Our Reputation and Awards

As well as receiving praise from satisfied clients, our firm has consistently proved itself as a leader in the field of family law.

Individual family lawyers have achieved national acclaim from many sources and the firm is regularly judged by independent organisations.

Professional Recommendation and Awards

Exeter Business Awards 2012

In April 2012 we were one of only three firms shortlisted for the Exeter Business Awards: "Excellence in Customer Service award". This award was for “the company that demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving its standards of customer service. The judges will expect to see a clear, well-implemented customer care policy and examples of service exceeding customer expectations."

Law Society Excellence Awards 2011

In October 2011 one of our Chartered Legal Executives, Alexandra Boardman, was highly commended in the "Legal Executive of the Year" category for her commitment and passion for providing the best advice and representation to clients in domestic abuse relationships.

One of our Directors, Stephen Sowden, was also shortlisted for the “Lawyer of the Year” award for his work in securing access rights for grandparents.

Family Law Awards 2011

In October 2011 we were one of only four firms shortlisted for “Family Law Firm of the Year” award.

Independent Legal Directories

We are recognised by the two leading independent guides to the legal profession: Legal 500 and Chambers.

"This family boutique has grown in the last year and has a large team of experienced lawyers in its offices in Plymouth and Exeter. The group is skilled in the full range of family work, and is particularly well regarded for its impressive mediation and collaborative law expertise. It also provides advice and representation on a publicly funded basis."

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Norman Hartnell is a widely respected pioneer of mediation and collaborative methods in family law. "He is a fantastic, innovative and excellent man – he has got it all," enthuse sources.

Chambers UK 2012

"Hartnell Chanot & Partners is a comprehensive and specialist divorce and family practice, with armed forces and police cases an area of niche expertise. Norman Hartnell is recommended."

The Legal 500 UK 2011

Our Accreditation

We are members of the following organisations and are regularly assessed by them to ensure we meet their strict service standards of quality and client care.

The Law Society Family Law Panel

Advanced members of the Family Law Panel provide advice and assistance to clients in more-complex family law cases, and their skills, knowledge and experience have been rigorously and independently assessed.

The Law Society Children Law Panel

Children Law members have been thoroughly tested and certified against Law Society standards and are able to provide expert public and / or private law advice.

Resolution

Resolution members are committed to promoting a non-confrontational atmosphere in which family law matters are dealt with in a sensitive, constructive and cost-effective way.

The Community Legal Services Commission

The Community Legal Services Commission quality mark shows that an organisation meets the quality standards set by the LSC and is awarded on an organisation's ability to provide advice for specific clients or areas of work.