Family Andrew accepts instructions in family law, specialising in private children and financial remedy matters. Children Act Andrew accepts instructions in the full range of private children disputes. He has extensive experience dealing with allegations of domestic violence including assaults on children and partners both in Children Act and Family Law Act proceedings. He has also been instructed on applications for leave to remove from the jurisdiction. Drawing on his extensive experience with vulnerable clients he is able to provide practical and appropriate advice. He is also experienced in the use of ‘special measures’ during contested hearings. Financial Remedy Proceedings Andrew deals with all aspects and stages of family finances including maintenance pending suit applications and contested final hearings.Family Law Bar Association
Guildford Chambers
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Profile Bill is a barrister whose practice combines court advocacy and advisory work. Bill joined Guildford Chambers in November 2023 after completing a third-six at a large leading common law set in London. His common law background gives him experience of a wide range of courts. Bill advises and represents individuals, companies, police forces, government agencies and other clients before and during proceedings. He advises on paper and in conference on merits, evidence, quantum, and legal issues. Prior to pupillage, Bill attended over a thousand hearings as a County Court advocate gaining experience in a wide range of civil matters including property, small claims hearings (including for example contractual disputes, credit hire and service charge disputes) and bankruptcy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill completed a stint as employment lawyer at the Hillingdon Law Centre. Bill has also completed internships at JUSTICE, as the Kalisher intern, AMICUS, providing assistance to attorneys representing clients facing the death penalty in Texas, USA, and Reprieve, as part of the award-winning Pakistan Death Row Project.
Commercial and Company Christopher’s commercial practice has a chancery focus and his clients range from large international corporations to small businesses and individuals. Recently Christopher has been instructed in matters relating to acquiescence, agency, assignment, breach of confidence, breach of fiduciary duty, collateral contracts, construction of contractual terms, conversion, consumer protection, copyright, debentures, defamation, derivative actions, directors’ duties, estoppel, equitable remedies, factoring agreements, gains based damages, guarantees, implied terms, indemnities, laches, misrepresentation, partnership disputes, piercing the corporate veil, penalty clauses, rectification of the share register, rescission, repudiation, sale of goods, sham contracts, supply of services, specific performance, unjust enrichment, unfair prejudice and waiver. Examples of his recent work include: Successfully representing an international telecommunications company in libel proceedings, at first instance, and in the subsequent appeal proceedings; Successfully representing a director in a claim involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, an attempt to rely on past consideration to support a variation of contract and the enforceability of a personal guarantee; Successfully representing a company in a claim relating to the Sale of Goods Act 1979; A 3 day trial, arising from the sale of a business, involving a claim for an account of profits and specific performance; A number of claims relating to the enforceability and construction of personal guarantees; Several claims relating to misrepresentation and collateral contracts; Advising on proceedings relating to rectification of the share register and unfair prejudice. Property Christopher regularly appears in property matters and has recently been instructed in claims relating to express and implied trusts of land, easements, charging orders, dilapidations, damage to the reversionary interest, injunctions, landlord and tenant, shared ownership, the Party Wall Act 1996, possession of land, sham leases, succession and tenancy by estoppel. Examples of his recent work include: Successfully representing a client in a multi-track TOLATA trial where there was a challenge to a declaration of trust; Successfully representing a client in a multi- track trial in a dilapidations claim; Representing clients in claims for injunctions where issues relating to interference with rights of light, interference with rights of way and the Party Wall Act 1996 have been raised; Advising on the succession provisions in the Rent Act 1977 and the Housing Act 1985. Insolvency Christopher appears in the High Court and District Registries in insolvency matters and accepts instructions in corporate and personal insolvency proceedings and is currently instructed in a transaction at undervalue claim which also involves a trust of land dispute. Costs Chrisopher has extensive experience in conducting detailed assessments in the Senior Courts Costs Office, and in County Courts, as the receiving party and paying party. Chris has appeared in costs appeals in the County Court and the Senior Courts Costs Office and has drafted grounds of appeal, and skeleton arguments, in costs appeals in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Restitution Christopher has a particular academic interest in the law of restitution and has recently represented, and advised, clients in claims for restitution for wrongs and claims for restitution for unjust enrichment arising from mistaken payments, money had and received and quantum meruit. Trusts, Wills & Probate Christopher has a growing private client practice and has recently advised on the distribution of an estate under the intestacy rules, constructive and resulting trusts, gifts, breach of fiduciary duty and oral declarations of trust.
