Managing Partner
Helen, Managing Partner at Clarence Family Law is a specialist family law solicitor with over 20 years’ experience, having qualified at the Bar (Inner Temple) in 2004 and as a solicitor in 2007. She advises on all aspects of family law.
Helen’s relationship with each of her clients is at the heart of her approach. Family breakdown can be traumatic, and establishing trust and understanding at the outset is key.
Helen acquired her knowledge and experience in some of the most highly regarded family law departments in London, including Sears Tooth and Mishcon de Reya LLP. She later spent over five years as a Partner in a leading London boutique before establishing Clarence Family Law in June 2023.
Throughout her career, Helen has dealt with some of the most complex family law matters, including many reported cases. She regularly handles financial cases involving asset tracing, trusts, complicated corporate structures, and situations where there are allegations of dishonesty or non-disclosure.
Helen also handles private law children disputes, abduction matters, and applications from parents wishing to relocate with their children.
She regularly acts for city professionals, CEOs, business owners, sports stars, and individuals in the public eye. She has established a strong client base in South West London where she lives with her partner and two children.
Recognised by her peers as a straight-talking and pragmatic lawyer, Helen has been ranked in Chambers High Net Worth, Chambers and Partners, and listed as a Next Generation Partner in The Legal 500.
Client testimonials:
- JJ: “Extremely professional and efficient. Helen Wilby and her associates made what could have been a very difficult process stress free whilst acting on my behalf. Keeping me informed at all times.”
- JK: “I cannot recommend Clarence Law highly enough. From start to finish, my case was handled with care. Their efficiency ensured that matters progressed without delay.”
- “What I believe sets Clarence Law apart is their deep understanding of challenging personalities and their ability to guide clients through difficult situations with professionalism and insight. Their support made a meaningful difference during a particularly tough time in my life.”
- RO: “I used Helen and her team in a family matter, with a particularly difficult, unrelenting mother. I specifically wanted representation from someone local, from a team I could meet with in person and travel to and from court with together. My case dragged on and on, and Helen was always there, offering excellent legal advice but emotional support too throughout a process fraught with angst. I would have no hesitation in recommending Clarence’s services.”
- CL: “Working with Helen and Emma was an outstanding experience from start to finish. They bring the perfect combination of deep technical expertise and sharp practical judgment. When additional support was needed, they drew on a network of carefully vetted experts who brought the same level of effectiveness to the table. Beyond achieving a successful outcome, the experience of working with them was genuinely rewarding. They are collaborative, responsive, and creative problem-solvers who approach issues with tenacity and integrity. I recommend Helen and Emma without any reservation.”
- PG: “Clarence Family Law are a first class specialist family law firm. Established by Helen Wilby, they are a discreet, professional, and powerful outfit — which you’d expect from Helen who cut her teeth working with Sears Tooth and Mishcon de Reya. The only family law solicitors I would trust.”
- LR: “Clarence Family Law is a truly exceptional firm, unlike many larger practices. Helen, the founder, works directly with her clients, offering clear, pragmatic, no-nonsense advice throughout the divorce and child arrangements process. Her professionalism and dedication made a very difficult time far more manageable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.”
- HB: “Really excellent handling of a charged situation, first rate experience and judgement throughout. Thank you.”
- EK: “Helen has been an exceptional solicitor throughout my legal mattes which lasted for over seven years. I had changed solicitors twice before being introduced to Helen. Her professionalism was evident from day one. She grasped the complexities of my case with clarity and made even the most challenging issues feel manageable. She took the time to truly understand my situation, offering clear, empathetic advice whilst maintaining a high level of professionalism. Helen and her team were prompt in communication, responsive to every email, and always attentive to my requests. Every interaction felt efficient and supportive. I highly recommend their services.”
- ST: “I can’t recommend Helen highly enough. Throughout what was a very difficult divorce process, she was astute, compassionate, and consistently level-headed. Her professionalism and kindness made a real difference during an incredibly stressful.”
- “I’m truly grateful for her dedication and would highly recommend her to anyone needing strong, thoughtful legal representation.”
- ZH: “Helen was recommended by a friend, and I am so grateful to him. Fantastic experience from beginning to end thanks to Helen’s professional and pragmatic approach. Would highly recommend Clarence Family Law.”
- EB: “Helen and Emma have been incredible working on my divorce. They are kind, calm, empathetic, extremely professional, efficient and absolute experts in their field. I would highly recommend them! They will listen and understand whilst always being honest and respectfully giving you excellent guidance and service.”
- CdlS: “Helen and her team are amazing. I have had many solicitors over the years and Helen is one of, if not the best!”
- “Thank you so much for all your hard work, guidance, help and support and for so bravely and fiercely fighting for me and getting me through very dark and fearful times during my long and difficult divorce. You gave me hope when I was at my lowest point and your resoluteness gave me the courage and strength to keep going forward when I was too scared to know what to do next. I am so glad we found you and so blessed and incredibly grateful for having you as my lawyer. Thank you very much for giving your very best and getting me the best outcome I could possibly have hoped for in my divorce and for helping me secure a future. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who may need the help of a family lawyer.”
Professional Testimonials
- Chambers high net worth: ‘Helen Wilby is an absolute force of nature. She takes on any case no matter the complexities. She is a real trailblazer, fearless, well-liked and a formidable opponent.’
- Chambers high net worth: ‘Helen Wilby is fantastic and highly effective.’
- Chambers high net worth: ‘Helen Wilby has a very powerful presence and is very hands-on.’
- Chambers high net worth: ‘Helen is such a skilled litigator; she is incredibly astute in terms of what the issues are and has a mind only interested in what is going to make a difference.’
- Chambers high net worth: ‘Helen is bright, highly competent, and has an interesting set of clients’
- Chambers high net worth: ‘She is excellent on complex matters and a delight to deal with.’
- Chambers high net worth: ‘She is a great lawyer. She is very knowledgeable, passionate about her cases and has great client skills.’
- Legal 500: ‘Helen Wilby is like a machine – so clever and efficient’
- Legal 500: ‘Tremendous insight and a real gift for understanding what clients want’
- Legal 500: ‘One of the best in the business. She gives absolutely sound advice.’
- Legal 500: ‘Simply one of the most extraordinary lawyers I have ever worked with and been against’ – ‘Helen is canny, calm, balanced, knowledgeable and realistic.’