Adam Gadd has a common law background and undertakes a wide range of civil litigation. His practice includes expertise in personal injury, business and commercial, property, building and construction and costs law. He is regularly instructed in these practice areas both in an advisory capacity and as an advocate in the civil courts and tribunals at all levels. He has appeared before a variety of courts and tribunals including Employment Tribunals, Land Registry and Property Tribunals, the High Court, Court of Appeal and Courts-Martial. Adam acts for a variety of small and medium-sized businesses and individuals as well as in high-value cases involving large multinational organisations and local authorities. He has particular expertise in personal injury fraud cases and has acted for both claimants and insurers in such cases. He regularly gives seminars and publishes articles on his areas of expertise.
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Alejandra Llorente Tascon is a specialist Criminal practitioner. She has a busy criminal practise, frequently appearing in the Crown Court and the Courts Martial on behalf of the Defence and the Prosecution. Alejandra’s practice encompasses a wide range of offences including sexual offences, serious violence, offensive weapons, drugs, financial crime, dishonesty offences, regulatory matters, and POCA. Furthermore, she has experience in dealing with youth and vulnerable defendants and complainants, as well as those with mental health issues. Throughout all of her cases, Alejandra maintains a strong work ethic which, coupled with her meticulous case preparation, allows her to represent her clients with mastery of the law and the facts.
Alice Scott joined Chambers in October 2019 following the successful completion of pupillage. She is building a broad common law practice and accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ work.
Amy is a probate and property specialist on the Western Circuit. Her work extends to traditional chancery and related commercial fields. She is regularly instructed for freezing injunctions, in construction disputes, in professional negligence matters and in cross-border estates. Amy is skilled and down-to-earth. Over the years she has gained knowledge in diverse areas of law which she uses to ensure that lateral thinking and the application of principles from other areas of law are deployed when required. Moreover, her work requires a wide-ranging and contemporary knowledge of contract, tort and insolvency, as well as the law on the supply of services and sale of goods. Amy litigates in all forums and appears regularly in the High Court. She is an advocate for ADR and has advised, drafted pleadings for, and represented parties at adjudication, mediation and arbitration. Amy strives to achieve justice. She works pro bono on meritorious cases and will consider acting on deferred fee basis and under conditional fee agreements. She often prepares advices for insurance and insurers.
Andrew specialises in family law, trusts of land, inheritance, wills and probate, negligence and contractual disputes. He has represented celebrity clients in high-value asset financial remedy claims and Children Act 1989 disputes. Further, he regularly represents litigants in High Court applications seeking to permanently remove children from the jurisdiction. Andrew has considerable experience representing local authorities, parents and guardians in public law proceedings involving allegations of serious non-accidental injury, head trauma, sexual abuse and mentally disabled adults. He has a particular interest in cases concerning trusts of land, co-ownership of land and applications pursuant to the Trusts of Land and Appointments of Trustees Act 1996. He is regularly instructed in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and cases concerning testamentary capacity.
Antonia Ford draws from over 18 years of experience as a lawyer, both as a solicitor and as a barrister. In her successful career as a solicitor, she was Head of Fraud at Clyde & Co and a partner within the Claims Validation Team at DAC Beachcroft before transferring to the Bar. Antonia has a varied practice covering all aspects of civil litigation, with particular expertise in personal injury, credit hire and fraud. Antonia has extensive experience of RTAs, highway claims, employer’s liability, occupier’s liability, travel claims and product liability. She regularly appears in the County Court and has acted in multi-track trials, fast track trials, small claims hearings, MOJ Stage 3 hearings and interlocutory applications. She has extensive experience in dealing with claims where fraud concerns have been raised including low speed, induced and staged road traffic accidents and fraudulent employers/public liability claims. Antonia has been able to use her knowledge of civil fraud to act for both Claimants and Defendants in cases where fundamental dishonesty has been alleged/intimated. Her understanding of intelligence data and surveillance is invaluable in understanding fraud strategy and evidence. Antonia also has experience of civil sanctions such as contempt of court and tort of deceit following successful findings of fraud. Her experience of road traffic accidents means that she has a wide knowledge of indemnity issues under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the MIB agreements. She has also achieved success in credit hire claims for Claimants and Defendants utilising both standard and novel arguments. Antonia has advised insurers, manufacturers and restaurants in respect to claims involving both foreign bodies in food and food poisoning. She has advised in respect to professional negligence claims which result in personal injury and/or property damage. She also has experience of claims involving the Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations 1992 and the Montreal Convention. Antonia has extensive experience in drafting pleadings including defences, particulars of claim, requests for further information under CPR Part 18, schedules of special damages and applications. She has advised in conference in respect to quantum, liability and the content of witness evidence to maximise a party’s chances of success.She is a published author and her book ‘A Practical Guide to the Pre-Action RTA Claims Protocol for Personal Injury Lawyers; is available on both the publishers website and from Amazon. She has used her knowledge of the pre-action protocols to pursue the strike out of subsequent claims for credit hire commenced after settlement of protocol claims and the debarment of medical evidence for failure to comply with the rules on disclosure.
