Our Team
Specialist Family Law Solicitors
Over 25 Years of Experience
Constructive & Collaborative
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Meet The Team
Bessie Hanson - Director & Collaborative Lawyer
Bessie Hanson is a Director of Brigstow Family Law. She was previously a Director of The Family Law Practice, and prior to that a solicitor at Bobbetts Mackan.
Since qualification as a solicitor in 2008, Bessie has exclusively practised family law. Bessie has the experience, expertise and knowledge to assist her clients with the legal issues and challenges arising from the breakdown of a relationship.
Bessie specialises in resolving financial matters, arrangements for the children and protection of assets.
Bessie is ranked in Chambers & Partners (Band 2).
A client quote from The Legal 500: ‘Bessie is a truly exceptional family solicitor. I will always feel grateful for her wisdom and professional guidance, her intuitive, compassionate approach and her deep integrity.’
Bessie has a meticulous attention to detail and great judgment, both of which are key in advising clients who have complex finances such as farming assets, complex business structures, significant pension funds, inherited wealth and trust assets.
Bessie has extensive experience advising clients on child arrangements, including complex cases where there are serious welfare issues, domestic abuse, parental alienation and expert evidence.
Bessie is a member of Resolution and a collaborative lawyer. Bessie is committed to adopting a constructive and solution focused approach.
In October 2022, Bessie was appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the Western Circuit.
Sharon Mahmood - Director
Sharon Mahmood is a Director of Brigstow Family Law. She was previously a Director of The Family Law Practice, and prior to that a solicitor at Burges Salmon.
Sharon qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and since qualifying has specialised exclusively in family law. She has experience in all aspects of family work; her core practice is in resolving complex financial disputes and private law children matters, between both married and unmarried couples.
Sharon is ranked in Chambers & Partners (Band 1), described as, ‘going above and beyond for her clients. Sharon has a high attention to detail and has real insight into cases.’
Sharon is a member of the Bristol Court Users Group. She has written articles for Family Law. She is a former lecturer on the Legal Practice Course at the University of the West of England and The University of Law, Bristol.
In September 2021, Sharon was appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the Midland Circuit.
Harriet Shaw - Associate Solicitor
Harriet Shaw is an Associate Solicitor of Brigstow Family Law and joined the team in February 2022. Harriet studied Law at the University of Exeter and then went on to study her LPC at BPP University in Bristol where she gained a distinction.
Harriet previously worked alongside directors, Sharon, and Bessie at The Family Law Practice. Prior to this Harriet trained at a national law firm in the Thames Valley.
Harriet qualified as a solicitor in March 2018 and since qualifying has specialised exclusively in family law. She has experience assisting clients on a wide range of family law matters including divorce, financial proceedings and private law children matters. Harriet also advises clients going through mediation.
Harriet is a member of Resolution. She is committed to supporting her clients constructively and emotionally, whilst protecting their interests to achieve the best possible outcome.
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