Renato Labi

Spear’s Review

Renato Labi studied international history and politics at Leeds University before qualifying as a solicitor in 1997. He spent a year as a commercial litigator in City law firm DLA before joining the family department of Bates, Wells & Braithwaite in 1998. He has been at Hughes Fowler Carruthers since 2005.

The partner is described by a colleague as a ‘highly effective operator’. He has wide experience in dealing with financial disputes within divorce proceedings and following cohabitation, and in complex private law children cases.

He is also a member of Resolution and a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Adviser Profile

‘Universally liked by clients’ and a ‘fantastic strategist’, Renato Labi is one of the foremost family lawyers acting in the most difficult reported cases. He has wide experience in dealing with financial disputes within divorce proceedings and following cohabitation, and in complex private law children’s cases. He is particularly noted for his expertise in matters involving complex trusts and property issues. 

Peers note Labi is a ‘fine tactician who can take a case through to trial with relish’ and praise him for ‘always being two steps ahead of his opponent’. His advice is clear, cogent and realistic and his manner ‘utterly charming’, with a ‘particularly good bedside manner with clients’. Known for his tactical nous and erudite understanding of legal nuances, he is consistently highly recommended in the leading legal and high-net-worth directories for his practice. 

Labi continues to act for and against international high and ultra-high-net-worth figures and trustees, and advises on high-value and extremely complex international family litigation, including cross-border financial remedy and enforcement cases. 

‘Very bright on technical legal points’, Labi ‘spots them before other people do. He takes a strong view of how the case will go early on, and can spot a case that will go all the way to court’, highlights one source. Another enthuses that ‘he has the client down to a tee, and he’s quick, efficient, and has a good instinct for what the outcome will be’. 

Outside of the office, Renato’s interests include politics, music and the arts. For many years he was a trustee and Chair of Poet in the City, a venture philanthropy charity, and he remains on the corporate panel.