Harcourt Chambers

harcourtchambers.co.uk

Adam completed his law degree at the University of Nottingham, where he served as President of the Bar Society and volunteered as a mentor to younger students. Adam has previously volunteered with a London-based women’s refuge, assisting vulnerable mothers in their efforts to regain primary care of their children from the care system. He has worked as a County Court Advocate undertaking over 500 county court hearings across a range of civil-law matters and has worked as a paralegal in commercial litigation. He currently serves as the Chair of Trustees and Director of Leducate, a charity that promotes legal education amongst secondary-school aged students in England. Adam is a committed member of Lincoln’s Inn and currently sits on the Junior Members Committee.

Aidan Vine KC

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Deals with family, human rights and professional negligence. Recent notable cases: The Child and Family Agency (Ireland) v M & Ors [2018] EWHC 1581 (Fam) GP (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 1677 – Court of Appeal. 1980 Hague Convention. Article 13b. Grave risk of harm to child if abducting parent returned to home country to face imprisonment for child abduction. Re Z (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 157 (translation costs) H (A Child) v Northamptonshire County Council and the Legal Aid Agency [2017] EWHC 282 (Fam) (human rights damages, the legal aid charge and costs) Re: H (A Child) (International Abduction; Asylum and Welfare) [2016] EWCA Civ 988, [2017] 2 FLR 527 (child abduction, wardship, return orders and asylum) Re D (A Child) [2016] EWHC 1154 (Fam) (child abduction and Brussels II Revised return orders)

Alana Hughes

Alana worked as a paralegal at a London firm where she managed a busy case load and dealt with vulnerable clients in care matters. She then worked for a charity as a support worker for victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. This work involved assisting vulnerable, isolated and marginalised asylum seekers and refugees to access language classes, financial assistance and legal advice, including immigration advice. During her time at University, Alana was President of the student law society and was a national mooting champion. During her BPTC, she volunteered as a call handler for a charity that assists families in crisis. Alana is an advocate for increased access to the Bar and hosts a podcast in association with her Inn that encourages people from non-traditional backgrounds to explore the Bar as a potential career. In her spare time, she is a keen violinist and a member of a local orchestra.

Alex Forbes

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). All aspects of family law, both children and financial. Particular experience in the law relating to children, including fact-finding hearings, trials and all interlocutory stages (including PII applications) in both private and public law spheres, and including representation of local authorities, parents, children and intervenors. Particular experience in matrimonial/finance work includes all stages of ancillary relief, TOLATA 1996 applications and s1 Children Act applications, as well as a significant paper practice. Other work encompasses all aspects of common law, including criminal trials and interlocutory hearings, and civil claims including personal injury, contract and tort.

Alex Perry

Covers all areas of family law including financial relief, private and public law children, Family Law Act applications and cohabitation disputes. Also maintains a general civil law practice, with a particular emphasis on property, contractual disputes, and debt recovery and enforcement.

Alicia Collinson

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). General practice in family law over the years has developed an increasing specialisation in care proceedings and adoption, acting for guardians and children, local authorities and parents. Originally studied as an archaeologist, so has great skill in distilling the essential chronology for a case from large masses of data (often medical records or social work notes). A particular expertise in dealing with those with psychiatric or psychological difficulties. Member of the parliamentary adoption forum, advising on the development of Adoption & Children Act 2002, and subsequently lecturing on that Act. Additional interests in residence disputes; cohabitees and trusts cases; ancillary relief and personal injury litigation.

Alison Williams MCIArb

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in all areas relating to children's law and provides representation at all levels of court. Public law practice encompasses cases involving issues such as mental health, cognitive difficulties, substance abuse, neglect, domestic violence, over-chastisement, non-accidental injury (including fractures and shaken baby cases), sexual abuse, interference with medical equipment and fabricated and induced illness. Experience in private law includes all applications pursuant to section 8 of the Children Act 1989, applications for special guardianship orders, internal relocation and removal from the jurisdiction. Often instructed in complex cases involving implacable hostility, parental alienation, domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse issues and where children’s services are involved. Frequently acts in cases where there are vulnerable litigants. Aims to take a sensitive and pragmatic approach with her clients.

Andrew Leong

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). All areas of family law: acts for public bodies in most areas of social care law – acting for private clients in public and private children cases and domestic disputes, as well as in ancillary relief and matrimonial finance matters. General common law: acts in an advisory and representative capacity in a broad spectrum of matters covering contractual and corporate disputes, trusts and other common law areas as well as in personal injury cases.

Anna Yarde

Anna specialises in the law relating to children. She balances compassion for her clients with straightforward advice, skilled negotiation and fearless advocacy. In addition to public and private children law work, Anna’s practice includes Deprivation of Liberty and Forced Marriage applications. As an experienced advocate, Anna is well-equipped to identify the serious risks facing vulnerable parties in these cases and prioritises client care and communication. Anna recognises the importance of ensuring that her client’s views are accurately and sensitively portrayed in the courtroom. Anna rigorously analyses her cases to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients. The quality of her impressive written work was praised by McFarlane LJ in Re S (Children) 2016 EWCA Civ 1090 [paragraph 16]. Anna has written for Family Law and The Transparency Project. Anna has been named a TBD Marketing Top 20 Legal LinkedInfluencer for Q2 2024.

Ben Woolstencroft

Ben Woolstencroft joined Harcourt as a pupil in October 2023 and is developing a practice across the full spectrum of Chambers’ expertise. His pupillage is supervised by Suzanne Syme, Daniel Sheridan, Rob George and Mehvish Chaudhry. Prior to joining Harcourt, Ben worked at the Court of Appeal of England and Wales as the judicial assistant to Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Moylan. During his time there, he gained experience in a variety of areas of family law including public and private children, matrimonial finance and international child abduction. He worked on significant family cases such as Re AG (A Child) [2022] EWCA Civ 1505 and Re A (Parental Responsibility) [2023] EWCA Civ 689. Ben originally studied Classics at the University of Cambridge before converting to law. During his legal studies, he gave supervised advice to clients on family issues for the City Legal Advice Clinic and delivered a seminar on the law of relocation to an audience of current and aspiring family law barristers.

Cecilia Barrett

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Barrister specialising in all aspects of family law, with an emphasis on ancillary relief. Experience of cases where the assets range from the very small to the significant, and cases involving third parties, bankruptcy and family businesses. As to matters relating to children, appears regularly in care proceedings and in complex private law applications, in particular in relation to disputes with an international context.

Chloe Wilkins

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Practice encompasses the full range of family work, including children’s proceedings (public and private), ancillary relief and Family Law Act injunctions. Regularly receives instructions to represent parents, grandparents, guardians and local authorities. Her public law practice has included cases involving drug and alcohol abuse, neglect, emotional harm and children with serious medical conditions. Her private law practice includes cases of implacable hostility and allegations of domestic violence. She has experience in representing parents with mental health problems.

Craig Jeakings

All aspects of children law, both private and public. Particular expertise in dealing with victims of sexual abuse, and serious domestic abuse.

Curtis Ball

Curtis accepts instructions in all areas of family law, including children law, both public and private, and financial remedy.

