Biography
I am a Partner in the London office specialising in all aspects of Family law, relationship breakdown and Children law.
I represent a wide range of people in a variety of situations, from the simple to the very complex. I have been involved in some of the most important family cases of the last few years, notably Vaughan v Vaughan, a case that determined the correct treatment of first wives after a second marriage, and Gohil v Gohil, which made clear the approach the Courts should take when a spouse has lied about his or her assets during financial negotiations.
I have a particular interest in advocacy – representing clients directly in Court. At the most stressful times, it reassures clients to have a familiar person with whom they already have a relationship speaking for them.
I believe that it is central to the solicitor’s job that we never lose sight of the cost to our clients – financial, practical and emotional – of what they are going through.
Testimonials
'Toby Hales plays an active role in his case load and forms strong relationships with clients; his advice is spot on.'
'Toby Hales continues to be a familiar and well respected face in the London family law world.' - Legal 500, 2025 (Leading Partner)
"Toby is very resolution-focused and wants to find a solution in a pragmatic and sensible way." "He is a no-nonsense and insightful lawyer." - Chamber & Partners, 2024 (Band 1)
‘Toby Hales is a wily and experienced lawyer who knows all the ins and outs of the family law industry. He has been there and done it all and knows exactly how to pitch a case. Clients really appreciate his dedication and focus to finding the right solution for them.’ ‘A team with wide ranging experience covering all areas of family law for private clients. Toby Hales has years of experience, an excellent reputation and great client care.’ - Legal 500, 2024 (Leading Individual)
"Toby Hales is calm, grounded, extremely knowledgeable and articulate, and can get the message across in a very sharp and yet delicate way." – Legal 500, 2021 (Leading Individual)
"The ‘intelligent’ Toby Hales ‘fights hard for his clients'" – Chambers & Partners, 2018
"Toby Hales draws acclaim from sources as a 'very clever and imaginative lawyer' who is 'insightful about reaching resolutions for clients in a cost-effective way.'" – Legal 500, 2018
Client Testimonial
"Irwin Mitchell represented in my [financial dispute resolution] case. From what was a complex case, I was well advised and informed from the offset the possible outcome. indeed, the outcome was successful...Highly recommend Toby Hales and Taler Kelly." - 5* Trustpilot Review
Publications
I've had articles published in Family Law and in the Resolution Review, most recently about Holidaying in Non Convention Countries (Family Law) and Fixed Fees (Resolution Review)
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I was fascinated by the impact that the Family Justice system can have – for good or ill – on the most important elements of people’s lives at a time of greatest crisis. Helping people through that time and navigating with them the rigours of the system excites me no less now than it did 25 years ago.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Seeing the job through from start to finish – from when I meet someone for the first time and they tell me about the difficulties and challenges they face, to seeing them for the last time when – hopefully – their lives are more ordered and settled.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I shut myself in the basement and play the drums – fortunately for the neighbours this now takes place through headphones. I am an avid player of strategy board games and, when time allows, I coach American Football because I am too old and fragile to play any more.
