It’s the most high-profile celebrity divorce in years. The separation between Hollywood power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is set to be one of the most expensive in history.
After ten years together, the Jolie-Pitt household has amassed an estimated combined fortune of $400 million. Actress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie has enlisted the help of a high-powered legal team to guide her exit from her two-year marriage to Brad Pitt.
Since Brad has not yet announced his representation in the divorce, we take a look at some of the most premium and expensive divorce lawyers in the world that he might hire.
Representing Angelina Jolie: Laura Wasser
Charging $850 an hour and requiring a $250,000 retainer, Wasser typically only represents people who are worth more than $10 million. A partner at Los Angeles family law firm Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles, Laura Wasser has represented a number of high profile celebrities in the past, including Johnny Depp in his divorce from Amber Heard, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian West, Ryan Reynolds, Heidi Klum and more. She even represented Jolie in her divorce from Billy Bob Thornton in 2003, so it’s no wonder the star has chosen to enlist her help again.
Fiona Shackleton (Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia)
Having represented members of the British Royal Family and legendary Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, Fiona Shackleton is one of Tatler’s “Best Divorce Lawyers in Town”. With London being the divorce capital of the world, it’s no surprise that Tatler lists Baroness Shackleton as one of the most ferociously brilliant lawyers in London. Payne Hicks Beach – where Shackleton is a partner – is one of the country’s leading family law firms, and their divorce fees are so high that they were once sued. Shackleton’s hourly rate is £640 plus £5k for an initial meeting. We’re sure Brad can afford that.
Ira E. Garr
Representing media magnate Rupert Murdoch in his divorce from third wife, Wendi Deng, was uber-lawyer Ira Garr. Recognized by both his colleagues and judges as one of the top matrimonial attorneys in New York, Garr has been listed as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” since 2008. With his clientele generally being high net worth individuals and often celebrities, it is no wonder that Murdoch chose Garr to represent him in the $11.2 billion divorce. Could Brad pick Ira to protect his fortune?
Liz Vernon
In one of the biggest settlements in legal history, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone’s £2.4 billion divorce from Slavica Ecclestone ended their 24-year marriage. The Croatian model hired lawyer Liz Vernon of Clinton’s to represent her. One of the leading family law practices in the UK, Vernon is a partner in the family department. Dubbed ‘The Terrier’ by British tabloids, Liz could be just what Brad needs to fight Angelina’s claims for full custody of their six children.
Sandra Davis
At the heart of mega-firm Mishcon de Reya, Davis charges £610 an hour and has represented celebrity clients such as the Princess of Wales, Jerry Hall, Thierry Henry and Tamara Mellon. A partner and head of the firm’s family department, Sandra specialises in complex high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth cases. London Super Lawyers directory even named her one of the Top 100 Lawyers and one of the Top 50 women. How about that, Brad?
By Aimee Phillips