Damian Broadbent

Damian Broadbent regularly represents clients in both children and financial remedy cases. He is often instructed by local authorities, parents, guardians, intervenors and police forces. Damian routinely acts in cases turning on contested factual and expert evidence and involving difficult findings of fact. Damian has been successful in bringing and challenging serious allegations such as rape and sexual assault, historical physical and sexual abuse, and serious non-accidental injuries, including head injuries. In his first three years of practice Damian undertook criminal trials in the Crown Court where he honed his abilities as a cross-examiner and witness handler. In 2022 Damian was invited to Sierra Leone by the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone as part of a delegation of four lawyers. Damian, together with the Justice Teresa Doherty CBE, Professor Saul Lehrfreund MBE, and HHJ Heywood met judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court of Sierra Leone. Damian advised on the creation of a sexual offences model court.

Daniel Sheridan

Daniel Sheridan has significant experience in all manner of private and public children law cases with experience in all tiers of court up to the Court of Appeal. He also undertakes work in the Court of Protection and National DoLs Court. Daniel is a persuasive and thorough advocate, who understands the key issues in cases and is particularly good at representing children in proceedings, with a focus on identifying key welfare issues to achieve the best possible outcomes. He places the upmost importance on giving balanced, clear, evidenced-based advice to empower lay and professional clients to make informed, strategic decisions. His advocacy style is direct, courteous, and effective.

David Marusza

David practises in all aspects of private family law, with particular focus on the financial aspects of divorce and relationship breakdown. He has represented clients at all levels of the Family Court and as a junior in the Supreme Court. He has substantial experience of acting for high net worth clients in financial remedy proceeding in cases involving in excess of £15 million worth of assets, family companies, inherited assets, and cases with an international element. David writes on the law of nuptial agreements for the Practical Law Company (Thomson Reuters). In addition to his court practice, David has wide experience of drafting nuptial agreements, opinions, skeleton arguments and pleadings. David is frequently instructed in both private and court-based FDR appointments and mediations and combines robust advocacy with outcome focussed negotiations in the best interests of clients. David is available to sit in private FDRs.

Douglas Allen

A highly accomplished senior junior, well known for his straightforward, discreet and compassionate approach, as well as his ability to establish trust and rapport with his clients. He is a tough negotiator and strong advocate, particularly in cross examination. Doug specialises in divorce and breakdown of family relationships, including: - Divorce and partnership dissolution, - Financial remedy and child provision. He is regularly instructed in cases involving substantial assets and complex issues. In addition to his relationship breakdown/financial practice, Doug regularly acts in private law children disputes, particularly those of an intractable or sensitive nature. Contributor to Family Law and Practical Law. Qualified to accept public access instructions.Some of his notable cases include: Re W (a child) (removal at birth: contact) [2013] All ER (D) 254; H (A Minor) v Northamptonshire County Council [2017] EWHC 282 (Fam).

Edward Kirkwood

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Deals with all areas of family law, including public and private law Children Act proceedings, ancillary relief and TOLATA applications. Particular experience of representing parents in care proceedings. Represented the local authority in case of Re: M (care order: freeing application) [2004] 1 FLR 826.

Edward Bennett

Edward Bennett was the 2015 Young Family Law Barrister of the Year and is instructed in the Family Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Court of Justice of the European Union. He specialises in family and Court of Protection law. He has extensive experience in disputes with an international dimension and edits the International Family Law Journal. To date, he has appeared in the following family cases: International Child Abduction (Hague Conventions and Inherent Jurisdiction), Leaves to permanently and temporarily remove from the jurisdiction, Forced marriage, Surrogacy, International Adoption, International Child Maintenance Forum disputes, Public and Private Law Children, and Part III Children Act 1989 Judicial Reviews. He has been admitted as an advocate in the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia having been instructed in the first application to leave to remove from that jurisdiction in its history. In the Court of Protection, he is instructed across both welfare and finance cases. Recent reported cases include: Re D (Children) (Child Abduction: Practice) [2016] EWHC 504 (Fam), Re C & D (Children) (Parental Order) [2015] EWHC 2080 (Fam); [2015] All ER (D) 121 (Aug), A & B (No 1 -Fact finding judgment) [2015] EWHC 1059 (Fam), D (A Child: deprivation of liberty) [2015] COPLR 209, AA v TT (recognition and enforcement) [2015] 2 FLR 1, and Re R (A Child) [2014] EWHC 2802 (Fam). In addition to his legal practice, Edward works as a Research Assistant at H.M. College of Arms.

Edward Devereux KC

Edward was called to the Bar in 2001 and was appointed a KC in 2017. He was the youngest specialist family barrister to be appointed a KC in the last twenty years. He is widely regarded to be one of the leading barristers of his generation. He has been described as – “a titan” (Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession (2020)) “one of the most impressive advocates at the family bar” (The Legal 500 (2021)) “one of the heavyweights of family law, a phenomenal advocate…terrifying to the other side when he cross-examines” (Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession (2020)) “a walking encyclopaedia on international children law” (Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession (2022)) “A master of strategy, incredibly intelligent, and his advocacy is simply superb. No one can touch him” (The Legal 500 2022)) “Intellectually creative, always alive to appeal points and an excellent advocate” (Spear’s 500, 2022) “Has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law” (The Legal 500 2020) “He has a compelling style of advocacy, which is delivered with sheer eloquence” (The Legal 500 2018) Edward acted for Rocco Ritchie in disputes between his mother Madonna and his father Guy Ritchie (see Madonna Ciccone v Guy Ritchie and Rocco Ritchie [2016] 4 WLR 60 and Madonna Ciccone v Guy Ritchie and Rocco Ritchie (No 2) [2016] 1 WLR 3545), for the parents of Archie Battersbee in their efforts seeking to resist the application of a NHS Trust to withdraw life sustaining treatment from their son, Archie (see Barts Health NHS Trust v Dance and others, Court of Appeal, 6 July 2022, 25 July 2022 and 1 August 2022), and for the family of AH, who was said to be “the most complex Covid patient in the world”, who were also seeking to resist an application to withdraw life sustaining treatment from AH (see In re AH [2022] 1 WLR 2437). Edward has a wide-ranging practice in family law. Many of the cases in which Edward has argued (whether at trial or appellate level) have significantly changed the law in the UK or around the world. Amongst many other significant cases, Edward represented one of the parties in the landmark alternative dispute resolution case of AI v MT (Alternative Dispute Resolution) [2013] 2 FLR 371; represented the applicant before the Court of Appeal in a case that concerned one of the largest ever reported monetary awards in the UK involving an unmarried couple (see In re A (A Child) (Financial Provision: Wealthy Parent) [2015] 3 WLR 48); led the legal team for the father before the UK Supreme Court in the recent case of G v G (Secretary of State for the Home Department and others intervening) [2021] 2 FLR 536; was the principal author of an Amicus Brief for Reunite Child Abduction Centre in the matter of Monasky v Taglieri (No. 18-935) before the United States Supreme Court; and has acted for the UK government in a number of domestic and international cases (see, for example, Regina (GA and others) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2021] 1 WLR 5966, H v R and another (No 2) (Attorney General for England and Wales intervening) [2021] 3 WLR 1175, Hampshire County Council v CE and another (Child and Family Agency and another intervening) [2019] 1 WLR 2019 (before the Court of Justice of the European Union). Over the course of his career, he has appeared before, or presented submissions to, a large number of different national and international courts including the UK Supreme Court (on eleven occasions), the House of Lords, the Court of Justice of the European Union (on a number of occasions acting for the UK government), the European Court of Human Rights and the United States Supreme Court. He has appeared in over 80 cases reported in the Family Law Reports. Edward was an author and editor of the foremost book on the conflict of laws, Dicey, Morris and Collins, The Conflict of Laws (to which he contributed to the supplement to the fifteenth edition). He also, with His Honour Judge Hess and His Honour Judge Dancey, authored the Standard Family Orders Handbook, vol. 2, Children and Other Orders (2018) and wrote the chapter on child abduction for Child Case Management Practice (editors Lord Justice Ryder and Ian Goldrein KC). In 2015, Edward won Junior Family Barrister of the Year at the Chambers and Partners Bar Awards. In 2014, he was shortlisted for International Family Lawyer of the Year at the Family Law Awards. Edward was one of the barristers profiled in Family Law Advocacy How Barristers Help the Victims of Family Failure, Mavis Maclean and John Eekelaar (2009, Hart Publishing). Edward has given many lectures on family law over the last twenty years to a wide range of different audiences.