Catherine has considerable expertise in complex and challenging matrimonial finance work. She is widely praised for her commercial approach, her skill as an advocate and her ability to negotiate an effective solution where that approach makes sense. Her preparation is always first-rate, her knowledge of any case in which she is instructed is comprehensive and her attention to detail is second to none. She receives repeated praise for her ability to remain a calm and reassuring presence for her client even in the most demanding and heated of cases. The main body of Catherine’s work is in cases involving companies and businesses, many with complex financial structures; cases where substantial issues exist relating to the treatment of matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets; cases involving substantial non-disclosure and those with pension issues. Catherine also undertakes private law work relating to children, with a particular emphasis on disputes relating to living arrangements for a child, contact and cases involving relocation or removal from the jurisdiction.
Catherine has a wealth of experience in both public and private law family matters. She enjoys a varied practice – accepting instructions from parents, guardians and local authorities alike, which enables her to bring invaluable insight to every client’s case. Catherine is instructed in complex children act matters, such as those involving fabricated and induced illness, sexual abuse or those involving international issues. In 2012 Catherine spent a year as an in-house advocate for a London borough, representing the borough in child protection matters, as well as cases concerning education and judicial review. She also has experience of work in housing and property disputes, employment law, social welfare law and personal injury. Catherine displays good judgment, is pragmatic and is committed to delivering sound advice. Her people skills are excellent, as is her ability to understand her clients’ needs and present them effectively to the court. Catherine has experience in the appeal courts, but generally prefers to achieve success at first instance. Catherine also accepts instructions under the Bar Council Public Access scheme. Reported cases: RE B (CHILDREN) [2019] EWCA Civ 2265 (Successful defence of HHJ Simon Oliver’s welfare evaluation in care proceedings.) RE O (A CHILD) [2013] EWCA Civ 1773 (Appeal by a maternal grandmother against the making of a prohibited steps order alongside a special guardianship order preventing her return with the child to her country of residence). G v G [2006] EWCA Civ 1670 (Appeal against sentence following committal – 12 months excessive, reduced to 8. Judge had erred by failing to allow Counsel to mitigate.)
Charles Parry is an experienced common law advocate, employment, criminal, administrative and appeal practitioner, specialising in associated areas of civil work, regulatory crime, and inquests. He regularly appears in employment tribunals in a range of cases.
In family law Charlotte enjoys a broad practice encompassing all aspects of public and private law, children and money, injunctive relief and emergency applications. She appears at Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court levels. She regularly represents parents in care proceedings. She has been instructed in a number of lengthy and complex disputes, involving allegations of physical abuse. Charlotte has also been instructed by extended family members and prospective adopters regarding special guardianship and adoption applications. In respect of private late applications Charlotte has significant experience of residence and contact disputes. She has dealt with a number of complex cases involving s9.5 guardians. Issues have included allegations of abuse, personality disorders and hostile resident parents. Charlotte has dealt with applications for the removal from the jurisdiction.