Family: Christian Mitchell has extensive experience in both public and private aspects of Children Act work and ancillary relief and acts regularly for parents in local authority care proceedings.
Christine has specialized in all areas of family law for the past 20 years. She has been recognised in the Legal 500 since 2012 as a leading junior in the field of Children law and is recommended for her care work. She has a wide range of experience of public law cases acting for parents, children and Local authorities. She regularly acts in both high court and protracted county court cases. She has considerable experience acting in care cases concerning: non accidental injuries (including acting for parents in a number of “shaken baby” cases involving serious brain injuries); neglect; emotional harm; sexual and physical abuse; interjurisdictional cases, substance abuse, cultural issues, learning difficulties and mental health issues. She is experienced in contact and residence disputes, domestic violence, relocation cases, international child abduction and adoption. She regularly delivers lectures on the public law.
Dominique has developed an extensive practice in the field of ancillary relief. The number and spectrum of cases she deals with means that she has a well rounded comprehension of business accounts, pension provision, bankruptcy, non-disclosure and dissipation of assets. She receives instructions at all levels, ranging from needs based cases to the big money cases. Dominique has a careful and analytical approach to her cases, and has developed a reputation for providing realistic and comprehensive advice to her clients. Dominique also practices in both the public and private aspects of Children Act cases, acting for parents, extended family, guardians and Local Authorities. The public law work she has done ranges from allegations of sexual and/or physical abuse, mental illness, abusive relationships, neglect, and substance abuse. In private law cases, she has been involved in disputes involving intractable hostility, leave to remove, and internal and international abduction. In both these areas, Dominique is accustomed to dealing with expert witnesses from various fields.
Fiona has considerable experience representing parents, grandparents, guardians and local authorities in care and adoption proceedings within the Family Proceedings Court and the County Court. She frequently conducts complex finding of fact hearings including cases where allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse and the administration of drugs to a child have been sought. She has particular expertise in analysing complex expert reports and dealing with parents with learning disabilities. Fiona is instructed extensively on private law Children Act cases often involving intractable contact disputes, domestic violence intervention, psychological and psychiatric reports and more recently the enforcement of contact orders. She is experienced in conducting leave to remove applications. Her practice also includes advising and advocacy in all areas of matrimonial finance including advising and acting in Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 cases. To reflect the economic climate she has experience in cases involving bankruptcy, interveners and the dissipation of assets. Fiona undertakes the full range of family law injunctions both in relation to Non Molestation and Occupation Orders.
Family George Coates specialises in financial remedies in divorce proceedings and related family financial disputes. He deals with cases involving substantial assets; valuation of businesses and minority shareholdings in private companies; partnerships and LLP’s; family trusts; pensions; undisclosed assets and conduct (eg serious violence or dissipation of assets). Deals with disputes over company valuations and has a good working relationship with several forensic accountants to assist him on more thorny issues, whether as shadow or expert witnesses. He is well acquainted with the need to consider all the possible options when the Court is dealing with illiquid assets and to find a commercial solution: see his article “Sharing the Golden Goose”. His practice is in both the Central Family Court and local Family Courts county courts with some cases in the High Court. Recent cases in which he has been led by a QC have involved: assets worth up to £25m; serious violence/conduct dispute; variation of offshore trusts. Other cases involved shareholdings/options in companies engaged in a merger or takeover; an inter-generational family business run as an LLP; family trusts with discretionary beneficiaries; difficult valuations of commercial and private properties. Has appeared in proceedings in the Cayman Islands. Other recent cases include offshore trusts and companies in Gibraltar and The Seychelles. Appeared in the preliminary stages of the leading case on the impact of Bankruptcy in divorce proceedings. Able to produce detailed Duxbury calculations for use in large money cases. A particular area of practice is financial claims under sch.1 of the Children Act 1989 (claims between unmarried parents). He has written articles and lectured on this topic which often involves parallel disputes as to ownership under TOLATA. George is happy to undertake cases in which the assets are more modest and the question of the parties’ needs dominate the agenda. Providing detailed and practical guidance so that the case stands the very best chance of resolution at an early stage before legal costs eat into the precious resources. Frequently advises on the Child Support Act 1991 and has conducted a number of cases before the Appeal Tribunal as well as lecturing in this area. Sits as a judge of the Social Security and Child Support Appeal Tribunal. Also acts in care proceedings and private law children disputes, including non-accidental injury, shaken baby syndrome, serious mental illness, child/adult rape and drug dealing/abuse. Often these involve extensive medical as well as legal research. Has substantial experience in property matters extending to co-ownership disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, misrepresentation, fraud and estoppel. Is a member of Chambers’ Education Law team and has advised parents and schools on school admissions issues, and on challenging Local Authority policies in this area.
