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.  

• 2026 - present, Partner - Howes Percival
• 2021 – 2026, Director - Freeths
• 2020 – 2021, Managing Associate - Freeths
• 2019 - 2020, Senior Associate - Freeths
• 2018 – 2019, Associate - Freeths
• 2018, Associate Solicitor - Baxter Harries Solicitor
• 2017, Trainee Solicitor - Baxter Harries Solicitor
• 2016, Solicitor, B P Collins Solicitor
• 2014 - 2016, Solicitor, Birkett Long
• 2012 – 2014, Assistant Solicitor - Neves Solicitors
• 2010 – 2012, Trainee Solicitor - Neves Solicitors
• 2010, Paralegal - Neves Solicitors

• 2009 - 2010, LLM Professional Legal Practice  - BPP Law School, LLM
• 2007 – 2009, Legal Practice Course - BPP Law School
• 2004 - 2007, LLB, Law - University of Hertfordshire