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Family: Children And Domestic Violence

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3PB
Harcourt Chambers
No5 Barristers’ Chambers
St Ives Chambers
St Philips Chambers
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St Mary’s Chambers

Leading Silks

Nick Goodwin KC – Harcourt Chambers ‘Nick is exceptionally clever and a quick thinker. He understands what judges need and judges look to him to distill complex issues during a hearing. Nick is highly knowledgeable and is often the best lawyer in the room. He is also really personable and approachable and clients really like working with him.’
Lucy Hendry KC  – 3PB ‘Lucy is an extremely experienced family law KC, doing the most complex cases. She always has the case forensically ready from the outset, so as to set her tactics and strategy and to guide often vulnerable clients through these most difficult of cases. She is a real team player and is an extremely effective communicator, always finding a way to deliver her questions and submissions with devastating effect.'
Elizabeth Isaacs KC –St Ives Chambers ‘Liz is a ferocious, fearless advocate. She does not leave a stone unturned. Her advocacy style is direct and forceful.'
Sara Lewis KC – St Philips Chambers ‘Sara is a very robust advocate who is not afraid to rock the boat where necessary. Sara has a medical background which is immensely helpful in cases of non-accidental injury and means her ability to cross-examine medical experts is second-to-none.’
Elizabeth McGrath KC –3PB ‘Outside the court room Elizabeth is a calming figure for parents in what can be very upsetting proceedings. She has an empathetic approach but maintains an ability to give robust advice. Her preparation of cases is rigorous and her ability to spot minute details is unparalleled. Her cross-examination and submissions are skillful, forensic and precise.'
Vanessa Meachin KC –3PB ‘Vanessa is a highly skilled advocate and her client care is of the highest quality. She is able to digest vast amounts of complex papers and gain a clear understanding of complex medical information.'
Stefano Nuvoloni KC – No5 Barristers’ Chambers 'Stefano is an extremely skilled and persuasive advocate who also has an approachable and empathetic manner in advising clients.'
John Vater KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘John is a strong and skillful barrister and a master tactician. He is someone that you want on your side. He has excellent client care skills but, equally, is a strong and forceful advocate. His cross-examination skills are second to none, particularly with expert witness in complicated medical legal cases. A first-choice counsel.'
Aidan Vine KC – Harcourt Chambers ‘Aidan is a tenacious advocate; his written documents are always detailed and well-researched and in oral advocacy he will pursue his argument as far as he can.'

2023 Silks

Timothy Bowe KC –St Ives Chambers ‘Tim is an advocate of the highest calibre. He has excellent attention to detail and real forensic ability in his case preparation and analysis. He has a lovely manner with everyone - whether clients, opponents, professionals or the court. His advocacy is smooth, it is not aggressive but is incredibly effective.'