Personal Injury Prior to joining chambers, Jamie spent 8 years as an advocate in a national solicitor’s firm specialising principally in personal injury, contractual disputes, and property. Jamie acts for both Claimants and Defendants; from interlocutory hearings to trials and from small claims track to multi-track. He advises on liability, quantum, costs and procedure as well as drafting statements of case, applications and grounds of appeal. Jamie has considerable experience of providing advice and representation in Fast and Multi Track personal injury claims as well as at MoJ Stage 3 hearings. He deals with liability and damages issues, including causation, low velocity claims, exaggerated claims, chronic pain and credit hire. Commercial – Contract and Insolvency Jamie has provided advice and representation in numerous breach of contract and debt recovery disputes between sellers and consumers dealing with matters that include: the supply and sale of goods and services implied terms unfair contract terms misrepresentation remedies consumer credit issues Jamie has also advised on insolvency and costs cases including costs case management conferences, budgeting and MOJ issues. Property Jamie has represented clients in land and property including: landlord and tenant/neighbour disputes mortgage possession charging orders enforcement
Janet practises exclusively in family law, including children’s cases and domestic violence related injunctions. She has dealt with numerous complex public law children’s cases involving alleged physical, sexual and emotional abuse and frequently acts for parents where the local authority evidence is challenged. She also has substantial experience of handling lengthy and often fraught private law children’s cases. Many of these involve contested allegations of domestic violence or are intractable disputes where one or other parent is hostile and difficult. Janet consequently has lengthy experience of meeting worried and emotional clients and always treats them patiently and sympathetically.
Laura practised in London and then at Guildford Chambers, predominantly in landlord and tenant and property-related matters such as easements and boundary disputes, before taking a break from the Bar. During this time she was a pro-bono advisor to an agricultural charity, and an assistant commissioner for the Boundary Commission for England. Since 2014 she has sat on the Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel, hearing appeals against decisions of the Rural Payments Agency and Natural England in relation to the Basic Payment Scheme and agri-environment schemes under the EU Common Agricultural Policy.
Luke joined Guildford Chambers in 2018 as a civil law pupil. Luke read law at Bournemouth University until 2013 and then went on to complete the BPTC at UWE in 2014. Before commencing pupillage, Luke worked as a County Court Advocate for four years. During this time he attended over 1800 hearings in county courts throughout the Western and South Eastern Circuits. During this period he regularly conducted small claims dealing with consumer credit act debts and RTA claims, including credit hire claims. He has also dealt with bankruptcy proceedings, mortgage possessions, return of goods, landlord & tenant disputes and infant settlements.
Family: Michael has experience in ancillary relief and conducting all matters in relation to the Children Act. Crime: Michael is an experienced Crown Court advocate having conducted Crown Court trials for offences of theft, burglary, handling stolen goods, robbery, violent crimes and many drugs offences. Michael also advises and prosecutes for Customs, Probation Service, Child Support Agency and Department for Work and Pensions. Michael also appears for defendants in a variety of motoring cases.
