Welcoming Chris Longbottom to lead our Family law team

Harrison Drury has appointed Chris Longbottom as partner and head of family law to support our continued growth in Manchester and across the North.

Chris joins from Clarke Willmott, where he spent nine years as partner and national family team manager. With established connections in Manchester, he will further develop our family law team’s expertise across our nine offices.

He brings over 20 years’ private client experience to the role, including complex financial matters involving inherited wealth, assets acquired before marriage, business valuations and tracing of hidden or overseas assets.

L to R – Duncan Rawlinson and Chris Longbottom.

A Leading Partner in the Legal 500 and ranked in this year’s Chambers & Partners, Chris was shortlisted for ‘Private Client Lawyer of the Year’ at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2025 and ‘Professional Services Leader of the Year’ in the North West Leadership Awards 2026.

Duncan Rawlinson, head of the firm’s home and family division, said: “We want our people to see a future here and have the encouragement and opportunities to progress. Bringing in someone like Chris is an investment in just that. He knows how to build a successful team and is keen to share his experience and help colleagues develop.

“He joins a team with plenty to be proud of, including its ranking in this year’s Chambers UK Guide. Chris has the experience and ambition to build on that success, develop our people and attract further talent.”

Our divorce and family team comprises eight qualified specialists, advising individuals and families on marriage, divorce, separation, financial arrangements and matters involving children.

Chris said: “Harrison Drury has exciting plans, and I’m delighted to play a part in delivering them. My vision is to develop our practice and bring through the next generation of family lawyers. Having worked in Manchester for many years, I also see a real opportunity to build on those relationships and strengthen the firm’s presence across the city.

“Family law is deeply personal, so our expertise must be matched by a clear understanding of what matters to each client. As we grow, practical advice and support that gives people confidence at difficult points in their lives will remain central to our approach.”

Chris is a member of the Manchester Law Society’s Family Law Committee and a regular media commentator on divorce and separation, including in the Financial Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian, and on BBC News and Sky News.

Building expertise across the team

Growing our divorce and family team means expanding the range of matters we can help with and increasing our capacity to support clients. Chris’s experience of leading a national team and developing expertise will help shape that growth.

His appointment complements our wider investment in professional development, including appointing Chloe Wynter-Smith as learning and development manager in September. Dedicated learning support, alongside guidance from experienced team leaders, helps colleagues build their skills and prepare for their next career step.

Simon England, managing partner at Harrison Drury, said: “We want clients to know they can turn to us as their lives and businesses change. That means thinking ahead about the expertise we’ll need and investing in it now.

“Chris’s appointment is part of that longer-term plan. His experience will help us broaden the work our family team can undertake and bring together advice on relationships, property and business interests, so clients can access the holistic expertise they need as their circumstances require.”

Find out more about Chris and his expertise here or contact our divorce and family team here.

Duncan Rawlinson