Leading Juniors

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Christopher Adams – St Philips Chambers ‘Chris is an exceptional advocate, vastly knowledgeable, meticulous and authoritative. His strength is in his command of complex matters and his calm, focussed and persuasive advocacy. He works collaboratively and supportively with professional clients, and is much sought after and respected.'
Matthew Brookes-Baker – Harcourt Chambers 'Matthew is one of the most effective and committed advocates around. He is clear and focused with every line he takes - a real force to be reckoned with.'
Kristina Brown – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Kristina is an excellent advocate who is always thoroughly prepared and ensures that clients cases are articulately and persuasively argued. She is sensitive to the needs of the client, and is approachable and calm and measured in her manner, in often very difficult situations.'
Michelle Christie –St Philips Chambers ‘Michelle is a force to be reckoned with. She is a great advocate with strong advocacy skills and her knowledge of the law is excellent.'
Victoria Clifford – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Victoria is a powerhouse whose advocacy commands attention. She is passionate in her arguments and will always ensure a just outcome is received.'
Alex Forbes –Harcourt Chambers
Michele Friel – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Michele is among the best private law children counsel around without exception. She is strategic in her approach and beyond robust in her advocacy. She cares about clients and her instructing solicitors.’
Kirsty Gallacher – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Kirsty is a superb, fearless advocate. She is always well prepared and an absolute pleasure to work with.'
Orla Grant – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Orla is a hugely capable junior. She is a bold advocate who uses her intellect and tenacity to excellent effect. Her attention to detail is second to none - assimilating vast amounts of material and distilling the same to meet the brief in any particular case. Orla is extremely diligent and also blessed with excellent client care.'
Tom Harrill – St Ives Chambers ‘Tom is a real aster of oral and written advocacy. His preparation is second to none. He is the perfect blend as an advocate; approachable but authoritative. He has an amazing knowledge of case law and uses it to enormous effect. He fights every case with commitment and goes that extra mile. He is a force to be reckoned with.'
Carolyn Jones –St Philips Chambers ‘Carolyn is a formidable advocate. She is brutally effective in cross-examination. A real leading light at the Birmingham family Bar.’
Tracy Lakin – St Ives Chambers ‘Tracy is a highly expert advocate who is instructed and relied upon in those very cases which require individual and exceptional skills to successfully manage. She has always demonstrated an ease in understanding the importance and influence of evidence. Tracy has a natural ability to put clients who are extremely anxious at ease.’
Justine Lattimer –St Ives Chambers ‘Justine is an impressive and effective advocate. She particularly specialises in cases with vulnerable witnesses. Her ability to cross-examine in a polite, calm, and unflappable way is just brilliant. She is the strongest junior around.’
Nicola Martin – 3PB ‘Nicola is a exceptional barrister. She is thorough, amazingly professional, sensitive to clients needs and will give everything to each case. She is a pillar of strength – robust in court and realistic and sensitive in her approach.’
Matthew Maynard – St Ives Chambers ‘Matt is a huge presence when he is in court. He has the ability to be the focal point for the whole case. Matt has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law. He is adaptable, can be charming and gentle but can also be the bludgeon who batters down the doors.’
Hannah Mettam –Harcourt Chambers ‘Hannah is a fantastically skilled and knowledgeable advocate. Her advocacy is first class and she puts forward arguments clearly, effectively and politely. Hannah is always polite, courteous, available to have conferences, proactive, and efficient.'
Lianne Murphy  - The Barrister Group
Yolanda Pemberton –St Philips Chambers ‘Yolanda has an exceptional ability to drill down into the key issues in any case to be able to identify key strengths and weaknesses. Her approach is forensic and she is able to distil into an easily and accessible chronological format significant amounts of complex factual and medical information. Yolanda is a force in cross-examination but empathetic with vulnerable witnesses.'
Samantha Reddington – St Albans Chambers
Kathryn Taylor – No5 Barristers’ Chambers 'Kathryn is an excellent barrister. She is unflappable and cool in a crisis and makes everything look effortless. She is very good at changing her style to suit the needs of the case. Kathryn is destined for great things.'
Christopher Watson –St Philips Chambers ‘Christopher is a skilled and persuasive advocate who fights his clients case with great determination. His experience, expertise and detailed knowledge of the law means that he can present even the most difficult legal arguments with a lightness of touch.'
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Moira Ashton-Walsh - St Ives Chambers
Gemma Bowes –St Philips Chambers ‘Gemma is a tenacious and confident advocate. She has an understanding and sensitive bedside manner with extensive knowledge. Gemma has a wealth of experience and her advocacy skills are to be admired. She is a very safe pair of hands.'