Eleanor Howard

Eleanor accepts instructions in all aspects of family law. She has experience assisting clients in public and private children matters as well as matrimonial finance. Eleanor has represented clients at both the County Court and High Court Level.

Elisabeth Wickham

Elisabeth has experience of representing clients at both County Court and High Court level. She welcomes instructions in all areas of family law, including: Financial Remedy proceedingsPrivate and Public law cases under the Children Act 1989 International children law Family Law Act 1996 proceedings

Emily Rayner

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in all aspects of family law with an emphasis on family finance matters and children and finance cases with an international element.

Emma Gatland

Called to the Bar in 2013. Before studying law in 2011, Emma enjoyed a successful career in academia as a Fellow and Lecturer in Modern Languages, first at the University of Oxford and then at the University of Cambridge. She published many books and journal articles in her field of research. Emma joined Harcourt Chambers in 2013. She specialises in children work (public and private family law). She is recognised by those who instruct her as having experience and ability considerably beyond her year of Call. PUBLIC LAW CHILDREN Emma has a wealth of experience representing local authorities, parents, children, and interveners in public law proceedings. Her cases have covered the most serious of issues, including neglect, drug and alcohol misuse, mental health, fabricated or induced illness, sexual and physical abuse, and non-accidental injury. Emma is often led by King’s Counsel in public law fact-finding hearings involving allegations of the most serious nature. PRIVATE LAW CHILDREN Emma has a strong private law practice. She is regularly instructed in matters involving parental alienation, alcohol and substance abuse, mental health issues, sexual and other domestic abuse, and internal relocation. DIRECT ACCESS Emma is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances. Education BPTC, Nottingham Law School GDL, Nottingham Law School, Distinction PhD Medieval Spanish, University of Cambridge MPhil European Literature & Culture (Distinction), University of Cambridge BA (Hons) Modern Languages (Spanish & Italian), University of Durham, First Class

Ethan Connor

Prior to joining Chambers, Ethan worked for one of the ‘Big 4’ accountancy firms and then moved into industry to work as a business consultant for two FTSE 100 companies. Having decided to pursue a career in family law, he later worked as a paralegal for one of the country’s premier family law solicitors on a range of high net worth financial matters and private law children disputes. Ethan specialises in financial remedy cases and all aspects of private children law. He is regularly instructed in matters involving hidden assets, trusts, parental alienation of children and intractable disputes between parents. His background in accountancy and finance gives him a particular advantage in cases involving business valuations, trusts and significant pension assets.

Fazeela Ishmael

Fazeela accepts instructions in all areas of family law. During her first six she was supervised by Cecilia Barrett and Chloe Wilkins, and was involved in a range of matters including: complex matrimonial finance matters relating to trusts and pre-nuptial agreements; private law children disputes regarding contact, residence and relocation; and all aspects of public law children proceedings. Fazeela also has an extensive knowledge of the social security benefits system, including Universal Credit, following her experience working with Citizens Advice, prior to commencing pupillage. She has also represented appellants at Social Security Tribunals with the Free Representation Unit.

Ferdinand Holley

Ferdinand Holley joined Harcourt Chambers as a pupil in October 2023. His pupillage is supervised by Alison Williams, James Dove, and Jason Green and covers all areas of practice at Harcourt. Previously, Ferdinand worked as a paralegal in a respected family law department, assisting on financial remedies, private law children, and international children cases. In this role, Ferdinand wrote articles about the law of nullity for a public audience and conducted court advocacy for non-molestation and prohibited steps order cases. Prior to that, Ferdinand worked as a paralegal in housing law, supporting individuals and families facing imminent homelessness. In both roles, Ferdinand worked extensively with vulnerable and disadvantaged clients. Ferdinand studied Law at the University of Cambridge. He was the recipient of the Yarborough-Anderson Scholarship and an Exhibition Award from the Inner Temple in 2020. He undertook Bar Vocational Studies at City, University of London, graduating with a distinction. During his time at City, Ferdinand volunteered on family law cases for the City Law School Legal Advice Clinic.

Fiona Hay

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in ancillary relief, especially cases involving pension issues and family businesses. Featured in Chambers 2007 and 2008 as a leading junior. Counsel in Re M (adoption on residence order) [1998] 1 FLR 570 and in Re F & H [2007] EWCA 692.

Frances Harris

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in family law (ancillary relief, private child law, public child law, Part IV Family Law Act applications).

Hannah McSorley

Hannah is a leading junior family law specialist with a strong commercial sense and a reputation for calm confident advocacy. Most of her work is in family finances – where she represents people from all walks of life robustly, sensibly and with empathy. Hannah is confident dealing with HNW individuals, as with more modest cases and will give clear advice and fight tenaciously where needed. Hannah takes on some pro bono work, via Advocate.

Hannah Mettam

Hannah has been consistently ranked in the Legal 500 as a Tier 1 Leading Junior in Children Act cases for several years. In February 2023, Hannah was appointed as assistant Coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to support the Senior and Area Coroners across the full range of Coroner’s duties for the county, including presiding over inquests. Hannah has significant experience and expertise in Public Law Children matters, and some private law children in cases where serious allegations are made. A specialist in complex proceedings, Hannah regularly appears in cases involving the most serious of allegations and has a wealth of experience both in being led by King’s Counsel and in leading other junior members of Chambers. Hannah regularly appears in High Court proceedings. Hannah acts on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, children and interveners in a wide range of cases including: • Cases involving child death • Serious non-accidental injury • Fabricated and induced illness • Admission of children to hospital for treatment • Sexual abuse • Complex medical evidence. Hannah is routinely requested in cases where a detailed and forensic approach is required, her advocacy style is described as formidable and she is an extremely popular choice for lay and professional clients alike, particularly where cases require expert cross-examination. Hannah is regularly instructed in cases involving very complex medical evidence, she has a sound grasp of medical conditions and processes and understands how to forensically explore and challenge medical evidence in a way that penetrates the real issues at the heart of a case, whilst also ensuring that this sometimes impenetrable medical terminology is entirely understandable for the benefit of lay and professional clients alike.

Hannah Windmill

Hannah’s practice covers all areas of children law and Family Law Act 1996 proceedings; she has gained experience in public, private and international children cases. She is quickly building a practice in private law, including cases with an international element and those involving intractable disputes over contact and residence. Hannah has experience of working with vulnerable clients in cases involving domestic violence, mental health issues, addiction and self-harm. She enjoys representing grandparents and great-grandparents in both public and private law cases of particular sensitivity, including the death of a parent or a parent being unable to care. Prior to commencing pupillage, Hannah volunteered for children’s legal charities and worked with young offenders. She continues to train social workers in giving evidence.