Claire is a family practitioner with a particular specialism in public law children and complex private law children proceedings in the FPC, County Court and High Court. She represents local authorities, parents, young parents, grandparents, applicants for special guardianship and guardians. Regularly instructed in multi-day final hearings in care proceedings, adoption cases, fact-finding hearings (both public and private) and leave to oppose adoption cases. Has also conducted appeals to the PRFD and the High Court from decisions at final hearings and refusals of part 25 applications to instruct an expert and applications for a stay and permission to appeal. She has also appeared in contact cases with an international element and applications for permission to permanently relocate a child abroad where there was a longstanding contact dispute. Has been instructed in Re W hearings one example being where she represented a local authority in a fact-finding hearing where a 15-year-old child has given evidence via video link regarding extensive physical abuse where findings were made against the alleged perpetrator. Claire is frequently instructed in public law cases involving allegations of non-accidental injury to a child. Also has particular experience in dealing with issues relating to special guardianship orders in private law proceedings, emergency protection orders, secure accommodation orders, private law contact and residence disputes, prohibited steps orders, and proceedings pursuant to the FLA 1996 and the DVCAVA 2004 (non-molestation and occupation orders). She also has a specialist interest in LGBT parenting and surrogacy.
Conor Mullan’s practice focuses on two main areas; Civil and Criminal law, with extensive experience in Inquests, Health & Safety and Employment.
Cordelia is a specialist family practitioner with a particular interest in financial remedies and private law children matters. She has been instructed in complex disputes, often appearing against senior barristers of leading family law chambers. She has experience of all stages of proceedings in financial remedies, private children, care and injunctive proceedings. She has successfully acted in both children and finance appeals. She provides written advice in all areas of family law, including those with an international element.
Daniella Gilbert is an experienced practitioner specialising in employment law and commercial litigation. She acts for both claimants and defendants / respondents. Her clients range from individuals, employees, sole traders and small businesses to large employers and Fortune 500 companies. Daniella’s precision and attention to detail has garnered her a reputation as an advocate well able to undertake particularly complex and high value cases. She appears in courts at many levels including the Court of Appeal, High Court, Employment Appeal Tribunal, Employment Tribunal and County Courts. Clients value her thorough preparation, ability to quickly grasp the complexities of a case and provide detailed and clear advice, and her commitment to robustly representing her client’s position.
Edward Boydell is highly experienced in all aspects of family law but particularly financial remedies (including civil partnerships). He has specific expertise in dealing with complex high-net-worth matters involving family businesses, farms, companies and trusts. He is also very experienced in equitable co-ownership. Particularly well known for his family finance work and recognised in The Legal 500 and by Chambers and Partners as one of the ‘Leaders at the Bar’, he also has a niche civil practice. Notable cases: GS v L [2011] EWHC 2116 (Fam); GS v L [2011] EWHC 1759 (Fam); S v S [2007] EWCA Civ 454; Hill v Hill [1998] 1 FLR 198, CA; Hill v Hill [1997] 1 FLR 730.
Ezra MacDonald has a broad civil practice, with particular expertise in employment, commercial, and property law. His advocacy experience is extensive, including appearances before the Employment Tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, the County Court, the High Court, the First-Tier Tribunal (War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber, Social Entitlement Chamber, Criminal Injuries Compensation Chamber; and Property Chamber); the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber, Immigration and Asylum Chamber, and Tax & Chancery Chamber); the Magistrates’ Courts, the Crown Court, and the Coroner’s Court. He is frequently instructed on behalf of both claimants and defendants in civil proceedings; on behalf of union- and privately-funded claimants in the Employment Tribunals; and by large respondent organisations, including the third sector.