Nicola Brown – 3PB ‘Nicola is a determined and fearless advocate and strong cross-examiner. She has exceptionally good client skills and as an advocate is always very down-to-earth, pragmatic and sensible.'
Nicholas Brown – St Philips Chambers ‘Nick is one of the most determined barristers on the circuit. He is a personable and popular barrister but once his game face is in place, there it remains. He is an intelligent and thoughtful advocate, whose submissions are measured, pertinent and carefully crafted.'
Judy Claxton –St Mary’s Chambers 'Judy is one of the most well-respected barristers on the circuit to be trusted in complicated matters and contested hearings. Her communication with and advice to clients and solicitors alike is always clear and considered, and her advocacy measured and effective.'
Lucy Clayton – 3PB ‘Lucy is pragmatic but personable. She prepares in great depth; she is robust both on paper in skeleton arguments and position statements, and in court. Lucy has a strong presence in court but also provides sensible advice to clients. She goes above and beyond.’
James Cleary – St Ives Chambers ‘James is a barrister for complex or unusual cases. He provides clear and robust advice and clients are happy to place trust in him. He is an extremely competent advocate. He is very approachable and is willing to go the extra mile when needed.’
Mark Cooper-Hall –St Ives Chambers 'Mark is an intellectually outstanding barrister who carefully crafts cross-examination and persuasive submissions. He is able to deal with complex medical information quickly and is able to provide user-friendly advice and guidance to solicitors and vulnerable clients.'
Kirstie Danton –St Ives Chambers ‘Kirstie is a formidable but approachable advocate. She is forensic in her approach to cross-examination. Kirstie is able to give clear advice when needed even when that is in relation to the prospects of her case.'
Sara Davis –St Mary’s Chambers 'Sara is a highly skilled advocate who shows strong commitment and dedication to the cases on which she is instructed. Sara is always thoroughly prepared and goes out of her way to assist with any questions or queries to ensure the smooth running of a case. She has excellent client care skills and always provides clear and straightforward advice.'
Lucy Fairclough – Harcourt Chambers ‘Lucy is an incredible advocate. It is a skill that seems to come so naturally to her and her style is both effective and disarming. She is meticulous with her preparation and she fights fiercely for her clients and is able to build rapport with the most vulnerable clients incredibly quickly as she is both down to earth and sincere.'
Aimee Fox – 3PB ‘Aimee is a formidable opponent. She is sharp as a razor and calm under pressure. Aimee quickly gets to grips with complex issues and instinctively handles the most sensitive of situations. She is a pleasure to work with and skilled beyond her call.'
Zoe Henry - St Mary's Chambers ‘Zoe is one of the best juniors around. She is extremely clever and melds together technical acumen with pragmatism to deliver remarkable results. Zoe also has a very kind and supportive approach to how she works with others.’
Claire Howell –St Mary’s Chambers ‘Claire is highly experienced in complex public and private law children matters. She is an astute and confident advocate who focuses on the key issues in the case. Claire is an accomplished cross-examiner and has an engaging manner with witnesses that teases out strong evidence.'
Lawrence Messling –3PB
David Payne –St Ives Chambers ‘David is a skilled advocate, who is always calm and measured in his approach, with a real eye for detail.  His preparation of a case is always extremely thorough and he gets to grips with the issues in a case very quickly.'
Heather Popley – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Heather is tenacious and pays excellent attention to detail. She is clear and concise with her advice and is really good with vulnerable clients. Her advocacy is on point in an articulate and persuasive manner.'
Laura Scott – 3PB ‘Laura is very thorough in her preparation and knowledge of cases. She is an excellent advocate, always well prepared and ready to argue a case when necessary, with a fantastic knowledge of the law and case law in support. She is fabulous with clients, putting them at ease very quickly and explaining each and every step before and after hearings.'
Daniel Sheridan – Harcourt Chambers ‘Daniel is fantastic at analysing vast amounts of evidence and focusing on the overarching issues without losing the importance of the finer details. He has great client care and is sensitive and thoughtful of the client's situation.'
Margaret Styles – Harcourt Chambers ‘Margaret has great attention to detail, is a great negotiator, goes the extra mile, is brilliant at drafting and great on her feet. She is also a strong and brilliant advocate.'
Anita Thind –St Mary’s Chambers ‘Anita is an exceptional barrister, in both her advocacy and case preparation. She works incredibly hard and is dogged in her determination to put the very best case for her client. Anita is a brilliant advocate, she is confident and measured under pressure and she is very good at thinking on her feet.'
Abigail Turner –St Philips Chambers ‘Abigail is brilliant with vulnerable clients and she approaches every case with empathy and sensitivity. She is a tenacious advocate who has a firm and measured style. Her attention to detail and preparation is meticulous!'
Steven Veitch - St Mary's Chambers ‘Steven is a very able barrister. He is fluent and engaging as well as creative in making his arguments to advance his client’s case. He is particularly adept in cases involving complex medical evidence.’
