TOWNSEND FAMILY LAW LIMITED - Key Persons


Abbie Marsh

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Abbie advises across all aspects of privately funded family law matters including divorce, separation, contested matrimonial finances, private law children matters, and injunction matters. Abbie has built up a wealth of experience representing a wide range of clients who come from various backgrounds and circumstances, dealing with cases involving serious domestic violence and complex financial issues. Abbie joined the team at Townsend's in May 2022 and was admitted as a solicitor in December 2022.

Amanda Sampson

Job Titles:
  • Office Administrator
  • Receptionist

Laura Sweeting

Job Titles:
  • Accounts Administrator
Laura's background comes from the recruitment industry , with 13 years' experience as an accounts/ payroll assistant. Laura joined Townsend in September and deals with our companies accounts and office administration. Personal In her spare time Laura enjoys spending time with her young family and socialising with friends.

Louise Hayes

Job Titles:
  • Secretary
  • Townsend As a Receptionist
Louise joined Townsend as a receptionist in December 2020 after previously working in a Corporate Law firm in the City and in 2022 she moved to the role of legal secretary. Personal In her spare time Louise enjoys writing her own music, spending time with friends & family and going to music concerts.

Marion Foley

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Solicitor
Marion joined Townsend's in May 2018. In December 2020 she assumed ownership of the practice from the founder Melanie Townsend. Marion has a wealth of legal and business experience. A reputation built over thirty years means that much of Marion's work comes through recommendation from clients, their ex-partners and other solicitors. She acts for men and women alike and routinely represents business clients, the self-employed as well as city, medical and IT professionals. Marion has established a strong practice in divorce and financial settlements with an emphasis on financially complex break ups between married, unmarried and same sex couples involving business structures, pensions and overseas assets. She also specialises in disputes over children. With a reputation for settling disputes before trial, Marion's aim is to maximise a settlement without wasting precious time or money. She routinely opposes the big London firms and she prides herself on delivering a City service without the City price tag. Marion's service is tailored to meet the individual needs of her clients. Her style is personable but professional. Clients appreciate Marion's strong and reassuring approach. Advice on settlement is delivered early to manage expectations and to avoid disappointment. After a detour working in the City, Marion took the traditional university route to qualifying as a solicitor. Since qualifying in 1997, she has specialised exclusively in the field of family law. Marion is a long standing member of Resolution. Personal Marion is married and has a daughter. When she is not busy working she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends. Swimming in the open air is a favourite pastime and Marion loves to travel.

Poppy Mclellan

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
  • Trainee Solicitor
Poppy graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2021 with a First Class in LLB Law and completed the Masters in Legal Practice in 2022 passing with a Distinction. After working as a paralegal in the commercial and residential property departments at a practice in Hertfordshire, Poppy joined Townsend Family Law in October 2023 and qualified as a solicitor in April 2025 after completing her training under the supervision of Marion Foley. Poppy now advises and accepts instructions across all areas of privately funded family law matters including divorce, separation, matrimonial finance, cohabitation disputes, private law children matters, and injunction proceedings. Poppy has gained experience in all aspects of family law and is committed to providing honest and sensible advice to clients. Clients have complimented Poppy on her personable, yet professional approach to client care. Poppy strives to ensure her clients feel supported and understood throughout what can be a difficult process. Advice is delivered honestly and as early as possible to ensure efficient case progression and effective management of clients' expectations. Personal: In Poppy's free time she enjoys going to the gym and watching the television show Friends. Poppy is a big West Ham fan and enjoys going to home and away matches at the weekend.

Rene Panayiotou

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Rene joined the Townsend Family Law team in November 2022. She advises across all aspects of privately funded family law matters including divorce, separation, civil partnerships, contested matrimonial finance matters, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, private law children cases and injunctions and brings a wealth of experience with her. Before joining Townsend's, Rene was an associate solicitor for a well-known national family law firm.