Helen Little

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialist family practitioner. Public law: represents local authorities, parents and guardians in a wide range of public law proceedings, including cases involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Experience of representing parents with physical or learning disabilities, including where instructions are received via the official solicitor. Private law: represents parents and children in a wide variety of s8 applications and removal from the jurisdiction. Experienced in disputes between same-sex partners and representing children through a guardian. Advises upon cohabitation disputes, TOLATA applications and civil partnership claims.

Helen Wilkinson

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in family law. Practice includes public and private law Children Act proceedings, ancillary relief, cohabitation disputes and Family Law Act applications.

James Turner

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). All areas relating to children’s law. James Turner is regularly instructed in public law cases involving issues of neglect, substance misuse, emotional abuse and more complex cases involving allegations of non-accidental injury and sexual abuse. In private law proceedings, James has in-depth experience of dealing with all section 8 Children Act 1989 applications. He is instructed in protracted and sensitive cases and has particular expertise in shared residence, special guardianship, intractable contact disputes and leave to remove from the jurisdiction. James also has extensive experience of representing parties in Family Law Act matters.

James Dove

James is a specialist children and Court of Protection practitioner. He has appeared at all levels of tribunal up to the Court of Appeal. James is experienced at representing all types of party to family proceedings. He has extensive experience of representing local authorities, parents, Guardians, children and other family members within public law proceedings. He is also highly experienced in private law and abduction proceedings. James has been involved in complex cases throughout his career either acting as counsel on his own, acting as leading junior counsel or being led. James regularly successfully acts for Appellants and Respondents in appeals at all levels. James is sensitive to the stress and anxiety that all those concerned in family proceedings are likely to be feeling. He knows how important it is to put his clients at ease. He also knows the importance of providing robust advice to clients to ensure that they receive the best possible outcome in their circumstances. James has completed the Inns of Court College of Advocacy Vulnerable Witness Training. James has recently had success as a litigant in person in a claim against Iberia. James won his claim against the airline at Mayors and City of London County Court in 2017; establishing that Iberia and many major airlines terms and conditions were unfair. Public law James acts in all types of public law proceedings. He regularly acts in fact findings for local authorities, parents and children including cases involving non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse where children and vulnerable adults have made allegations, serious physical abuse of children and cases of suspected fabricated allegations. Re B-R (2017) CA (Civ) James successfully responded on behalf of a local authority to an appeal against an interim care order authorising the removal of a child from their mother. McFarlane LJ confirmed the test for removal remained as set out by Thorpe LJ in Re H [2002] EWCA Civ 1932. Re B (2017) Appeal in respect of whether the inherent jurisdiction could be used to place a 14 year old girl in secure accommodation in Scotland. Due a shortage of secure accommodation in England and Wales, children were being placed in Scotland. There were no reciprocal laws to recognise English secure accommodation orders in Scotland. The inherent jurisdiction was instead being used to place children in secure accommodation in Scotland. This created difficulties as the Children Act 1989 prohibits a competent child from being placed outside of England and Wales without their consent. Permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal was granted by LJ McFarlane based on James’ skeleton. The case was withdrawn following an amendment to the Children Act 1989 contained within the Children and Social Work Act 2017. Re P (2017) James was led by Damian Garrido QC in complex care proceedings heard by Her Honour Judge Rowe QC sitting as a High Court judge for eight days. The case concerned a 9 year old child whose own father was alleged to have been involved with sexual activity with his siblings as a child. The father denied knowledge of having sexual activity with his siblings which was relevant to the validity of the opinion of an expert in the case. Dr Butler, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, had concluded that based on the father’s participation in sexual activity with his siblings as a child he would be unable to support his daughter who exhibits sexualised behaviour. James gathered the evidence from historic social services to prove that the father had been involved with sexual activity with his siblings 15 – 20 years earlier. The judge made the findings sought by the local authority in respect of the historic sexual activity between the father and his siblings. Re S (2015) James acted on behalf of a child in an appeal against a Case Management decision in step parent adoption proceedings. This was the second appeal within the proceedings. The case had already gone to the Court of Appeal following the final hearing at which the adoption order was made. (The first appeal was reported as Re S (Adoption and Contact Applications: Representation of the Child) [2015] EWCA Civ 649) The appeal had been allowed because there was an appearance of bias in respect of the author of a court report that recommended the application should succeed. The author of the adoption report worked in the same social services department as the mother. HHJ Tolson QC had taken over the case and the father appealed his case management decision on the basis that it went against the spirit of the decision in the appeal. James resisted the appeal unsuccessfully, however, Lord Justice Ryder in his judgment commented that James took an ‘intuitive line’ during the hearing. (S (A Child) [2015] EWCA Civ 1345) Inherent jurisdiction and child abduction James regularly appears in the High Court in cases requiring use of the inherent jurisdiction, generally in the context of child abduction although he has also appeared in cases when the inherent jurisdiction has been used in respect of medical treatment or where the Children Act 1989 is unable to provide a remedy Re C (2017) Ongoing abduction proceedings in the High Court with parallel care proceedings to return a child from Spain back to England. The case required multiple disclosure orders against family members and companies to find information to track down the child. London Borough of Redbridge v SNA [2015] EWHC 2140 (Fam) James advised the local authority in respect of making an application under the inherent jurisdiction in attempt to prevent a man who had been found to have raped his step-daughter from having contact with other girls within the community. The local authority pursued the application, however, James was unable to appear at the hearing because of his commitment to another case. James has subsequently written a paper for the government on amendments that he thinks should be made to the law following the judgment in this case. Re B (2013) Representation of devoutly religious parents of a one a year old against Great Ormond Street Hospital. The hospital sought a do not resuscitate order because it was medical opinion that due to the child's complex heart condition it was not in the child's best interests to be resuscitated, were the child to suffer a heart attack. The child died after an interim order was made. Private children proceedings Acts for parents and children in all types of private children cases including abductions, removal of parental responsibility from a father and leave to remove from the jurisdiction. Court of Protection James advises and represents parties in cases before the Court of Protection. He has a particular interest in welfare and deprivation of liberty cases.

Jane Campbell

Jane’s practice is principally financial remedy, although she undertakes schedule 1 cases and private law children work. Jane returned to the Bar after a career break in 2010. She is recommended in the leading directories for family work. In 2015 she was appointed to sit as a Deputy District Judge (Civil/Family) in the South East. Jane represents clients from all walks of life, from those with modest assets to high net worth individuals. She has particular expertise in representing vulnerable clients, both in financial remedy and schedule 1 proceedings and in private law children matters. Reported Cases Birch v Birch [2017] UKSC 53 – successful appeal on behalf of wife seeking to discharge an undertaking in a final consent order. Court held, by a majority of 4 to 1, that wife could apply under s.31 to vary order and under inherent jurisdiction to discharge undertaking. Re G Children [2014] EWCA Civ 336 – successful appeal on behalf of biological mother who donated eggs to her partner who was the birth mother. Donation predated HFEA 2008 so biological mother did not automatically have PR. Case remitted to circuit judge and PR awarded. R v R [2013] EWHC 4244 (Fam) – case before the President concerning the duties of shadow directors and the grant of restraint of trade orders under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