Rachel Watkins – The 36 Group
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Stephen Abberley –3PB ‘Stephen is a first-rate junior and rivals his silk colleagues in his case analysis, paperwork and cross-examination. His case preparation and analysis is second to none. He is a first choice for complex children matters, particularly when physical abuse is an issue.’
Amy Beddis – 3PB ‘Amy is a fantastic barrister. She has a calm and considerate manner with clients. She is extremely well-prepared and can be relied upon to have read all her papers and prepped the case thoroughly. She works collaboratively with instructing solicitors which is always a positive. She gives sage and commercial advice, but is also a tenacious advocate in court.'
Poonam Bhari –3PB
Jonathan Bott – Halcyon Chambers ‘Jonathan is very thorough and very helpful with advice on how to proceed.’
Patrick Bowe  – KCH Garden Square
Thomas Bramall – St Ives Chambers ‘Tom is a superb advocate. He is always well prepared and very persuasive in court but his manner puts clients at ease.’
Nathalie Bull –3PB ‘Nathalie's particular strength is for having compassion and empathy for clients whilst also providing clear and concise legal advice. Her written documents are well structured and she is able to explain complex legal matters simply. Nathalie is persuasive and unwavering but in a respectful and considered way.'
Ben Chapman – St Ives Chambers ‘Ben has the ability to provide clients with clear and robust advice, whilst doing so with sensitivity. He is a skilled advocate with an acute attention to detail.’
Samuel Coe – St Ives Chambers ‘Sam is an excellent barrister. He is approachable, knowledgeable and his attention to detail is fantastic. He is a highly skilled and compelling advocate.’
Rebecca Cross – St Ives Chambers ‘Rebecca is excellent. She is extremely personable and approachable, and achieves excellent results yet balances that with compassion and understanding. Rebecca’s advocacy is top-notch; she makes her points clearly and decisively.’
Frida Dahlqvist - 3PB ‘Frida is extremely approachable, professional and personable. She is always well prepared and incredibly thorough: an experienced and effective advocate with clear communication skills.’
Lawren Dobson – St Ives Chambers ‘Lawren is a very thorough, diligent and capable barrister. She handles complex and heavily contested issues in a calm and efficient way and with grace under high pressure. She is personable, friendly and a passionate advocate who develops a good relationship with clients and she is willing to work in a cooperative and collaborative way to achieve the best outcome for the client. She is highly skilled and a very capable pair of hands.’
Andrew Duncan – 3PB ‘Andrew is a formidable advocate. His written advocacy is exceptional and always drafted with precision and care. He is always up to date with developments in the field of children law and never shies away from a legal argument. Andrew has a reputation for excellent oral advocacy; he is persuasive, tenacious and suitably adaptable depending on the witness.'
Samantha Dunn – The 36 Group ‘Samantha is very knowledgeable in her practice area and has specific expertise in complex care proceedings. She is a safe pair of hands and goes over and above to check evidence and is always well prepared for hearings. She is a strong advocate and ensures she fights for her client in a professional way.'
Matthew Fiddy –St Ives Chambers ‘Matthew is an excellent barrister. He manages the most difficult cases with grace and precision. Matthew is a superior advocate who calmly but firmly takes the witness to where he wants to go.'
Anthony Finch – St Ives Chambers ‘Anthony is a thorough and thoughtful barrister with an ability to make his clients feel safe and secure. He also has the skill to pick out the evidence required to assist the court and can cut through voluminous documents. He is an excellent draftsman ensuring complex schedules are easily understandable to the lay clients especially in cases where emotions are running high.’
Adeo Fraser – 3PB  ‘Adeo never appears fazed by anything or intimated by anyone and has an ability to instill confidence in clients. He manages to carefully balance complex legal proceedings with a human and empathetic touch and is an excellent advocate, even amongst the toughest opponents.'
Paul Froud  - 3PB 'Paul is a veracious advocate whose attention to detail is excellent. He also is empathetic and thoughtful and he gives a voice to those who often feel that they have none, Paul has represented children who genuinely for the first time feel that they have been given a voice and most importantly have been listened to because of his first class advocacy. '
Molly Giles – St Philips Chambers ‘Molly is outstanding in both private and public law. She is a tenacious and compelling advocate who quickly grasps all of the issues. She is much respected by professional clients and loved by lay clients, who appreciate her kind but pragmatic approach.'
Martha Gray  – Harcourt Chambers
Emma Griffiths – 3PB 'Emma is a first-rate advocate and fully commits to any case she is briefed on. She is a delight to work with and demonstrates she values her solicitors' input. She is an excellent advocate and her written material is also excellent. She is a first choice of barrister for almost any case.'
Charlene Henderson – 7BR
Vickie Hodges – St Mary’s Chambers ‘Vickie is a superb advocate with considerable court presence. She has the respect of other advocates and the judiciary. Her cross examination and her submissions are particular strengths. You would not hesitate to instruct Vickie in a complex high court matter but she is equally at home at any level.'
