Specialisms
He has advised and represented clients in the process of divorce, clients who have not been married and those who have entered into civil partnerships.
Julian’s specialty is cases involving substantial income and capital, both in this country and abroad, as well as complex financial, business, and trust structures. He regularly drafts pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements for high net worth individuals.
Julian is a specialist accredited member of Resolution in Advanced Financial Provision and International Family Law issues. He is also a trained collaborative lawyer whose reputation for adopting a collaborative approach to reaching settlements for his clients is highly rated and recognised in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. He is also well regarded by his clients for his strategic approach to court proceedings.
Training & employment experience
He was educated at Leeds Grammar School and Leicester University, where he studied Law. His career has spanned nearly two decades and throughout that time he has specialised in family law. Julian was, and continues to be, an instrumental part in the firm’s expansion from a single office in Harrogate to its ever-growing national network.
Approach
Julian’s first objective is always to understand what his client wants to achieve. This understanding will enable him to advise on the routes to take to achieve those objectives. His approach is to take a fair but firm approach to solving the problems that exist whilst never losing sight of the human dimensions and the emotional complexities that are involved.
Legal 500
Julian is one of Legal 500’s recommended lawyers, with them saying:
“Julian Hawkhead has an ‘admirable combination of having a great brain with street wisdom to match”
“Julian Hawkhead – a brilliant brain with street wisdom and client care skills in abundance.” – Legal 500, 2021
Read more about what Legal 500 has to say about Julian.
Chambers & Partners
Julian is ranked in the Chambers & Partners UK guide 2026 as an Eminent practitioner in Family and Matrimonial matters.
Chambers says: “Julian prepares cases really well. I have been impressed.”
Read more about what Chambers has to say about Julian.
Outside of work
A keen musician, Julian plays the violin and a variety of other instruments. Married with two teenage children, on the occasions he has some spare time he gets out on his bike or enjoys playing or watching tennis.
Julian Hawkhead
4 min read
15 Jun 2024
