sam was the lead partner representing the successful husband in the landmark Supreme Court case of Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26, one of the most significant family law decisions of recent years.

The case clarified the treatment of pre-marital wealth and the concept of “matrimonialisation” in English divorce law. The Supreme Court’s decision resulted in the largest reduction to a divorce award ever achieved in this jurisdiction, reducing the award by approximately 45% and reinforcing the principle that assets unconnected to the marriage should not automatically be shared.

The case is regarded as a major authority on the distinction between matrimonial and non-matrimonial property and further cemented Sam’s standing as one of the country’s leading family law practitioners.

International family law expertise

A significant proportion of Sam’s work involves international families and cross-border disputes.

He regularly advises clients on:

• Jurisdiction disputes and forum challenges
• International divorce proceedings
• Cross-border wealth structures
• Trust and tax-related family law issues
• International child relocation applications
• Multi-jurisdictional financial settlements

His experience includes acting in leading cases before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court involving international families and jurisdictional conflicts.

A leader in family arbitration

Sam is recognised as a leading practitioner in family arbitration and private dispute resolution.

Many of his clients choose arbitration as a confidential, efficient and flexible alternative to traditional court proceedings. Sam is frequently instructed in private court processes designed to deliver faster outcomes while maintaining complete discretion.

His expertise in this area has led to regular commentary on developments in family arbitration, including contributions to legal publications and national media.

Recognition and awards

Sam is consistently recognised by the leading legal directories and industry awards.

• Spear’s Family Lawyer of the Year 2025
• Ranked in Chambers and Partners
• Ranked in The Legal 500
• Featured in Spear’s Family Law Index
• Recognised as one of the leading family lawyers of his generation

Spear’s notes that:

“One of the UK’s leading partners, Longworth is popular among clients, referrers and peers alike.”

The Legal 500 highlights his ability to remain calm under pressure and his extensive expertise in multi-jurisdictional divorce matters.

Leadership and professional standing

Sam is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), one of the most prestigious organisations for family law specialists worldwide.

He also serves as Vice Chair of the International Family Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law and is an active member of both the International Bar Association and Resolution.

Alongside his legal practice, Sam regularly presents at international conferences and provides commentary on developments in family law, divorce planning, international relocation and arbitration.