Jason Green

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in family law, predominantly matrimonial finance and international children work. His finance practice includes cases with a considerable asset base (eg family businesses, complex pension arrangements and trusts). International work includes child abduction, forced marriage and financial matters, including maintenance obligations. Recent reported cases: Re W (A Child) [2018] EWCA 1904 Morris v Morris [2016] EWCA Civ 812 MO v RO v RIG Ltd [2013] EWHC 392 (Fam) Bhura v Bhura [2012] EWHC 3633 (Fam) Re W (A Child) (Abduction: Committal) [2011] All ER (D) 83 (Aug) Re SK [2007] EWHC 3289 (Fam)

John Vater KC

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). John specialises in children’s law, both public and private. In the public law sphere he represents all parties at all levels and has particular expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence. In the private law sphere, John has a particular interest in cases involving implacable hostility, issues of identity, and removal from the jurisdiction. In addition, John has wide experience of the inherent ‘best interests’ jurisdiction, having appeared in such cases for parents, subjects and the Official Solicitor. John is an IFLA accredited Children Law arbitrator. John is also a member of St John's Buildings Chambers in Manchester and Liverpool and a member of 9 Park Place in Cardiff. In the last year John has appeared in numerous cases in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court: Re N (Children) [2016] UKSC 16 Re B (Child) (Relocation: Sweden) [2015] EWCA Civ 286 JB v KS [2015] EWHC 180 (Fam) Re S and T [2015] EWHC 1753 (Fam) Re M [2015] EWHC 1433 (Fam) Other important cases include: Re P (care orders: injunctive relief) [2000] 2 FLR 385; Hale v Tanner [2000] 2 FLR 879 (Court of Appeal); Re ET (serious injuries: standard of proof) [2003] 2 FLR 1205; A County Council v DP, RS BS [2005] 2 FLR 1031; and Re H (residence order: placement out of jurisdiction) [2006] 1 FLR 1140. John Vater QC is also at 9 Park Place Chambers (Chambers of Paul Hopkins QC).

Jonathan Sampson KC

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialist family law barrister, with particular expertise in public law in relation to children/vulnerable adults and finance on divorce/separation. In addition to court work at first instance and appeal level he provides consultancy services to local authorities. Public law: regularly instructed by local authorities, on behalf of respondent parents and children’s guardians. Work in this field includes: numerous factual hearings relating to alleged physical and sexual abuse; human rights act injunction applications in the high court against wrongful removal of children; declaratory and injunctive relief under the inherent jurisdiction in relation to vulnerable adults; judicial review proceedings in respect of leaving care provisions; and ancillary relief. Advises and acts in privately funded ancillary relief and cohabitation disputes at all stages of proceedings. Reported cases: Re H (termination of contact) [2005] EWCA Civ 318 [2005] 2 FLR 408; Re T (abuse: standard of proof) [2004] EWCA Civ 558 [2004] 2 FLR 838; and B County Council v L and others [2002] EWHC 2337 (Fam) (Lawtel); Re W-P (Fact Finding Hearing) [2009] EWCA Civ 216 2 FLR 200.

Julia Cheetham

Julia’s practice involves complex proceedings relating to children including care proceedings, adoption, wardship and judicial review. Julia was appointed as a Recorder in 2008 (Public Law Family, Private Law Family and Civil). Julia is head of the family team at Deans Court Chambers and Deputy Head of Chambers. Julia regularly gives seminars to professionals working within the field and has been involved in expert witness training. She sits as a Recorder in Public and Private Law Family and Civil cases and is authorised to sit as a High Court Judge pursuant to Section 9 (1). Julia was recently approved as an advocacy trainer for the FLBA vulnerable witness training programme. Julia regularly appears in cases which involve complex medical evidence relating to the death or serious injury of children including sexual abuse and abnormal illness behaviour. She appears in the High Court in cases involving serious medical treatment issues and complex packages of care (including the withdrawal of life sustaining treatment) and in the Court of Protection. Cases where one parent has killed the other are a particular area of expertise for Julia. She regularly represents children, parents and local authorities in such cases, many of which have involved high profile criminal proceedings and/or serious case reviews. She has represented the children in cases involving alleged removal of children from the jurisdiction to Syria. In 2018 and 2019 Julia represented respondents in two of the largest cases of alleged sexual abuse which have been heard in the Family Court. Julia has an interest in disability issues and Human Rights, in particular those relating to deaf and learning-disabled parents. She has significant experience in cases involving transgender children and represented the father in the ground breaking case of Lancashire County Council v TP [2019] EWFC 30.Julia has significant experience of work in St Helena and is on the roll of advocates of the Supreme Court of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan de Cunha. She has undertaken work in the UK for the Falkland Islands and St Helena Governments. She has a particular interest in jurisdictional issues affecting the overseas territories and in 2018 presented a paper at FCO to the British Overseas Territories Steering Group on family law. Julia has also represented local authorities in high profile cases involving jurisdiction issues with Scotland.

Julia Shillingford

Family Julia is a family law specialist accepting instructions in all areas of private law family work, including matrimonial finance, dissolution of civil partnerships, cohabitee disputes, applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act, and all aspects of the Child Arrangements Programme. In all cases Julia is focused on giving practical and realistic advice to parties and achieving settlement wherever possible. When matters cannot be resolved by negotiation and consent, Julia is a fearless and tenacious advocate. She has a forensic approach to documents and her preparation is thorough and conscientious. Financial Relief Julia has a particular interest in financial relief both upon divorce and dissolution of civil partnership. In matrimonial finance cases she has extensive experience in acting for parties from First Appointment, through Financial Dispute Resolution and up to Final Hearing when necessary. Julia also represents parties in applications for maintenance pending suit and variations of maintenance. Julia is experienced in acting in cases involving high net worth individuals and complex assets including business assets, shareholdings and investments, multiple real properties, development property, overseas assets and family trusts. She regularly acts in cases where income is comprised of bonuses and dividends, and where assets are asserted to be non-matrimonial, whether premarital, inherited or otherwise. She also acts in difficult cases where assets are exceedingly limited, or where conduct is an issue including allegations of the utmost seriousness. She will consider representing parties pro bono in appropriate cases. Julia has been instructed by the Official Solicitor in cases where parties are considered not to have capacity. Children Julia has extensive experience in all areas of Children Act law, now governed by the Child Arrangements Programme, including disputes about: With whom a child lives; Contact with a parent or grandparent; Specific issues and prohibited steps & Special guardianship. Julia deals with fact finding hearings in cases where allegations are raised either of domestic abuse or of significant harm to a child including physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. Julia has a particular interest in both internal and external relocation cases and where leave is sought to move a child from the jurisdiction. Julia has successfully represented parties both seeking to relocate and opposing relocation of a child. Family Law Act Julia regularly represents parties in Family Law Act proceedings where parties allege domestic abuse and/or are seeking to exclude another from the family home. Her extensive experience in acting for victims and alleged perpetrators has enabled her to understand the patterns and behaviours involved and to establish a rapport with parties.