Nicola was graded ‘outstanding’ on the Bar Vocational Course and awarded the Inner Temple prize for outstanding achievement. Nicola has developed a practice in family law, appearing at all levels of the Family Court. Her practice covers private children work, domestic abuse, defended divorces and family finance. Nicola is experienced in proceedings at all stages from first application to conclusion and she has in-depth experience of fact-finding hearings. She undertakes all associated written work. Nicola specialises in children work and has extensive experience of proceedings brought under the Children Act 1989, including cases with elements of domestic abuse (both adult and child), intractable hostility and the enforcement of orders. In addition to her children work, Nicola deals with all aspects of family finances. She has experience dealing with applications for Maintenance Pending Suit and cases involving interveners and bankruptcy within the context of proceedings. Nicola has experience of defended divorces and appears in applications for relief under the Family Law Act 1996, including Occupation and Non-Molestation Orders.
Property Paul is regularly instructed by landlords and tenants in relation to property-related disputes, including leasehold disputes, service charges, leasehold enfranchisement, easements, possession, adverse possession and dilapidations. His cases have included: Acting for the landlord in a claim for breach of tenancy in which the tenant claimed a duty on the landlord to mitigate loss of rent (case reaching the Court of Appeal) Acting for the landlord of an industrial complex in the tenants’ claim for relief from forfeiture, on the grounds of implied novation of tenancy Advising on disputes in relation to commercial leases and the rights of parties on termination and assignment of leases. Representing tenants in claims for residential possession brought in breach of terms of agreement, including on matters of dilapidations, rent arrears and other breaches Defending in possession claims brought on grounds of Anti-Social behaviour allegations; claims brought under the Housing Acts 1980, 1988 and 1996 Commercial Paul acts for private and corporate clients in relation to contractual matters and disputes. He is experienced at dealing with insurance-related claims and disputes. He has an interest in consumer-related law and has dealt with a number of building-related disputes. His practice also deals with the statutory regulation and licensing of commercial enterprises. His recent cases include: Acting for the Account holder of a bank to enforce the Banking Code and successfully defending a claim for alleged overdrafts on the account Successfully obtaining an indemnity from insurers in a claim for theft loss of a vehicle when breach of warranty was alleged Actions on summons to determine ownership of goods obtained by deception, concerning principles under the Sale of Goods Act and the Factors Act. Acting for Licence-holders for premises and personal licences in relation to licensed premises Acting for Local Authorities and Licence-holders in relation to the taxi licensing system Defending against Committal proceedings brought under the Enterprise Act 2002 for breaches of compliance orders (case which reached the Court of Appeal) Public Sector – Education Paul advises in the field of Education Law and is a joint editor of the Education Section of Atkins’ Court Forms. Paul is instructed by Local Authorities and private clients to advise and represent in a range of Special Educational Needs cases. He regularly appears as counsel in the First-Tier Tribunal of the Health Education and Social Care Chamber (formerly SENDIST). He has been instructed in cases taken on Appeal to the High Court (now to the Upper Tribunal). Paul can assist with issues concerning: Assessment; Refusal to Issue a Statement; Appeals concerning Placement and contents of a Statement. His cases have embraced: School placement issues concerning maintained and independent, mainstream and special schools Appeals concerning SEN provision, including therapies and reasonable adjustments Discrimination in education services, including allegations of physical restraint, a case receiving mention in Parliament – see below* Special educational needs in relation to behavioural conditions, Asperger’s and autistic spectrum disorders; School transport issues High Court appeal against SENDIST decision concerning the border between educational and non-educational provision and the ambit of the tribunal’s jurisdiction Paul advises parents, Local Authorities and schools on Admission and Exclusion matters, including appeals. He has provided training to Appeal Panels for Local Authorities. Regulatory Paul has a wide-ranging experience of the regulation of professional persons. He holds appointments with a number of healthcare professional regulators, such as GMC (MPTS) GDC GOC and also ACCA (see below). He acts as Legally Qualified Chair and Legal Adviser, advising on law and procedure. He has also previous experience with NMC and GCC. Paul’s experience with statutory regulation regimes is also useful to other professionals. He acts for registrants in front of their professional disciplinary panels. He has advised and represented other health professionals and teachers in relation to conduct and competence investigations and proceedings. Personal Injury Paul acts for Claimants in Personal Injury litigation, including slipping and tripping accidents, manual handling, road traffic accidents and accidents at work.ww
Crime: Robin has practised as a criminal barrister for over 20 years, prosecuting and defending at all levels including rapes, murder, fraud, money laundering and fatal road traffic offences as leading and junior counsel. He specialised in multi-handed cases such as conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He is a grade 4 prosecutor for the CPS. He has been involved in a number of money laundering prosecution operations advising the CPS and HMRC as to the application of the money laundering regulations to money service businesses in the criminal context. He is adept at handling vulnerable witnesses using special measures including children and adults with learning difficulties. Regulatory: Robin has developed a multi-disciplinary regulatory practice appearing at inquests, police misconduct hearings and fitness to practice hearings before the GMC. This emanated from his expertise in representing drivers in the emergency services charged with death by dangerous driving as a result of their duties. He has regularly given lectures and seminars to the profession, solicitors and police officers arising out of this area. Robin teaches advocacy for the Inner Temple and joined City Law School as a lecturer in 2014.
