Raymond Tooth
Encyclopedia
Raymond Clive Tooth is a matrimonial and family law
lawyer
and racehorse owner in the United Kingdom
. He is renowned for representing the wives of male celebrities in high profile divorce
s.
, including Dragon School
in Oxford
, Kings School
in Canterbury
and University College
in Oxford. In 1966, Tooth became a qualified lawyer. Since then, he has worked for several law firms, such as A&G Tooth (1966–70), Payne Hicks Beach (1970–77) and Colombotti Alkin (1977–82).In 1986 Tooth and other international family lawyers, including Fiona Shackleton
, co-founded the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an invitation only organization which now consists of over 500 of the world's leading family lawyers.
In 1982, Tooth established his own law firm, Raymond Tooth and Co. Later on, the firm would be renamed Sears Tooth. The firm, based out of London
, consists of two partners
, one assistant solicitor
, and three other fee earners. Despite the firm’s relatively small size, their cases are often reported in British law reports more frequently than some larger firms. Sears Tooth was involved in the prominent Miller vs. Miller
House of Lords
case. In addition to high profile divorces, Tooth and his firm also handle cases that prevent the removal or dissipation of assets and domestic violence
as well. His services do not come cheap, as he charges roughly £450 per hour.
His firm originated the eponymous "Sears Tooth agreement", a deed that assigns the client’s winnings to the solicitor in order to enable the client to fund the case.
He has earned the nickname Jaws for the manner in which he fights for his clients money in the courtroom
. He is also a member of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has gone up against several high profile British celebrities, such as Jude Law
, Michael Barrymore
and Colin Montgomerie
.
Tooth, never one to shy away from controversial advice, was once quoted as saying: "A rich man in my view should not marry a poor woman. If he does, then he must have a pre-nuptial agreement." He runs his business by the motto: "Don't get even, get Tooth." Despite his tendency to be involved in and win high profile cases, Tooth was sued in 2005 by a former client and non-celebrity, Olga Spasic. In the end, he was found by the court to have overcharged her for his services by £12,000.,
Originally, the divorce between Roman and Irina Abramovich was believed to have the potential to be the largest divorce settlement in history, with Irina requesting half of Roman's £18 billion fortune. Ultimately, Irina and Roman settled out of court for £155 million.
to Debbie Dove fell apart in 2008. The two met while Tooth was representing her in a previous divorce case. In his own divorce case, Tooth hired another prominent UK divorce lawyer, Fiona Shackleton
.
and Richard Hannon
. In the 2008/09 season, Tooth came close to collecting a £1,000,000 bonus put up by WBX
for winning the Triple Crown of Hurdling
, just missing out when his horse, Punjabi
, fell while vying for the lead in the Christmas Hurdle
.
Significant racing wins:
Family law
Family law is an area of the law that deals with family-related issues and domestic relations including:*the nature of marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships;...
lawyer
Lawyer
A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
and racehorse owner in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. He is renowned for representing the wives of male celebrities in high profile divorce
Divorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
s.
Education and career
Tooth attended several high profile schools while earning his law degreeLaw degree
A Law degree is an academic degree conferred for studies in law. Such degrees are generally preparation for legal careers; but while their curricula may be reviewed by legal authority, they do not themselves confer a license...
, including Dragon School
Dragon School
The Dragon School is a British coeducational, preparatory school in the city of Oxford, founded in 1877 as the Oxford Preparatory School, or OPS. It is primarily known as a boarding school, although it also takes day pupils...
in Oxford
Oxford
The city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...
, Kings School
The King's School, Canterbury
The King's School is a British co-educational independent school for both day and boarding pupils in the historic English cathedral city of Canterbury in Kent. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and the Eton Group....
in Canterbury
Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic English cathedral city, which lies at the heart of the City of Canterbury, a district of Kent in South East England. It lies on the River Stour....
and University College
University College, Oxford
.University College , is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. As of 2009 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £110m...
in Oxford. In 1966, Tooth became a qualified lawyer. Since then, he has worked for several law firms, such as A&G Tooth (1966–70), Payne Hicks Beach (1970–77) and Colombotti Alkin (1977–82).In 1986 Tooth and other international family lawyers, including Fiona Shackleton
Fiona Shackleton
Fiona Shackleton, Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia LVO is an English solicitor, who has represented members of the British Royal Family and celebrities, including Sir Paul McCartney and The Duke of York...