William Horwood – St Philips Chambers 'William is a very confident and well-prepared advocate which is backed up by his excellent grasp of statute and case law. He is incredibly approachable and is always happy to discuss matters. His advocacy style is measured and non-confrontational which proves highly effective.'
Marie Huggins - St Mary's Chambers ‘Marie is professional yet very personable with clients. She is thorough, analytical and knowledgeable. Marie has an eye for detail and her advocacy is outstanding.’
Karen Kabweru-Namulemu – 1GC | Family Law ‘Karen is great with clients, putting them at ease, explaining things clearly and she really fights their corner. She is a pleasure to work with and always helpful. In court she is polite but tenacious.’
Tom Lawal – St Ives Chambers
Laura Martin – St Mary’s Chambers 'Laura is an excellent barrister. She is always thoroughly prepared and has exceptional attention to detail. She will always set out her client's position robustly and in a skilled way. Her advocacy is highly skilled; she is persuasive, compelling, and tenacious.'
Nicola McIntosh  - The 36 Group  ‘Nicola is approachable, always very well prepared and highly knowledgeable. She is very skilled in dealing with difficult litigants in person and provides sensible and thorough advice. Nicola is an extremely competent advocate and her cross-examination is focused and thorough.’
Katie Miller – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Katie is a quietly spoken but forceful advocate. Her submissions are always persuasive and eloquent. Katie is technically excellent and always has a knowledge of recent case law.'
Simon Miller  – Harcourt Chambers ‘Simon is a very safe pair of hands for even the most complex of care cases. He is always well prepared, his paperwork is exceptional, and he is compelling on his feet.'
Kathryn Moran – St Mary’s Chambers ‘Kathryn is a well-prepared, dedicated and thoughtful advocate. She is measured in her approach to cross-examining parents in public law care proceedings, and she is extremely well versed when it comes to preparing skeleton arguments for niche points of law.’
Arrin Nouri – No5 Barristers’ Chambers 'Arrin operates at a level far beyond her year of call. She is meticulous in her preparation and a tenacious advocate who always goes above and beyond for her clients. Her presentation in court is superb, she is clear and concise but will robustly pursue the issues that matter. Her client care is also fantastic.'
Oliver Powell – Harcourt Chambers ‘Oliver is laser focused and takes a meticulous approach. He is always well prepared and often explains complex facts and legal principles clearly and effectively. He is calm which is always well received and is truly a safe pair of hands.'
Amy Richardson –Cornwall Street Barristers ‘Amy is always clear in her advice and provides feedback in a timely way. She is happy to take time to explain complex matters to clients and is often keen to encourage conferences with client officers to ensure that everyone understands the legalities of the proceedings. Amy is also a tenacious advocate who puts forward the best possible case always, even if she is a lone voice.’
Gregory Rogers –St Ives Chambers ‘Greg brings calm to every situation. He has excellent attention to detail, experience and a kind and compassionate manner - he is a pleasure to deal with both as an instructing solicitor and as an opponent. He has a professional manner with lay clients and professional clients alike.'
Louise Sapstead – St Ives Chambers ‘Louise is a strong advocate, with impressive client care skills. She has an ability to work with all types of clients whilst being able to put across their case with ease. She also has an impressive knowledge base and ability to implement such into her submissions to the court.’
Susan Todd  - 3PB 'Susan is a phenomenal barrister - she is meticulous in her preparation and you underrate her at your peril. She really doesn't pull any punches in her fearless advocacy. She is super organised in her preparation and really makes her clients feel empowered, confident and above all aligned with the strategy.'
Hena Vissian - The 36 Group
Sian Waldron – St Ives Chambers ‘Sian is a very hard working and diligent advocate. She fully prepares her cases and is a courteous opponent. She understands her clients and provides them with sensitive and realistic advice. She provides attendance notes promptly to instructing solicitors and highlights next steps to be taken.’
June Williams – Cornwall Street Barristers ‘June is a fearless and highly skilled advocate. She gives practical and realistic advice and will seek to resolve issues by consent if possible. When this cannot be achieved, she is a tenacious advocate who has a forensic approach to documentation. She is always thoroughly prepared and fully conversant with the relevant legal principles and case law.’
Stephen Williams –St Mary’s Chambers ‘Stephen is an incredibly skilled advocate, exceptional at cross-examination and very forensic in his approach. Stephen is to be trusted in the most complex cases because he is such an excellent advocate.’ 
Grace Wright – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Grace is a tenacious, no-nonsense advocate with a high-energy and approachable demeanour. She knows very intricate points of law and is able to effectively pull them off the top of her head. She is empathetic but not too lenient with clients and directs them well.’
Stuart Yeung – The 36 Group