Geoffrey specialises in all areas of family finance litigation. He appears regularly in the Central Family Court (previously the Principal Registry of the Family Division) as well as on circuit. The following are examples of recent cases in which he has been involved: A v A – represented the wife of an internationally renowned composer in financial proceedings in the CFC. The husband is represented by Howard Kennedy. B v B – represented an eminent planning silk in both financial and children proceedings. The wife was represented by Charles Russell. C v C – represented the husband who had recently sold his stake in a software firm for a substantial sum and who planned to retire. D v D – represented the husband on a capitalisation/variation application where his considerable fortune arose from shares obtained during the course of the marriage and which were retained by him following the original consent order in the financial proceedings. E v E – represented the husband in financial proceedings where the wealth accrued as a result of the joint efforts of the parties who were the joint owners of a financial advice business. His opponent was a silk. F v F – represented an asset-rich dairy farmer in financial proceedings where the main issue was how to extract cash from illiquid assets. G v G – representing the wife in a case where the husband is seeking to reopen financial remedy proceedings years after they were concluded on the grounds that he is now facing bankruptcy. The Husband is represented by a silk. H v H – representing the husband who is one of many beneficiaries in a significant trust established in an EU country. Reported cases Bhura v Bhura [2015] 1 FLR 153; In Re B (A Child) [2011] EWCA Civ 1001; Fytche v Wincanton Logistics plc [2004] UKHL 31, [2004] ICR 975; I v N [2003] EWHC 327; A etc v Times Newspapers [2002] EWHC 2444, [2003] 1 FLR 689; R v Headley [1996] TRT 173.
During over a decade at the Bar, Heather has built an impressive reputation in employment law, discrimination law and commercial law. Heather represents a wide cross-section of businesses, from multinational corporations to SMEs, as well as public bodies and individuals. She has handled numerous cases before the employment tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, the High Court and the Court of Appeal; Heather is particularly in-demand for her expertise in disability, sex and race discrimination, sexual orientation, unfair dismissal, redundancy, stress at work, bullying and harassment, whistleblowing and TUPE. She has acted in several high-value cases for and against large organisations and public bodies, including primary care trusts, schools and colleges, local authorities, housing associations, police forces and major airlines. She has acted in high-value post-termination disputes involving restrictive covenants and injunctive relief and also undertakes professional regulatory work. Her cases of interest are: Merlin Financial Consultants Ltd v Cooper (2014): action to enforce restrictive covenants in the High Court against a dyslexic IFA; Okee v Nursing and Midwifery Council [2014] All ER (D) 07 (Mar); Oni v NHS Leicester City (formerly Leicester City Primary Care Trust) (Practice and Procedure: Costs) [2012] UKEAT 0144_12_1209: appearance of bias and costs in the employment tribunal; Warner v Armfield Retail & Leisure Ltd (2012) UKEAT/0376/12/SM: concerns a disabled employee and whether the doctrine of frustration can apply when the Equality Act 2010 is engaged; Richards v Tavistock and Summerhill School & Anor (2013): involves the argument that no redundancy payments should be made given the alternative offers of employment which were made after the notice period had expired or the day before its expiry.
Helen Brander has extensive experience in all aspects of family law and specialises in family finance, inheritance and probate disputes, and disputes concerning children. She is able to advise, assist and provide representation at any stage of proceedings and welcomes requests for initial advice. She is a firm believer in the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and early neutral evaluations / non-court dispute resolution appointments, and is a trained arbitrator under the IFLA (Children) scheme. Clients have described Helen as well-prepared, articulate, firm, incisive and yet approachable, sensitive and considerate. She is qualified to accept instructions on a direct public access basis. Helen has a professional interest in the application of family law in Italy and Germany, the experience of expatriate Britons in those countries, and their nationals living in England and Wales
Child AbductionChildren Law (Private)Children Law (Public)Court of ProtectionDomestic Violence
Henry joined Pump Court after a period of tenancy in a leading set of chambers in the North East of England. He is building a predominantly Civil practice with an emphasis on personal injury.
James Newton-Price QC has a busy practice with particular experience in cases of murder, child abuse and sexual offences. Since taking silk in 2018, he has been instructed in a series of high profile murder trials. He defended in R v Nicholson (2019), acting for the defendant in a difficult and sensitive case concerning the sexual abuse and murder of a 13 year old girl. His closing speech featured in Channel 4 documentary. In 2020, he secured the acquittal of a 15 year old who was charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a 17 year old boy. He defended in a drugs related firearms murder trial in early 2021. He is regularly instructed by the Prosecution and has secured convictions in cases concerning the death of a baby (R v Davies 2018) and the sadistic murder of a 16 year old girl in horrific circumstances (R v Mays 2020) both of which attracted extensive media coverage. He has expertise in presenting complex mobile telephone, forensic scientific and medical evidence. He defends in Court-Martial trials.