June Rodgers

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in family law, public and private law, ancillary relief, Inheritance Act law, trusts, and ecclesiastical law. June has particular experience in cases involving mental health issues and vulnerable clients. Notable cases: N (A Child: Interim Care Order: Interim Removal) [2015] EWFC 40 Re N (A Child: Section 37: Interim Care Order) [2014] EWFC 53 Re S {2010] EWCA Civ 325 Re V [2005] 2 FLR 1010 Kasper Baker v Griffith (secret trust) CA Civ Div [2000] WTLR 333 Banks v Banks (occupation order and mental health) [1999] 1 FLR 726 Re CB [1995] 1 FLR 6221; Re F (a minor) (child abduction) [1992] 1 FLR 548 Kiely v Kiely (lump sum for children) [1988] 1 FLR 748

Justine Ramsden

Justine’s practice covers all aspects of family law including public and private law Children Act 1989 proceedings and cases under the Family Law Act 1996. Justine is regularly instructed on behalf of parents, local authorities, children’s guardians, interveners and prospective adopters. She appears in cases involving allegations of non-accidental injuries, suspected fabricated or induced illness (FII) mental health conditions, domestic violence, physical abuse, drug and alcohol difficulties, longstanding neglect and emotional harm. Justine has also acted as junior counsel in a case involving serious injury and death of a child, and in a complex case concerning historic sexual abuse allegations. She is frequently instructed to represent parents facing the prospect of their children being adopted. She has a proven record of successfully persuading the Court to place children with their parents or family members against the recommendations of professionals and/or the local authority. Her ability to communicate and build rapport means she is regularly instructed to represent vulnerable clients. Justine has good knowledge of the law and guidance for cases where one or both parents have learning disabilities. Justine has a strong private law children practice and has represented parents, children through their rule 16.4 court appointed guardians as well as other family members. She has experience in private law fact-finding hearings, including those concerning alleged sexual abuse, domestic violence and parental alienation. Justine appreciates the need to consider the wider issues in these cases and the importance of establishing exactly what the client seeks to achieve and understanding the case from their perspective.

Karl Rowley KC

Karl is a specialist in the law relating to children. He represents parents, children and local authorities in public law proceedings, having appeared at all levels of court. He is a very experienced appellate lawyer, appearing in the Court of Appeal several times each year.Karl has a particular interest in complex medical cases, including those involving death and serious injury. He has wide experience of defending parents against accusations of such alleged abuse which, ultimately, the court finds not to be proved. In addition, he has been involved in numerous cases of alleged radicalisation.In private law proceedings Karl’s practice includes representing high net worth individuals in dispute with former partners as to where a child lives and whom the child should see (including such cases with an international element) as well as their religious upbringing and education.

Kate Ferguson

Kate read History at the University of Edinburgh where she obtained a First Class degree before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law, Bar Professional Training Course and being called to the Bar in 2016. Kate has particular experience in both public and private law children matters having spent time before pupillage as a paralegal in a specialist family law firm and a Local Authority legal department. Kate’s practice covers all areas of family law, including private law children, public law children, international children law and financial remedies.

Kit Firbank

Kit is a children’s specialist in private law with over ten tears expertise in a variety of complex proceedings nationwide. Kit is known for being a strong, competitive advocate and a tough negotiator, yet his friendly, down-to-earth approach has been recognised by professional and lay-clients respectively. Kit is particularly experienced in cases involving: serious non accidental injuries; baby-shaking cases including death of an infant; mental health/psychological and psychiatric issues/learning difficulties; guardian representing seriously harmed or older defiant children; sexual abuse; severe neglect; domestic violence; factitious disorders; alcohol and drug misuse, etc.

Louise Potter

A family law specialist throughout her career, having maintained a focus on financial cases by way of financial provision on divorce, cohabitee disputes and financial provision for children. Experienced in dealing with complex cases involving companies, trusts and overseas aspects, pensions and she is instructed to appear widely in London and across the South and Midlands, in high and medium net worth cases. Reported cases include Randhawa v Randhawa [2022] EWFC B7. Since 1997 Louise has been a contributing editor to Butterworths Family Law Service, responsible for chapters on: the Child Support Act 1991 and other financial provision for children; recognition of overseas marriages/ civil partnerships and divorces/ legal separation; reciprocal enforcement; international aspects of adoption law. Louise is also an arbitrator and undertakes private FDRs and early neutral evaluations.

Lucy Fairclough

Lucy is an experienced advocate specialising in child law. Prior to specialising in family law, Lucy also practised at the criminal bar prosecuting and defending offences including serious sexual offences and domestic violence. This background has provided Lucy with invaluable experience, skills and knowledge that is particularly beneficial in cases involving and issues of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, domestic violence and in cases requiring cross examination of a child. In the court room Lucy is a robust and tenacious advocate; with her clients Lucy is able to give firm and clear advice whilst remaining compassionate and sympathetic. Specialist areas Adoption and Special Guardianship Care Proceedings Child Arrangements Domestic Violence

Margaret Styles

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Deals with matrimonial finance, the law relating to children – public and private, and cohabitation.

Martha Gray

Martha specialises in proceedings concerning children. She is instructed in complex private and public law proceedings, many of which have an international dimension. Martha frequently appears in the High Court, as well as recent appearances in the Court of Appeal. She has been shortlisted for 2024’s International Family Lawyer of the Year. Alongside this, Martha specialises in cases concerning the health and welfare of vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection. She is a recognised practitioner in the field, having just been appointed as a contributor to the “bible” on Court of Protection law (the Court of Protection Practice).

Matthew Stott

Matthew Stott is a family law specialist. Matthew is regularly involved in complex care cases for local authorities, parents and guardians. He has been involved in cases concerning infant deaths, shaken babies, fabricated illness, serious sexual and physical abuse, honour based violence including attempted assassination, forced marriage, unlawful removal from the jurisdiction, serious neglect and cases involving breaches of Human Rights. He has a particular interest in cases where there are competing medical opinions and those which engage the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. In private law disputes, Matthew predominantly represents Rule 16.4 Guardians. He acts in cases involving parental alienation, implacable hostility and cases of temporary and permanent relocation to Hague and non-Hague convention countries. Matthew also accepts instruction in matrimonial finance cases, court of protection cases and other matters involving the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Matthew is highly regarded for his diverse style and flexible approach whilst maintaining a reputation for being friendly and approachable and robustly representing his clients’ interests. As well as practising in family law, he holds several Fee-paid judicial appointments including as a Deputy District Judge (Family and Civil) and as a Recorder (Family).

Matthew Brett

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Deals with family (ancillary relief, cohabitation, private law children); and civil (general chancery, landlord and tenant cases). Notable cases: Hale v Tanner [2000] 2 FLR 879; TL v ML and others (ancillary relief: claim against assets of extended family) [2005] EWHC 2860; H v H (minors) (forum conveniens) (Nos 1 and 2) [1993] 1 FLR 958; and Eastaugh v Crisp [2006] EWHC 2298 and Court of Appeal 20/4/07.

Matthew Brookes-Baker

Specialises in complex medical and factual evidence arising from allegations of non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse and FII.

Mavis Amonoo-Acquah

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Mavis’ practice encompasses all areas of Family Law, including Private Children cases (both domestic and international), Public Children Proceedings and financial proceedings arising from relationship breakdown.