, co-founded the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an invitation only organization which now consists of over 500 of the world's leading family lawyers.
In 1982, Tooth established his own law firm, Raymond Tooth and Co. Later on, the firm would be renamed Sears Tooth. The firm, based out of London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, consists of two partners
Partner (business rank)
A partner in a law firm, accounting firm, consulting firm, or financial firm is a highly ranked position. Originally, these businesses were set up as legal partnerships in which the partners were entitled to a share of the profits of the enterprise. The name has remained even though many of these...
, one assistant solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitors are lawyers who traditionally deal with any legal matter including conducting proceedings in courts. In the United Kingdom, a few Australian states and the Republic of Ireland, the legal profession is split between solicitors and barristers , and a lawyer will usually only hold one title...
, and three other fee earners. Despite the firm’s relatively small size, their cases are often reported in British law reports more frequently than some larger firms. Sears Tooth was involved in the prominent Miller vs. Miller
Miller v Miller
Miller v Miller 2006 is a divorce case between Alan Miller and Melissa Miller. He is an asset manager in the City of London who had a fortune of some £30m...
House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
case. In addition to high profile divorces, Tooth and his firm also handle cases that prevent the removal or dissipation of assets and domestic violence
Domestic violence
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence , is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation...
as well. His services do not come cheap, as he charges roughly £450 per hour.
His firm originated the eponymous "Sears Tooth agreement", a deed that assigns the client’s winnings to the solicitor in order to enable the client to fund the case.
He has earned the nickname Jaws for the manner in which he fights for his clients money in the courtroom
Courtroom
A courtroom is the actual enclosed space in which a judge regularly holds court.The schedule of official court proceedings is called a docket; the term is also synonymous with a court's caseload as a whole.-Courtroom design:-United States:...
. He is also a member of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has gone up against several high profile British celebrities, such as Jude Law
Jude Law
David Jude Heyworth Law , known professionally as Jude Law, is an English actor, film producer and director.He began acting with the National Youth Music Theatre in 1987, and had his first television role in 1989...
, Michael Barrymore
Michael Barrymore
Michael Kieron Parker , better known by his stage name Michael Barrymore, is a British comedian who appeared as a presenter of game shows and light entertainment programmes on British television in the 1980s and 1990s. These included Strike It Lucky, My Kind of People, My Kind of Music and Kids Say...
and Colin Montgomerie
Colin Montgomerie
Colin Stuart Montgomerie, OBE is a Scottish professional golfer, often referred to by one of his nicknames 'Monty'. He has had one of the finest careers in European Tour history, having won a record eight Order of Merit titles, including a streak of seven consecutively from 1993 to 1999, and 31...
.
Tooth, never one to shy away from controversial advice, was once quoted as saying: "A rich man in my view should not marry a poor woman. If he does, then he must have a pre-nuptial agreement." He runs his business by the motto: "Don't get even, get Tooth." Despite his tendency to be involved in and win high profile cases, Tooth was sued in 2005 by a former client and non-celebrity, Olga Spasic. In the end, he was found by the court to have overcharged her for his services by £12,000.,
List of celebrity clients
- Sadie FrostSadie FrostSadie Frost is an English actress, who currently runs fashion label Frost French and has designed the kitchens for a new development in the East End of London.-Biography:Frost was born Sadie Liza Vaughan in London...
(divorced Jude Law) - Cheryl BarrymoreCheryl BarrymoreCheryl Carlisa Barrymore was an English dancer and talent manager, most famous as the ex-wife of Michael Barrymore.-Biography:...
(divorced Michael Barrymore) - Eimear Montgomerie (divorced Colin Montgomerie)
- Patti Boyd (divorced Eric ClaptonEric ClaptonEric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and...
) - Susan RenoufSusan RenoufSusan Renouf, Lady Renouf is an Australian socialite.Born Susan Rossiter to Sir John Rossiter and Joan Stewart, she was married three times:* to Andrew Peacock, prominent Australian politician...