Jennifer is a specialist family law practitioner. She has a thriving practice in family finance, and has successfully represented high-net-worth clients in complex cases involving inherited wealth, family businesses, significant pensions, trusts, and nuptial agreements. Many of her cases involve tax complications, foreign assets and cross-jurisdictional issues, and the validity or otherwise of an overseas marriage/ divorce (including those relating to jurisdictions in Asia and Africa). Jennifer has appeared in high-profile reported cases, notably in Veluppillai v Veluppillai & Ors [2015] EWHC 3095 (Fam) (High Court), in LFL v LSL (McKenzie Friends & Breach of Court Orders) [2017] EWFC B62, and in N v N (Afghanistan: Validity of an overseas marriage: Procedure)[2020] EWFC B55. Jennifer also has an interest in Court of Protection matters, particularly where there are overlaps with divorce/financial remedies, and retains a niche practice in surrogacy/modern families, having acted for commissioning parents in the UK and abroad in HFEA cases. Jennifer is regularly instructed in arbitrations, private FDRs and mediations. She sits as a private FDR judge. She has been consistently top-ranked in the directories as a leading junior in her field, and has been highly commended for her attention to detail and her robust approach.
She specialises in all aspects of children law with particular emphasis on public, private and international work. Jennie acts for Local Authorities, parents, children and intervenors in public law matters, including cases with an international element and where there are allegations of non-accidental injury, sexual abuse and neglect. She has been instructed in connection with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). In private law matters she is regularly instructed in serious and complex cases, including those on the ‘cusp’ of the public law jurisdiction, cases in which there are concurrent criminal proceedings and cases involving parental alienation. Jennie has particular experience representing vulnerable clients, including victims of domestic violence, people with current or previous drugs/alcohol misuse issues, poor mental health and learning difficulties. She has experience working with adults who require specialist advocates to help them participate fully int he Court process. She accepts direct access instructions.Notable cases include: Re D (children) [2011] EWCA Civ 1743 -
Jesse Cook is known for his personable, down to earth style and his ability to put clients at ease in uncomfortable and stressful situations, which makes him popular with professional and lay clients alike. Whether appearing in the county or family court, or a Tribunal, Jesse provides practical advice on complex legal matters in a simple, straightforward way. He is a robust and able advocate. FamilyJesse regularly appears in the family court and has gained experience across a broad range of family proceedings including family finance and private and public law children matters. He accepts instructions at all stages of proceedings, from first hearing to final hearing. Jesse has also recently been instructed by the Directorate of Legal Services for the Metropolitan Police in relation to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse.CommercialJesse acts in a wide range of business and contractual disputes, including those involving the sale of goods, the provision of services, unfair terms and debt recovery. He represents private individuals, as well as businesses ranging from SMEs to household names.EmploymentJesse appears in Employment Tribunals and Disciplinary hearings across a wide range of industries and sectors.Sports LawIn addition to accepting instructions in Chambers’ core areas of work, Jesse has a strong interest in sports law and football matters in particular. He is building his practice in this area.
John’s specialises in resolving financial disputes upon the breakdown of relationships. He has practised in this area of law for the best part of two decades. He regularly deals with complex cases, including those involving high net worth and high profile individuals. John’s cases routinely include the consideration of businesses, family trusts and assets outside of the jurisdiction. Whether the case includes significant wealth and complexity, or is more straightforward, he is the first choice for many top solicitors. John is always relied upon for his calm and sensible approach. John receives instructions in cohabitee disputes under TLATA 1996 and those involving financial provision for children under schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. John maintains a private law children practice, often acting for a party that he has helped with their financial remedy proceedings. John is described by his instructing solicitors as providing advice and advocacy of “the highest standard”. The attention to detail he affords to all aspects of his cases is of particular note. Central to John’s approach is his understanding of the need to work as part of a team with his instructing solicitors. In doing so, he achieves consistently excellent results for his clients.