Mehvish Chaudhry

Mehvish specialises in children law and regularly represents all parties in both private and public law proceedings. Mehvish has a particular expertise in cases involving an international element and regularly appears in High Court proceedings brought under the Forced Marriage Act, inherent jurisdiction, cases involving international child abduction under The Hague Convention and Brussels IIR, stranded spouses and applications for leave to remove. Reported cases: Re B (a child) [2016] UKSC, F (Child's Objections) (was Re N on appeal) [2015] EWCA Civ 1022, AT v SS [2015] EWHC 2703 (Fam), Dad, Re [2015] EWHC 2655 (Fam), J (A Child), Re [2015] EWHC 1627, A (A child: Wardship: Fact Finding: Domestic Violence) [2015] EWHC 1598, Dad, Re [2015] EWHC 2655 (Fam), J (A Child), Re [2015] EWHC 1627 (Fam), A (A child: Wardship: Fact Finding: Domestic Violence) [2015] EWHC 1598 (Fam), Re M (Republic Of Ireland) (Child's Objections) (Joinder Of Children As Parties To Appeal) [2015] EWCA Civ 26, King (A Child), Re [2014] EWHC 2964 (Fam), In re K (A Child) (Reunite International Child Abduction Centre Intervening)[2014] 2 WLR 1304, I (Wardship: Removal From Country of Habitual Residence [2014] EWHC 3163 (Fam), FB v IB [2014] EWHC 759, N v K (No.2) [2014] EWHC 507 (Fam), O v O [2014] 2 WLR 1213, N v K [2013] EWHC 2774 (Fam), FT and NT (Children), Re [2013] EWHC 850 (Fam), ML v KW and Anor [2013] EWHC 341 (Fam), N v A (Abduction from Pakistan) [2013] EWHC 3954 (Fam), MP v MH [2011] EWHC 3467 (Fam). In 2013 Mehvish received the Jordans Family Law ‘Young Barrister of the Year’ award.

Natasha Miller

Natasha accepts instructions in all areas of family law, including children law, both public and private, and financial remedy.

Nick Goodwin KC

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in family law, including care proceedings (particularly cases of serious abuse and/or involving complex medical evidence), adoption, private children disputes and financial remedy cases. Appointed Deputy High Court Judge in January 2016. Reported decisions include: A Council v An NHS Foundation Trust & Ors [2024] EWHC 874 (Fam), Re J (Care Plan for Adoption) [2024] EWCA Civ 265, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v NM & Ors [2024] EWFC 48, Re N (Children: Findings Against a Professional Witness: Joinder or Intervention) [2024] EWFC 17, Nottingham City Council v AZ & Ors [2023] EWHC 3513 (Fam), Birmingham City Council v M & Ors [2023] EWHC 3312 (Fam), Re AB (A Child: Diabetic Care) [2023] EWFC 149, N (Children: Revocation of Placement Orders), Re [2023] EWCA Civ 1352, T (Fact-Finding: Second Appeal) [2023] EWCA Civ 475, Re M (adoption - notification of birth father) [2023] EWFC 17, Re C & Ors (Care Proceedings: Fact Finding) [2023] EWCA Civ 38, Birmingham City Council v CD & Ors [2023] EWHC 748 (Fam), Re W-A (Children) [2022] EWCA Civ 1118, [2022] 3 WLR 1235, A (Children) (Pool of Perpetrators), Re [2022] EWCA Civ 1348, Somerset County Council v NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group & Ors [2022] EWFC 31, Re (A Child : Findings of Fact) [2022] EWCA Civ 1652 (15 December 2022) , Re T (No.2) (Care Proceedings : Fact-Finding : Genital Injuries : Supplemental judgment for publication) [2021] EWFC 101, Somerset County Council v NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group & Anor [2021] EWHC 3004 (Fam),Re YY (Children: Conduct of the Local Authority) [2021] EWHC 749,Re R (Children: Control of Court Documents) [2021] EWCA Civ 162, A County Council v M [2021] EWFC 35, Re A and B (Rescission of Order: Change of Circumstances) [2021] EWFC 76 , A Local Authority v Mother & Ors [2020] EWHC 1086 (Fam), B (A CHILD)(Designated Local Authority) [2020] EWCA Civ 1673, HM Attorney General v Akhter v Anor [2020] EWCA Civ 122 , Re A (No. 2) (Children: Findings of Fact) [2019] EWCA Civ 1947, Re D (Fact-Finding Appeal) [2019] EWCA Civ 2302,Salford City Council v NV & M (Deprivation of Liberty in Scotland) [2019] EWHC 1510,Re B (A Child) (Post - Adoption Contact) [2019] EWCA Civ 29, Re B-P (Children) (Adoption or Fostering) [2018] EWCA Civ 2042 – Court of Appeal. Judge at first instance failed to give any weight to the potential benefits of adoption, Re GP (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 1677 – Court of Appeal. 1980 Hague Convention. Article 13b. Grave risk of harm to child if abducting parent returned to home country to face imprisonment for child abduction, Hayatleh v Mofdy [2017] EWCA Civ 70 - Court of Appeal. Judgment in relation to the validity of a Syrian marriage; displacing the presumption of marriage, Re T-B-N [2016] EWCA Civ 1098, Re AB (A Child)(Deprivation of Liberty) [2015] EWHC 3125, F v. F [2013] EWHC 2683, Re H (A Child) [2013] EWCA Civ 148, Re L-R [2013] EWCA Civ 1129, Re W-P (Fact-Finding Hearing) [2009] EWCA Civ 216, Re B [2009] EWCA Civ 1243, Re A [2008] 1 FLR 959, Re J (Application for a Shadow Expert) [2008] 1 FLR 1501, Re H (Residence Order: Placement Out of Jurisdiction) [2006] 1 FLR 1140, Oxfordshire CC v S [2004] 1 FLR 426, Re ET (Serious Injuries: Standard of Proof) [2003] 2 FLR 1205, Re M (Adoption: International Adoption Trade) [2003] 1 FLR 1111, Re A (Contact: Separate Representation) [2001] 1 FLR 715, Oxfordshire CC v L (Care or Supervision Order) [1998] 1 FLR 70.

Oliver Powell

London and Oxford. Practice covers all areas of children law, including private and public law children cases and Family Law Act proceedings.

Oliver Wraight

Oliver practises exclusively in family law, with a particular interest in care and adoption proceedings. In the public children law field, Oliver has wide-ranging experience of acting for parents, local authorities, and children’s guardians in cases which involve complex issues of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. He regularly acts for clients with learning difficulties, including those represented through the Official Solicitor. He also has extensive knowledge of local authority practice, having for a number of years provided consultancy services in this area. Oliver acts in all forms of private law proceedings, including residence, contact, child abduction and removal from the jurisdiction cases. He has significant experience in complex and entrenched cases between parents and offers a robust yet practical approach to the resolution of family disputes. Oliver also offers advice and advocacy in ancillary relief proceedings, claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Paige Campbell

Paige is an award-winning barrister having received the ‘highly commended’ award in the Young Barrister of the Year Category in 2021 and 2023. She was also ‘highly commended’ in the Case of the Year category at the Family Law Awards in 2021 where she was led as a junior in the Supreme Court case of G v G [2021] UKSC 9. Accordingly, Paige is experienced acting alone and as junior counsel. Paige specialises in all aspects of child law, both private and public as well as international. Paige has experience acting on behalf of clients at all stages of proceedings including in complex, multi-day fact-finding hearings, final hearings and in international cases in the High Court. Paige adopts a pragmatic approach tailored to each of her client’s needs utilising her skill for negotiation and clear, composed and empathetic advocacy at appropriate times. Paige is also a certified ADR-ODR civil-commercial mediator. In addition to her court work, Paige has a keen interest in widening participation and is actively involved in mentoring, and giving talks to, young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds and sits as a trustee for an education charity. Paige is currently a member of the South-Eastern Circuit executive committee.

