Don't take our word for it. See what our clients say

Praised for ‘providing the best public service to its clients’, Smith Partnership has a highly specialist childcare offering, alongside its expertise in private family law matters. Commended by clients as a ’brilliant lawyer and advocate’, Muctar Johal co-leads the practice, with expertise in childcare matters involving complex and sensitive medical and care proceedings. Recognised for going ‘the extra mile for her clients’, Ruth Jones co-leads the practice alongside Johal. Clare Cuomo is adept at handling complex childcare matters, with a focus on issues involving teenage children.

‘This is an exceptional firm, providing the best public service to its clients. I have seen first-hand how their teams operate, supporting each other. They have a terrific breadth of experience and enthusiasm for the work, which can be so challenging.’

‘The partner I know well is Muctar Johal. He has a superhuman ability to juggle a huge caseload, be an excellent advocate at court and yet finds time for his extremely vulnerable clients, to engage with them and gain their confidence. He is a brilliant lawyer and advocate.’

- The Legal 500, 2026

Working in conjunction with the commercial litigation and private client teams, Smith Partnership's practice handles private client, professional negligence and will and estate claims. Heading up the practice, Victoria Townsend is a key contact for advising on will disputes, proprietary estoppel and family trust issues. Townsend is an accredited member of the ACTAPS and has been lauded by clients for her ‘professional integrity, patience, and judgement’.

‘My solicitor was exceptional and could not have been more helpful, kind and courteous to me and my wife.’

‘In my experience, what makes this practice unique is the quality of thinking and calm authority that underpins every stage of their work. The team at Smith Partnership, and particularly the Contentious Trusts and Probate team, have a rare ability to manage sensitive and high-stakes matters with both legal precision and a human touch.'

- The Legal 500, 2026

Smith Partnership's team has a particular strength handling professional liability claims, often at High Court-level. The team frequently acts for claimants in cases brought against solicitors, accountants and surveyors. Leading the practice, Alison Neate brings over 15 years of experience in professional negligence and is recognised by her clients as ‘an outstanding professional negligence litigator’.

'Smith Partnership is my number one recommendation for individuals who have been let down by professionals, where there have been significant consequences.'

'Alison Neate heads up the professional liability team, acting exclusively for claimants. She has wonderful client care skills and is someone to whom I would direct my friends and family if they needed assistance.'

- The Legal 500, 2026