Getting comfortable in Vardags’ Newcastle office feels both delightfully luxurious and reassuringly homely.

Much like the mahogany-panelled offices in London, Manchester and Winchester, the founder and president Ayesha Vardag personally hand-picked the plush interiors down to the last roll of wallpaper.

From setting up Vardags as a one-woman-show from the spare room of her Islington townhouse in 2005 to a leading law firm of over 100, Ayesha Vardag has taken this bespoke approach to all aspects of the business.

Vardags was catapulted into the limelight after Ayesha’s 2010 victory in the case of Radmacher v Granatino which made prenups legally enforceable in England and Wales.

Known as one of Britain’s top divorce lawyers, Ayesha prides herself on leading some of the biggest cases in the family courts - and winning. Although Vardags earned its reputation for high-net-worth divorce, the firm has expanded to offer civil and commercial litigation, employment, media, and criminal defence, alongside more traditional family law and private client services.

Handling cases involving assets in the millions and even hundreds of millions, Vardags is unique in providing its own financial forensics team to protect their assets and help clients get their fair share. But, while delivering a world-class service, Vardags retains its family feel. Each and every new member of staff is carefully selected to fit the Vardags ethos.

“Vardags truly is a community,” says Ayesha. “We exclusively hire those who really care about making a difference to our clients, and have the intellect, creativity and unwavering determination necessary to achieve their goals.”

As client demand boomed, establishing an office in Newcastle was an easy choice to make. Born in Tynemouth and raised by an Alnwick and Alnmouth born-and-bred mother, Ayesha holds the North East close to her heart.

Ayesha’s fondness for the region and conviction that the North East has brilliant potential for growth led her to pick Newcastle’s historic Grey Street as the site for Vardags’ next adventure.

And what an adventure it has been. This January, Vardags’ Newcastle office celebrated its first anniversary and took the opportunity to raise a glass to the future with director Susanne Shah as head of office. The North East lawyer has over a decade of experience advising clients in family matters in addition to previous experience advising on other areas including, immigration law, housing and crime.

An industry leader with remarkable empathy, Susanne is a firm favourite with her clients. Dedicated to recruiting local talent, Susanne is joined by Morpeth-based senior associate Sarah Ward, a tough negotiator who has particular expertise acting in divorce cases involving family farms, and two ambitious graduate trainees.

Expanding at a phenomenal rate in line with the firm’s other offices across England, the Newcastle team is set to welcome another two senior fee earners in a matter of months and also a new troupe of trainees.

Not only is the team growing, the services on offer are too. Vardags Newcastle is currently held in high esteem for the team’s expertise in complex family cases involving significant assets, and delicate children act proceedings.

With the mission to protect the family, business and legacy of their clients, the Newcastle office is expanding to offer a wider spectrum of services for high-net-worth individuals. With these bold ambitions, it is not surprising that the team are currently searching for more office space in Newcastle.

Loyal to the local area, for the second year running, this June Vardags are sponsoring Belsay Horse Trials; a spectacular British Equestrian event taking place on Grade I-listed grounds of Belsay Hall.

“It’s a great opportunity to engage with the local community,” Susanne says. “We can’t wait to meet new people and share what Vardags has to offer.”

With the North East office already set to spread its wings wider, the success of the past year gives the team confidence that their message will be well-received.

Visit vardags.com or telephone 0191 640 3933 for more information.