Rob George

Dr Rob George is a leading expert on international family law, particularly in relation to relocation disputes, child abduction, and jurisdiction, as well as private law and medical decision-making cases. He has published numerous books and papers on these subjects, and been involved with many of the leading cases. He won the Jordans International Family Lawyer of the Year Award 2021. Rob is also a noted expert on wardship and the High Court’s inherent jurisdiction; he is often instructed in such cases, and has a forthcoming book on this subject coming out in 2024. Rob works at all levels of the Family Court, with particular experience in High Court cases; he frequently appears in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Rob came to the Bar after 8 years researching and teaching family law at the University of Oxford, and he continues his academic work as Professor of Law and Policy at University College London alongside his practice. Rob’s internationally acknowledged academic expertise in international family law issues allows him to bring real depth to his advice and advocacy work.

Roger Evans

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Deals with property law (including mining and minerals, easements, covenants, commons, village greens, trusts, mortgages, the laws of the Forest of Dean, probate and administration of estate); public law (powers and regulation of public authorities, including planning); ecclesiastical law; banking, business contracts and securities; and professional negligence (including architects, surveyors, accountants and financial advisors). Notable cases: Warner v Lewis[2017] EWCA 2182 (Civ) Court of Appeal, Vos Ch and McCombe & Asplin LJ (Application under The Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975 ), Warner v Lewis[2016] EWHC 1787 (Ch), Cornish v Midland Bank [1985] All ER 513; Huxtable v Mercantile Credit The Independent 17 March 1987; Willies Williams v National Trust [1993] 65 P&CR 359; Owen v Bishop of Stafford; Bishop of Stafford v Owen [2001] ACD 814; and Gibbs v Bishop of Manchester The Times 25 April 2007.

Ruth Cabeza

Ruth is a specialist family law practitioner who has been at forefront of developments in adoption and surrogacy case law, she is also an expert in the field of international abduction. Ruth is a forceful and robust practitioner in court. Her breadth and depth of knowledge and experience across all fields of family law, enables Ruth to provide clients with a clear view on case direction and strategy, whilst also taking into account the emotional context of each case which can often provide the key to unlocking how a matter will be best progressed. Ruth’s specialities include: international adoption, international surrogacy, international abduction, complex care cases – particularly cases involving overseas placements and/or non-accidental injury, medical treatment orders and financial remedy.

Sara McIlroy

Sara’s practice focuses on the financial consequences of divorce, financial disputes relating to children, disputes concerning living or other specific arrangements for children, and cases concerning issues of domestic abuse. Sara has particular expertise at dealing with financial disputes. She advises and acts in all areas of matrimonial finance, including cases involving assets held outside of the jurisdiction, business valuations, pension disputes, dissipation of assets and trust assets. Sara is adept at dealing with cases where the finances are genuinely limited or have become so due to the action of another party. Sara has experience in cases involving third party interests and has acted on behalf of interveners. In private law child work Sara is regularly instructed in cases involving issues of domestic abuse, cases concerning alleged parental alienation and intractable contact disputes. She also has experience of dealing with cases with an international dimension where parents are seeking to relocate to another jurisdiction or opposing an application to permanently remove a child from this jurisdiction. Sara was appointed to the Family Justice Council (FJC) as the Parents and Families’ Representative in 2015 and is particularly interested in improving the transparency and understanding of the family justice system for all litigants. She is committed to the work of the FJC namely to promote an inter-disciplinary approach to family justice and to monitor the system. Sara is known for proving direct, practical and pragmatic advice to clients and for seeking to enable an early resolution to cases where possible. She is a tenacious advocate with a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding the complexities of modern family life.

Sara Granshaw

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Specialises in public law children cases, representing local authorities, parents, family members, children and police authorities in the High Court, County Court and Magistrates’ Court. Also deals with public law adoption cases.

Sarah Hayward

Sarah’s practice includes all aspects of children law with a specific emphasis on international and private children law cases. Sarah joined Chambers as a Pupil in October 2022 where she has been under the supervision of Alicia Collinson, Ruth Cabeza and Louise Potter. During pupillage, she was exposed to the full spectrum of Chambers’ practice areas, particularly children law and international family law. Sarah studied Law with European law at the University of Nottingham, during which time she presented at the House of Lords in front of a range of FTSE 100 Companies, and in Canada. She has spent time as a lecturer in law teaching Family & Child law at university level and has worked at two Legal 500 law firms, managing a busy caseload, and handling vulnerable clients. She has previously volunteered at the Temple Legal Centre and Free Representation Unit. In these roles, Sarah managed her caseload, drafted documents, conducted client meetings, and negotiated cases on behalf of clients. Sarah’s experience enables her to communicate complex issues and solutions in simple terms while maintaining a calm, professional approach.

Sian Cox

Also Oxford. Practice covers all areas of family law, including ancillary relief, private and public law children, Family Law Act and TLATA cases. Also maintains a general civil practice.

Simon Miller

Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). Undertakes all areas of children work. Reported cases: Re M (contact order) [2005] 2 FLR 1006; Re K and S (children) (contact: domestic violence) [2005] 1 FCR 316; and M v M (breaches of orders: committal) [2006) 1 FLR 1154.

Stephen Crispin

Also Oxford. Practice covers all areas of family law, including ancillary relief, private and public law, children, cohabitation disputes and Family Law Act applications. Also maintains a general civil practice, with an emphasis on property and contractual disputes.

Suzanne Syme

Suzanne has specialised in matrimonial finance since her pupillage. Her practice now encompasses all elements of private family law, although her emphasis remains on the financial consequences of relationship breakdown. Suzanne has extensive experience of cases where complexities arise due to the nature or location of the parties’ assets, the source of their income or where there is intervention by a third party, including trusts. She has developed a particular interest in pension provision on divorce and regularly represents parties where there is a significant pension provision, both public sector and private sector pensions which require detailed investigation and analysis. Suzanne has also acted as an expert witness in the field of matrimonial finance. Suzanne regularly represents parents in respect of applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Suzanne continues to represent both applicants and respondents in private law children matters under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. Suzanne has a loyal following from her professional clients. She has established a solid reputation for providing sensible, practical, pragmatic and, where necessary, robust advice to clients however complex or difficult the circumstances. Suzanne has appeared before all tribunals from the Family Proceedings Court to the Court of Appeal. Suzanne regularly delivers lectures to professional clients and Chambers on current or topical issues in family law. Please contact the clerks for further information.

Thomas Braithwaite

Thomas joined Harcourt as a pupil in October 2022 and is developing a practice across the full spectrum of Chambers’ expertise. Thomas was under the supervision of Suzanne Syme and is currently under the supervision of Alison Williams. Prior to joining Harcourt, Thomas worked as the senior paralegal at a boutique London family law firm specialising in matrimonial finance. During his time there he experienced a range of financial remedy work, including complex high net-worth cases involving jurisdictional issues, trust structures, TOLATA and Schedule 1. He also assisted on a variety of other cases, gaining experience in multiple areas of family law including private law children and international child abduction proceedings. Thomas’ experience as a paralegal enable him to be sensitive to the requirements of both professional and lay clients. During Thomas’ legal studies he was involved in a number of pro bono projects including representing vulnerable clients with the Free Representation Unit and also qualified as a certified ADR-ODR civil mediator.

Vicky Reynolds

Vicky practises in all areas of family law. She has particular experience of public and private Children Act and Family Law Act matters, having represented parents, extended family members and children’s guardians at all stages of proceedings. She is also keen to develop her practice in relation to financial remedy and TOLATA matters.

Victoria Flowers

Victoria is a specialist family law barrister called in 2009 with a practice in both children and financial remedies, and a particular interest in surrogacy law.

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