Joanne Thomas

Joanne is a highly experienced family lawyer trusted by clients who need clear, confident guidance through major life changes. With over 14 years’ specialist expertise, she is particularly sought after for complex financial cases involving academics, professionals and entrepreneurs, including matters with high value pensions, business interests, inherited wealth and other intricate arrangements. 

Clients choose Joanne for her ability to simplify complexity, protect long term financial security and deliver strategic, commercially sound outcomes. She is known for her calm, steady presence and her ability to cut through uncertainty with clear, practical advice. Joanne focuses on what matters most to each client, helping them make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.  

Joanne also advises on private children matters, including high conflict cases and situations involving addiction, domestic abuse or coercive control. Her measured, child focused approach supports parents in achieving safe, stable arrangements that protect their children’s wellbeing.  

As a qualified family mediator, Joanne promotes constructive, future focused discussions wherever possible. When court proceedings are necessary, she provides strong, strategic representation while ensuring clients feel fully supported and prepared at every stage.  

Joanne has a recognised specialism in modern family formation. Inspired by her own fertility journey, she advises individuals and couples on donor conception, surrogacy and assisted reproduction, offering clear, compassionate guidance through the legal frameworks of building a family. 

Joanne is recognised in The Legal 500 for combining strategic thinking with a practical, personable approach. Testimonials for Joanne featured in The Legal 500 include:

• Joanne Thomas is an excellent lawyer.  She stands out from her peers in other firms as she is very responsive and engaged.  She had always thought everything through carefully before we spoke and when she sent me correspondence from the other side she provided advice on suggested approaches.  She listened to my concerns and always found a way forward I felt comfortable with.  She is very thorough, and her preparation is always meticulous.
• I have worked closely with Joanne Thomas who is always willing to go the extra mile for her clients and gives sensible, pragmatic advice in a sensitive manner.  Clients always feel reassured by her calm nature and as counsel it is refreshing to know that she is always willing to work collaboratively to think through strategy on a case.
• Joanne Thomas is also a very safe pair of hands.  She is very calm under pressure and has a good mind for figures.