Rising Stars

Sarah Beasley - St Mary's Chambers ‘Sarah is extremely approachable, personable, focused, and sharp. She has excellent client care skills and a firm grasp of the issues cases and is always able to explain complex issues in a way which is easy to understand and inspires faith and confidence when handling matters. Sarah is a calm, impressive and persuasive advocate.’
Paige Campbell – Harcourt Chambers ‘Paige is an exceptional barrister. She is professional and diligent. Her position statements are a work of art and her preparation is superb. There are only a few barristers at the Bar like Paige, she is at the top of the game. She is already a leading specialist in the field at such young age.’
Naomi Dean – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Naomi is fast becoming a go-to counsel. She is approachable and efficient. She is able to withstand the rigours of the court arena in the company of far more senior advocates. She is well prepared and eloquent.'
Thomas Duggan –St Ives Chambers ‘Thomas is a highly gifted advocate and deals with cases in a sensitive, humane and professional manner. His personal warmth, integrity and honesty are qualities which are appreciated by many.'
Charlie Fikry – St Mary’s Chambers 'Charlie is incredibly skilled in all aspects of the job. His advocacy is excellent, he sets out his client's case in a calm yet assertive manner, he is clear, organised and thorough, with a quiet sense of authority. He is great with clients even in the most stressful of situations, and works collaboratively with instructing solicitors.'
Holly Hilbourne-Gollop – St Ives Chambers ‘Holly is confident, approachable and extremely diligent. She is sensible in terms of advice, but robust and not afraid to run a case. She has an air of confidence and seems unflappable, which is really reassuring to anxious clients.'
Malvika Jaganmohan – St Ives Chambers ‘Malvika is an exceptional advocate. She is thorough and leaves no stone unturned. Her oral advocacy is excellent. She commands the room and is extremely persuasive.'
Zara Mahmood – St Ives Chambers ‘Zara is extremely thorough. Her attention to detail is second to none. Not only is she an excellent barrister in legal terms, her personal touch with the clients is beyond compare.'
Rhianna Manani – No5 Barristers’ Chambers ‘Rhianna is a very bright and articulate advocate. She is always very well-prepared and is very engaging with her lay and professional clients. She has steadily developed a very good reputation within the Midlands and indeed beyond. She is popular amongst solicitors and barristers as well as those on the bench.’
Eleanor Marsh  – 3PB ‘Eleanor's preparation is second to none and her advocacy is first class. She is very professional and courteous at all times and handles complex and difficult cases with ease. Her ability to remain calm in crisis and under pressure is amazing.'
Natasha Miller  – Harcourt Chambers ‘Natasha is an exceptional advocate; she is compelling and persuasive with laser-like focus on the key issues.’
Sam Pentony – 3PB ‘Sam is knowledgeable and robust as an advocate, whilst being extremely personable and empathetic towards clients and their needs. His advice is always measured and resolution focused. Sam is a fantastic negotiator.'
George Smith – St Ives Chambers ‘George is always well prepared, even on a short notice hearing. He is a strong advocate as well as respectful with a clear consideration of getting his clients' instructions put across in court.'
Olivia Whitworth – No5 Barristers’ Chambers 'Olivia is a diligent advocate who is happy to discuss matters with those instructing her. She has a strong advocacy style, whilst still showing empathy and compassion to those to whom she is asking questions.'