Property Rowan has a diverse property practice that incorporates ToLATA, proprietary estoppel, negligence and misrepresentation issues, easements and covenants, as well and landlord and tenant litigation. Rowan has recently concluded a 11-day breach of trust and account trial, having assisted in the litigation for over three years, drafting complex excel analysis spreadsheets to present at trial. It involved close family ties and a breakdown of the relationship between brother and sister co-owners of a £2.4m London property. Rental income and renovation works have been formed into a hugely complex accounting process, the second largest in Judge Lightman’s history of some 25 years sitting on accounts cases. Recently she appeared on behalf of multiple claimants in a 6 day case of fraudulent misrepresentation on a property information form (TA6). The seller failed to declare disputes with neighbours and rescission of the contract is being considered in circumstances where the property was purchased as a bed and breakfast business. Rowan provides early advice and mediation as well as representing parties at Court and the Tribunal involving boundary disputes, most commonly involving Section 60 of the Land Registration Act 2002. Rowan recently acted for a defendant who had no adverse possession argument and no evidence from previous owners. The Judge was conflicted by the conveyance, and the topography. Wilson v Greene [1971] 1 WLR 635 applied. Commercial Rowan’s commercial cases often have a property connection. A recent case saw Rowan deal with an agent company involved in a property insurance dispute, whereby there are conflicting defences as between the broker, insurer, and the security company, whereby a theft at the claimant company’s warehouse was not insured by reason of a failure to adhere to the insurer’s security requirements. Rowan recently concluded a five-year litigation, between a claimant company and the lay client who didn’t want to pay, in a construction case in the High Court. Both CBS and QS experts and a preliminary hearing on the list of contractual documents as well as legal argument on the liquidated damages clause within the JCT contract were heard over five days. Employment She has a particular interest in discrimination and whistleblowing, and has acted in cases for and against both multi-national private and public companies including organisations such as the NHS and Ministry of Justice. Rowan is currently acting in a complex age discrimination claim that was issued 18 months out of time. Rowan successfully drafted the application to issue out of time, and had the case reinstated where the Claimant had been the victim of solicitors’ negligence. Rowan’s recent case turned on whether privilege had been waived within documentation labelled “without prejudice”, which was determinative of whether there had been a dismissal at all. Rowan appeared in the legal 500 for three years for her employment work, and is quoted as being tough yet sensible and providing excellent client care when handling complicated employment and discrimination matters. Solicitors consistently praise Rowan for her client care, and ability to understand complex disabilities, particularly mental health conditions. Regulation Coming from a scientific academic background Rowan has a keen interest in medical law. She has represented numerous professionals at their respective regulatory tribunals, including the General Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Health and Care Professions Council. She has also attended numerous medical based inquests. At the end of 2011 Rowan led an appeal at the Privy Council in the case of Holmes v Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons [2011] UKPC 48 which dealt with the issue of bias, specifically that the charges were brought in the name of, and were determined by members of, the College. In addition, the system allowed members of the disciplinary committee to have previously served on the preliminary investigation committee. Care homes and Care standards: Rowan advises and represents care homes involved with Care Quality Commission investigations and closures.
