Virtual

Beyond the Courtroom: The Future of Family Dispute Resolution

12 Sep 2025

Location: 12:00 - 1:00pm UK Time (Zoom)
Members: - Book by 12 Sep
Non Members: - Book by 12 Sep

Beyond the Courtroom: The Future of Family Dispute Resolution

Highlights

As family law continues evolving toward more collaborative, client-centered approaches, Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) is rising in prominence. This expert-led webinar will explore the key legal, procedural, and ethical developments shaping NCDR today from mediation and arbitration to emerging models like "1 Lawyer 1 Couple."

Attendees will gain valuable insights from leading practitioners, barristers, and judges on how to navigate complex disputes with empathy, innovation, and efficiency and create an understanding of just some of the issues that will be the focus of this year's Non-Court Dispute Resolution Forum taking place on 14th October 2025, where further information on the event can be found here.

Key Points:

1. Understanding NCDR: Evolution, Practice, and the Role of the Courts

2. Mediation & Arbitration: Practical Tools and Case-Based Learning

3. New Frontiers: Innovative and Ethical Models of NCDR

4. Safeguarding, Suitability, and Regional Practice

Harry Oliver KC
Barrister
1KBW

Harry took silk in 2020 having been the leading finance junior for many years. In 2018 he was awarded Family Law Junior Barrister of the Year, by Chambers & Partners. He previously won it in 2013 and was shortlisted in 2012. No other barrister has ever been nominated three times and won the award twice.

Harry specializes in complex divorce, financial remedies and claims for provision for unmarried parents under Children Act 1989 Schedule 1. His cases usually involve high and ultra-high net worth individuals (including up to £3bn). He has particular experience with complex corporate, trust, tax and business valuation issues, in the UK and overseas. He represents individuals, trusts, trustees and companies and has advised on overseas divorces including in Jersey, Guernsey, Cayman, Gibraltar, Hong Kong and Isle of Man. He also advises commercial funders of litigation.

He is instructed to advise on pre-nuptial agreements including with international dimensions. He is qualified and experienced arbitrator and regularly is called upon to preside over private FDRs. Harry has been instructed as an expert witness on English law in foreign proceedings.


Harry Oliver KC
Harry Oliver KC Barrister
1KBW
Sam Longworth
Partner
Stewarts

Sam is a leading lawyer in international, complex and high-value divorce and family law cases. He is recognised across the private wealth industries as a leader in his field.

Sam is instructed by individuals, families, and trustees across the world to address issues arising from divorce, and to assist in the preparation of pre- and post-nuptial agreements. He also has extensive expertise in complex parental disputes, with a particular emphasis on international relocation.

His clients range from the sports and entertainment industries to the City and international community, with a particular emphasis on the US, South America, Russia and the Middle East.

Sam is known for his complete discretion, commercial advice and ability to achieve swift, best-outcome solutions for his clients. He also has extensive experience in ‘private court’ based arbitration for family disputes.


Sam Longworth
Sam Longworth Partner
Stewarts
Connie Atkinson
Partner
Kingsley Napley

Connie regularly assists clients who need help with their separation and the practical and financial implications arising out of this. 

Most of Connie’s clients or their partners work in the City and many have an international connection.  Connie therefore regularly works with solicitors in other jurisdictions.  Connie has expertise in international surrogacy cases and helps parents with the parental order applications required following their children’s birth.  On these cases, she works closely with members of our immigration team to resolve any issues in bringing the children home.

Connie is also a qualified mediator and assists as a mediator for clients in respect of all practical and legal issues surrounding family relationship breakdown. She is recognised as a Next Generation Lawyer in Legal 500 UK 2019 for Family: Mediation  and in Chambers UK 2020 as an Associate to Watch in Family/Matrimonial.


Connie Atkinson
Connie Atkinson Partner
Kingsley Napley

Agenda

11:55am
Audience Logs On
12:00pm
Chair's Opening Remarks
12:05pm
Beyond the Courtroom: The Future of Family Dispute Resolution
Speakers:
Connie Atkinson - Partner - Kingsley Napley
Sam Longworth - Partner - Stewarts
Harry Oliver KC - Barrister - 1KBW
12:45pm
Panel Q&A
1:00pm
Chair's Closing Remarks

Event Partners

Contact Us

If you are interested in this event and would like some more information before making your decision to attend please contact Jamie Biggam on or email jamie@thoughtleaders4.com