Family: children and domestic abuse in Regional Bar

3PB


3PB continues to be recognised as an ‘impressively strong set’ for family law work in the Midlands. The ‘Calm, robust and effective’ Nicola Martin has considerable experience handling care proceedings arising from serious injuries and abuse as well as private law children matters involving issues such as abduction, alienation, and relocation. Lucy Clayton has a particular interest in cases concerning abduction, LGBT parents and surrogacy, and the misuse of social media. Laura Scott specialises in cases involving older children and young people, including sexual or criminal exploitation. Aimee Fox is widely praised as a ‘phenomenal advocate’ with strong client care skills. Her expertise encompasses multi-jurisdictional relocation cases. Suzanne Coleclough retired in 2023, and Frida Dahlqvist joined from KCH Garden Square in October 2024.

Referenzen

‘Rob Leonard and Tom Cox are both excellent, helpful and responsive.’

‘3PB are brilliant. Ian Charlton and Patrick Steptoe are both excellent clerks. They will move mountains to find a barrister even on short notice.’

‘Ian Charlton is key to establishing relationships with this set of chambers.’

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Harcourt Chambers


Harcourt Chambers is widely regarded as ‘a brilliant chambers with an extraordinary variety of talented barristers’ based in London and Oxford and operating on the Midlands circuit in the field of family and children law. Head of chambers Nick Goodwin KC is ‘an exceptional barrister’ whose children work involves both public and private law proceedings, including adoption and placement decisions. He has recently handled several medically complex cases concerning the death of or serious injuries sustained by children. ‘Tenacious advocate’ Aidan Vine KC is regularly instructed in relation to child abduction and care cases, including those involving brain injuries and fatalities. Lucy Fairclough is widely praised for her advocacy style which is ‘both effective and disarming’ as well as for building ‘rapport with the most vulnerable clients incredibly quickly’. Natasha Miller has appeared at all levels of the family courts, up to and including the Court of Appeal, while Paige Campbell is a notable name at junior-junior level.

Referenzen

‘Matt Molloy is helpful and quick to respond to requests.’

‘The clerks are extremely helpful and are always available to assist.  They are always willing to assist and be flexible when required.  Matt Molloy in particular is extremely helpful. ‘

‘Harcourt Chambers’ clerks are always available and extremely helpful. They are a go-to set of chambers as the standard of counsel is extremely high.’

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No5 Barristers' Chambers


With ‘a good range of experienced practitioners’ No5 Barristers’ Chambers remains a leading set for family and children law work on the Midlands Circuit. Stefano Nuvoloni KC’s broad expertise encompasses serious abuse, alleged fabricated injuries, and trafficking cases, among others. Kristina Brown specialises in Children Act cases and has experience acting at all levels of the family court, including the Court of Appeal. She represents local authorities, parents, extended family members, and children acting through guardians or solicitors. Orla Grant has experience in cases involving the deaths of children, the deaths of parents at the hands of other parents, sexual abuse, shaken baby injuries, terrorism, and fabricated illness, standing out for her ‘exceptionally articulate submissions’. Rhianna Manani is fast gaining a reputation as ‘an exceptional advocate who is always forward thinking’.