Profile Ruth joined Guildford Chambers as a tenant in October 2023 following successfully completing a family law pupillage at Guildford Chambers. Ruth specialises in family law and accepts instructions in Private Children, Public Children and Family Finance. Prior to joining Chambers, Ruth worked as Judicial Assistance to both Lord Justice Peter Jackson and Lord Justice Baker in the Court of Appeal and also worked as a county court advocate. Children – Private Law Ruth regularly represents clients involved in private children proceedings and accepts instructions at all stages of proceedings. Ruth has represented clients in respect of contact, relocation, prohibited steps orders involving out of jurisdiction risks and in cases involving serious allegations of domestic abuse. Children – Public Law Ruth accepts instructions in public children proceedings and has represented parents in cases involving Special Guardianship Orders concerning contact, and in cases where allegations of substance misuse have been made. Family Finance Ruth is continuing to build a practice in family finance, and has represented clients at the early stages in family finance, including in conference and at first hearings. Domestic Violence & Injunction Ruth regularly represents clients who are involved in Family Law Act 1996 proceedings, including proceedings involving allegations of serious domestic abuse and where those applications are linked to Children Act 1989 proceedings. She has experience of applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders and attends without notice hearings, return dates, directions hearings and final hearings.
Sarah accepts instructions in all areas family law and has experience in all stages of proceedings. Sarah regularly represents clients who are involved proceedings brought under the Children Act 1989 and is instructed for all types of hearing, including FHDRAs, DRAs, directions hearings, fact-finding hearings and final hearings. Sarah has particular experience of representing parties in cases involving allegations of domestic violence and abuse. Sarah frequently acts in applications under the Family Law Act 1996 on behalf of both applicants and respondents. She has extensive experience of applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders and of the different types of hearing, including without notice hearings, return dates, directions hearings and final hearings.
Profile Sophia has developed an extensive and respected practice in both public law and private law matters. She has undertaken all aspects of such work in the family courts, including the High Court for parents, the Official Solicitor and Children’s Guardians. She has been involved in complex matters including contested care/placement hearings, removals from the jurisdiction and finding of fact hearings, including non-accidental injury cases and cases involving allegations of sexual, physical abuse, neglect and substance misuse. She has cross examined expert witnesses in various areas of expertise. In private law cases she has been involved in complex cases of intractable hostility and leave to remove cases in and out of the UK. She is regularly instructed in cases which feature the following : Private law proceedings. child arrangement orders. specific issue/prohibited steps applications. enforcement issues. complex cases involving multiple parties, expert evidence, jurisdictional issues, risk assessments, international relocation and involvement of a children’s Guardian. Public law proceedings. care, supervision and placement proceedings. special guardianship. complex cases involving expert evidence, non-accidental injuries, neglect and sexual abuse. Injunctions. domestic violence (non-molestation order). enforcement.
Suzanne represents clients in all aspects of Family Law in particular children cases including international child abduction, ward-ship and relocation cases.Suzanne regularly acts for both applicants and respondents in private law disputes about children, including difficult child arrangement orders, prohibited steps and recovery cases and also has extensive knowledge of domestic violence and harassment cases, representing clients and successfully obtaining protective court orders. Suzanne regularly conducts public law children act matters for Local Authorities, parents, children, guardians.In addition, Suzanne undertakes criminal defence work and regularly appears in the Magistrates Courts. In particular, Suzanne has extensive expertise in driving matters. Suzanne is a qualified solicitor and was a partner for 5 years in a regional law firm specialising in family law matters, prior to commencing work as a Barrister, during that time Suzanne was on the Family Panel, Advanced Family Panel and Children’s Panel.
Ancillary relief: advising and acting in all aspects of ancillary relief and related enforcement proceedings.Private law children: Victoria’s experience covers all aspects of private law children cases at all levels, including complex (and intractable) residence and contact disputes, cases with an international element, allegations of child abuse within a private law context, and private law cases involving serious domestic violence and related fact-finding hearings.