Family: children and domestic abuse

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1

Kate Burnell KC

St John’s Buildings

 ‘Kate is a formidable advocate with a great reputation in family justice. She is thorough and forensic in her knowledge of the papers and effective on her feet, whether she is cross-examining a lay or expert witness or arguing a knotty point of law.’

1

Lorraine Cavanagh KC

St John’s Buildings

Lorraine is an incredible barrister and is at the top of her game and an opponent to be reckoned with. Her legal and technical knowledge are unparalleled and she has a deserved reputation for outstanding paperwork and legal argument.'

1

Julia Cheetham KC

Deans Court Chambers

1

Susan Grocott KC

Deans Court Chambers

 'Susan is a force of nature; she is a highly experienced family silk whose written and oral advocacy is second-to-none. She can grapple with vast amounts of documentation and her legal analysis of the most complex cases is thoroughly impressive.'

1

Frances Heaton KC

St John’s Buildings

 ‘Frances is approachable, caring, thorough, well prepared and a pleasure to work with.’

1

Michael Jones KC

Deans Court Chambers

 ‘Michael is an outstanding barrister and his advocacy is a delight to observe. He is clever and quick witted and he makes his arguments and points with precision and clarity, he is particularly good at breaking down complex issues so that lay clients are able to grasp difficult points and understand what is being alleged, and he is also extremely kind and empathetic towards vulnerable clients and is generous with his time and advice with those instructing him.'

1

Joseph O'Brien KC

St John’s Buildings

1

Karl Rowley KC

St John’s Buildings

 ‘Karl is a pleasure to work with. He is a seasoned advocate, always thoroughly prepared and interesting to listen to.'

1

Johnathan Sampson KC

Harcourt Chambers

‘Johnathan is painstakingly thorough. One to watch.’

1

Shaun Spencer KC

St John’s Buildings

Shaun is a formidable advocate and is extremely effective before the court. His court manner is well liked by the judiciary, his submissions are eloquent and he can present the most difficult set of facts in the most charming way, and in negotiation, he is realistic but absolutely stands his ground and protects the clients' interests effectively.'