Emma Brunning is a Partner in the family team at Birketts, where she leads the Chelmsford practice.
She has practised exclusively in family law since qualifying as a Solicitor in 1997 and advises on all aspects of relationship breakdown, with an emphasis on divorce, complex financial disputes, and nuptial agreements. She is a qualified Arbitrator, Resolution Accredited Specialist, Collaborative Lawyer and she is able to offer help to couples through One Couple One Lawyer.
Emma is particularly experienced in high‑value and complex matters involving family‑owned businesses, trusts, international assets and substantial pensions. Her qualifications enable her to offer clients a full range of dispute resolution options tailored to their individual circumstances.
Recognising that relationship breakdown is often one of the most challenging experiences a client will face, Emma takes a highly personal and pragmatic approach, ensuring that each case is treated as unique and that her advice is carefully tailored to her clients’ objectives and family priorities. She is committed to resolving disputes constructively wherever possible, seeking to minimise conflict, cost and delay through negotiation or non-court dispute resolution, whilst maintaining strong and effective representation through the court process when required.
Emma is widely recognised for her strategic, client‑focused approach and her ability to deliver clear, pragmatic advice in high‑pressure situations. She is noted for her “astonishing eye for detail” and her measured yet resolute representation of clients. Clients and peers describe Emma as approachable and reassuring, instilling confidence through sound and balanced advice while maintaining a focus on achieving the best possible outcome. She is ranked as a matrimonial specialist by Legal 500 and Chambers.
Recent work highlights
Acting for the wife in TF v SF [2025] EWHC 1659 (Fam), where the High Court determined financial remedy proceedings following a long marriage with assets of about £30 million, including a family business, in which the firm acted for the wife. The court addressed the husband’s non‑disclosure and obstructive post‑separation conduct when assessing fairness. A holistic approach, in proceedings involving freezing orders and complex disclosure issues, resulted in a substantial award securing her fair share of the matrimonial assets.
Acting for the husband in complex financial negotiations involving extensive and diverse assets, including international property, investments, trusts, pensions and business interests. Undertook detailed investigation to establish net asset values and tax implications, working closely with financial advisers and experts. Managed significant disclosure issues where the other party struggled to understand the asset base. Drafted a detailed consent order to achieve an equal and tax‑efficient division of approximately £12.8m.
Acting for the husband in financial negotiations to include a “private FDR” following a long marriage. Advised on complex asset base including pre-marital business, companies, overseas property interest, multiple properties, pensions and significant unsecured debt. Managed dispute over liquidity and risk allocation, where the wife was seeking sale and maintenance. We were able to negotiate a settlement achieving the right outcome for the husband including discounted business valuation, staged lump sums to assist with liquidity and clean break for the husband.
Experience & education
2021 Partner, Birketts
2014 Joined Birketts as a Senior Associate
2006 Senior Associate at Legal 500 firm, leading the Chelmsford family team
2003 Partner at Essex law firm
1997 Qualified as a Solicitor
I have felt very comfortable talking and working with Emma.
Chambers [UK 2026]
Insights
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How can I secure financial provision for my child? A guide to Schedule 1 applicationslegal updateHow can I secure financial provision for my child? A guide to Schedule 1 applications
Paul Rance, Emma Brunning6 Feb 2026 -
Is NCDR the key to financial resolution in marital breakdowns?legal updateIs NCDR the key to financial resolution in marital breakdowns?
Emma Brunning17 Jan 2025
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Depp v Heard – the issue and how it affects people in the UK?legal updateDepp v Heard – the issue and how it affects people in the UK?
Emma Brunning, Jessica Murfitt19 May 2022
