Manches has secured a leading role in the high-profile divorce proceedings between Madonna and film director husband Guy Ritchie.

The City firm's highly-regarded family law partner Helen Ward has been instructed to represent Ritchie on his divorce with pop icon Madonna after eight years of marriage. The couple formally announced their intention to divorce this week after months of speculation regarding their relationship in the press.

This is the latest high-profile divorce case Ward has handled after last year securing a £48m pay out for client Beverley Charman – the estranged wife of insurance magnate John Charman. The case was one of the largest divorce settlements in UK history.