Harcourt Chambers

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.

Called 1982; Middle Temple Harmsworth Scholar. Publications of note: ‘Tough Love: A Critique of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill 2003’; ‘Politics For Partners’. Former member of the Bar Council and the Bar’s professional conduct committee.

Conversational French.

FLBA; ALC; PIBA.

Birkenhead High School; St Hugh’s College, Oxford (1977 MA; 1979 MPhil); City University (1981 Diploma in Law); Inns of Court School of Law (1982 Bar Finals).

Politics, archaeology, geographical exploration, Reading Football Club, cricket, gardening, upholstery, dress design, cartoon drawing and detective fiction.