Referenzen

‘Adam Wadley is good. Laura Rotreau is brilliant and Clare Radbourn is always helpful.’

‘Adam and Clare are great. Laura is an excellent networker.’

‘No5 have the best clerking room by far.’

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St Ives Chambers


Birmingham’s St Ives Chambers remains ‘a heavyweight set with a deservedly fine reputation’ in the Midlands for family and children law work. Elizabeth Isaacs KC is widely praised as a ‘ferocious, fearless advocate’ as well as for her client care skills, benefitting in this regard from her background as a child protection social worker. Justine Lattimer is regularly instructed in the most serious cases involving sexual abuse, brain injury, deaths of parents and children, FGM, forced marriage, and fabricated illness. Tracy Lakin is ‘a highly experienced barrister who brings authority and good sense to a case’. Mark Cooper-Hall‘s broad practice covers care proceedings involving child deaths, fabricated or induced illness, sexual abuse, and systemic local authority failings. Anthony Finch joined chambers in February 2024.

Referenzen

‘David Walters and Scott Goodison are very experienced and capable clerks. They both have a ‘can do’ attitude and are very professional and efficient.’

‘The clerks’ room is excellent – Asma Akhtar, Nick Burdon and Sarah Robinson are a pleasure to deal with.’

‘All the clerks are extremely helpful and will go out of their way to assist.’

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St Philips Chambers


St Philips Chambers is widely praised as ‘an excellent family set providing support at every level‘ from experienced silks to juniors just beginning their careers. With a reputation as a ‘robust advocate’ and benefiting from a background as a neuropsychologist, Sara Lewis KC regularly appears in medically complex cases heard in the High Court – she is often instructed to represent parents facing serious allegations of abuse resulting in brain injuries and/or death. Gemma Bowes is well known as a ‘skilled advocate’ with an ‘empathetic bedside manner’. William Horwood‘s growing practice sees him act on behalf of local authorities, parents, children, and extended family members, impressing for his ‘exemplary’ oral and written advocacy as well as his ‘excellent grasp of statute and case law’.

Referenzen

‘Kelly Fullwood is very professional and works effectively alongside counsel and her clerking colleagues.’

‘The clerks’ room is very responsive, dealing with all queries within 15 minutes. Clerks are friendly, helpful and polite and will do all possible to assist clients with any problems they may have. Kelly Fullwood is excellent, friendly and goes above and beyond to ensure all your needs are met.’

‘The clerks are always very helpful. Anthony Burgess in particular will go out of his way to assist.’

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St Mary's Chambers


St Mary’s Chambers ‘has an excellent reputation as one of the leading sets in the Midlands area when it comes to family law matters’, hosting a strong team of practitioners with broad combined expertise. Judy Claxton has considerable experience acting for local authorities, parents, guardian, interveners, and the Official Solicitor, including in serious injury or sexual abuse cases. Vickie Hodges is noted for the quality of her cross-examination and her submissions as well as for her ‘court presence’, while Claire Howell is recognised for her ‘engaging manner with witnesses’. The practice was bolstered by the arrival of Steven Veitch, Zoe Henry, Marie Huggins and Sarah Beasley in mid-2024.

Referenzen

‘St Mary’s has an incredible set of clerks who are knowledgeable and friendly, and a special mention should go to Kamla Chall and Kathryn Clarkson who are both calm and collected and dedicated to ensuring case papers are with counsel on time so that they can undertake proper case preparation.’

‘The clerks at St Mary’s are a credit to the chambers. They are friendly, diligent and flexible. They also show dedication to their counsel in chambers – they provide an excellent service to solicitors but are mindful and respectful of their counsel’s time and work life balance.’

‘The clerks are efficient and friendly.’

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