Family Team

Barry has been the Senior Partner of the firm for 10 years now, during which time the firm has increased in size. Originally from Dudley in the West Midlands (hence his regular visits to watch Aston Villa play at Villa Park) he has been with the firm since 1971 and is committed to Essex and the County Cricket Club, of which he is currently an elected membr of the Committee.

He specialises in family law, including care proceedings, and is a member of the Family Law Society Children and Advanced Family Panels, as well as a Resolution accredited specialist in matrimonial finances and children matters. He sits as a Tribunal Judge for the Appeals Service and is a trained Mediator. He is married and has three grown up sons, a grandson and a golden Labrador.

barry.crawford@hill-abbott.co.uk

Richard has been with the firm since 1987 and is currently Managing Partner. He has over 20 years' experience practising all aspects of family law and is a member of the Law Society's Advanced Family Law Panel. Richard is Vice Chairman of the Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau's Trustee Board. He counts amongst his vices Colchester United and Real Ale!

richard.blythe@hill-abbott.co.uk

Chris is a Senior Family Law Adviser having practised in this area for 20 years. He has forged a reputation for giving down-to-earth practical advice of the highest calibre and is well thought of in all the local family courts. Having experienced divorce, Chris is able to offer a perspective from personal experience. He is the proud father of Kira and James.

chris.fairhead@hill-abbott.co.uk

Karen qualified as a solicitor in November 2003. She immediately decided that she wanted to specialise in Family Law and knowing of Hill & Abbott's reputation in this area, joined the firm in January 2004. She has since obtained considerable knowledge in dealing with all aspects of family law, both publicly and privately funded.

Karen has particular interest and empathy in domestic violence and children matters. Karen is interested in art and dance and has appeared in a film, a TV series and a TV advertisement.

karen.bishop@hill-abbott.co.uk