Simon McKirgan Named Finalist for Lawyer of the Year in Family Law at the Spear's Awards 2026

Vardags is delighted to announce that Senior Partner Simon McKirgan has been named a finalist for Lawyer of the Year in the Family category at the Spear’s Awards 2026.

The Spear’s Awards recognise excellence among the advisers who serve the UK’s wealthiest individuals and families. Simon’s place on the shortlist reflects a year spent at the very top of the family law market, advising on some of the most valuable, complex and sensitive divorce cases in the country.

Recognised at the top of the market

Simon is one of the UK’s leading family lawyers, specialising in ultra-high-net-worth and complex divorce cases. He is ranked Top Recommended in the Spear’s 500 and is a Leading Partner for Divorce and Financial Remedy in The Legal 500, which describes him as "one of the best legal minds" in divorce and "the best family law solicitor in London".

The Legal 500 also notes that he has "the expertise and command of both broad lines and forensic detail to be in complete command of his multi-billion pound cases". Peers describe his legal knowledge and strategic judgement as "exceptional".

Over the past 12 months, Simon has advised on a series of particularly significant matters, several involving assets of more than £100 million. His work regularly involves offshore trust structures, private company interests, contested special contribution arguments and disputed jurisdiction across multiple legal systems.

Shaping the law in complex cases

Simon has been involved in nine reported decisions since 2019, many of them in areas where the law is unsettled. His cases often turn on wealth that cannot simply be divided on divorce, such as private company stakes, offshore vehicles and international investment structures.

A recent example is THR v WAT [2025] EWHC 1125 (Fam), in which Simon led the case for the applicant wife. The judgment addressed how child maintenance top-up orders should be calculated where the paying parent’s income far exceeds the Child Maintenance Service threshold.

Rather than applying an established formula, the case required analysis from first principles under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Cases like this help shape how courts approach similar issues in the future.

Trusted with the most sensitive matters

Simon acts mainly for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including entrepreneurs, company founders, senior executives, investors and high-profile public figures. His clients also come from the sporting, entertainment, banking and hedge fund sectors.

Many of his instructions come through referrals from senior accountants, wealth managers and lawyers who know which practitioners can handle the most demanding cases. Reputational exposure, media interest and privacy concerns are common features of his work, and his clients value discretion as highly as legal expertise.

Simon is a trained collaborative lawyer and is equally comfortable resolving matters through negotiation or robust litigation. Clients highlight his judgement and his clear, direct advice under pressure. As one client put it: "If you have a hard case, go to him."

About Simon McKirgan

Simon McKirgan is a Senior Partner at Vardags, specialising in high-value and international divorce. He has built his reputation through results and referrals rather than public profile, and is regularly instructed on cases that combine large-scale assets, multiple jurisdictions and significant confidentiality concerns.

Everyone at Vardags congratulates Simon on this well-deserved recognition!