(divorced Robert SangsterRobert SangsterRobert Edmund Sangster was a British businessman, thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder. He was British flat racing Champion Owner five times and his horses won many major races, including two Epsom Derbys, four Irish Derbys, two French Derbys, three Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes and a Melbourne...
) - Irina Abramovich (divorced Roman AbramovichRoman AbramovichRoman Arkadyevich Abramovich is a Russian businessman and the main owner of the private investment company Millhouse LLC.In 2003, Abramovich was named Person of the Year by Expert, a Russian business magazine. He shared this title with Mikhail Khodorkovsky...
)
Originally, the divorce between Roman and Irina Abramovich was believed to have the potential to be the largest divorce settlement in history, with Irina requesting half of Roman's £18 billion fortune. Ultimately, Irina and Roman settled out of court for £155 million.
Personal life
Nearly 30 years after his first divorce, Raymond Tooth’s most recent marriageMarriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
to Debbie Dove fell apart in 2008. The two met while Tooth was representing her in a previous divorce case. In his own divorce case, Tooth hired another prominent UK divorce lawyer, Fiona Shackleton
Fiona Shackleton
Fiona Shackleton, Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia LVO is an English solicitor, who has represented members of the British Royal Family and celebrities, including Sir Paul McCartney and The Duke of York...
.
Horse racing
In addition to being a famous celebrity lawyer in the UK, Tooth also spends some of his free time on the racetrack, as he is also a prominent horse owner. He has worked with some of the UK’s most renowned trainers, such as Nicky HendersonNicky Henderson
Nicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...
and Richard Hannon
Richard Hannon
Richard Hannon is a British horse trainer based in East Everleigh Stables, Marlborough, Wiltshire.Hannon's family has a tradition of horse training—his father was also a horse trainer, his son Richard is currently the assistant trainer, and his son-in-law Richard Hughes is the stable jockey. ...
. In the 2008/09 season, Tooth came close to collecting a £1,000,000 bonus put up by WBX
WBX
World Bet Exchange is a person-to-person betting exchange based in Notting Hill Gate, London in the United Kingdom, and licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. WBX.com was founded in 2002 by Malcolm Gray but did not officially launch until November, 25th, 2006...
for winning the Triple Crown of Hurdling
Triple Crown of Hurdling
The Triple Crown of Hurdling is awarded to any horse that wins all three of the Grade 1 Hurdling races in any given English National Hunt season...
, just missing out when his horse, Punjabi
Punjabi (horse)
Punjabi is a British Thoroughbred racehorse, born to sire, Komatie and dam, Competa. Punjabi started racing as a three year old in 2005...
, fell while vying for the lead in the Christmas Hurdle
Christmas Hurdle
The Christmas Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are eight hurdles to be jumped...
.
Significant racing wins:
- Champion HurdleChampion HurdleThe Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. As part of a sponsorship agreement with the online sportsbook StanJames.com, the race is now known as the Stan James Champion Hurdle...
(Punjabi, 2009) - Fighting Fifth HurdleFighting Fifth HurdleThe Fighting Fifth Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Newcastle over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are nine hurdles to be jumped...
(Punjabi, 2008) - Punchestown Champion HurdlePunchestown Champion HurdleThe Punchestown Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Punchestown over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are nine hurdles to be jumped...
(Punjabi, 2008) - Tattersalls October Auction Stakes (Exclamation, 2007)
- Coronation StakesCoronation StakesThe Coronation Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
(Indian Ink, 2007) - Ballymore Properties Champion HurdlePunchestown Champion Four Year Old HurdleThe Champion Four Year Old Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years. It is run at Punchestown over a distance of about 2 miles , and during its running there are nine hurdles to be jumped...
(Punjabi, 2007) - Cheveley Park StakesCheveley Park StakesThe Cheveley Park Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.The event was...
(Indian Ink, 2006) - Watership Down Stud Sales Stakes (Indian Ink, 2006)
See also
- DivorceDivorceDivorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
- Family lawFamily lawFamily law is an area of the law that deals with family-related issues and domestic relations including:*the nature of marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships;...
- International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- List of most expensive divorces
- PunjabiPunjabi (horse)Punjabi is a British Thoroughbred racehorse, born to sire, Komatie and dam, Competa. Punjabi started racing as a three year old in 2005...
racehorse