Julian Reed practices in the areas of family and civil law, specialising in areas where the two disciplines overlap.Specialist Areas: Court of ProtectionFamily FinanceTrusts of LandInheritance, Wills & Probate
Justin Gau has practiced in Ecclesiastical law for many years. He is Chancellor of the Diocese of Bristol and Deputy Chancellor of the Dioceses of Lincoln and Bath and Wells. He occasionally sits as Deputy Chancellor of London. He is a former case notes editor of the Ecclesiastical Law Journal. He has long experience in Consistory Court hearings and appeals to the Court of Arches. As an ordained Priest in the Stepney area of the Diocese of London he brings invaluable practical insights into Clergy Disciplinary matters and contested Faculty applications. He has wide experience in the fields of Employment and Disciplinary and Regulatory law involving professionals, both lay and ordained.
Previously a solicitor and partner in a central London firm, Kevin subsequently headed up the southern area litigation department of a national firm before returning to the Bar in 1996. He has developed a specialist practice in personal injury and clinical negligence matters with a particular interest in motorcycle and yachting accidents. To complement this practice, with his in-depth knowledge and interest of maritime matters, he undertakes numerous marine-related cases encompassing yacht surveyors professional negligence to insurance disputes. Clinical negligence: multi-track disputes involving significant injury; personal injury: claimant and defendant multi-track disputes involving significant injury, with particular expertise in motorcycle and yacht racing accidents. Marine law: a general marine practice, including yacht surveyors professional negligence, insurance disputes, building/construction disputes and cases where a good understanding of navigation and seamanship is required. Cases of interest: personal injury claims arising out of Herald of Free Enterprise and Piper Alpha; the ‘Holidays from Hell’ cases concerning MV Victoria, a cruise ship which caught fire from which school parties had to be evacuated off the coast of Cyprus; and the Turkish coach crash. Kevin is also an associate at Pallant Chambers.
eonorah Smith is a family practitioner, who specialises in Children Act matters and in particular care proceedings, representing parents, children’s guardians and local authorities.She has dealt with cases involving both physical and emotional abuse. This includes serious non-accidental injuries such as multiple fractures, shake and impact head injuries, sexual abuse, neglect and fictitious illness syndrome. She is particularly skilled at dealing with ethnic minorities and those with mental ill-health, personality disorders and learning difficulties.Her expertise includes dealing with cases involving domestic violence, applying and resisting injunctions and occupation orders as well as contact and residence disputes.She regularly acts for parents who wish to relocate overseas and apply for leave to permanently remove their children from the jurisdiction and for those who wish to resist such applications as well as international child abduction, wardship and forced marriage cases
Children public law: Leslie undertakes complex and high-profile public law children cases for parents, local authorities and children’s guardians both at fact-finding and at welfare hearings. He also represents parties at appellate level in the High Court, Court of Appeal and in the Supreme Court. Recent cases include: alleged murder of a child; serious non-accidental head injuries to a child including widespread brain damage; multiple fractures including skull, rib and limb fractures; alleged sexual abuse of children; alleged fictitious or induced illness; serious neglect, drug and alcohol issues; complex immigration issues; cases where local authorities have failed to perform their statutory duties to support families. Financial remedies: he has a substantial financial remedies practice at all levels of court including cases before district judges, High Court judges and the Court of Appeal. Recent cases include: ‘big money’ cases where the assets values have exceeded £10m; cases where there are substantial business assets requiring an analysis of company accounts and expert valuation evidence; cases where the assets include substantial farm land or other inherited wealth; cases where one or both parties have significant trust assets; cases where there are high-value pensions on one or both sides; situations where urgent applications are required including freezing injunctions and search (Anton Pillar) orders. Children private law: he represents parents and sometimes children in a range of private law disputes including residence, contact, removal from the jurisdiction, other specific issue applications and child abduction cases. Recent cases include: cases involving residence and contact disputes including issues over shared or joint residence and parenting; specific issue applications, including disputes over schooling and medical care; allegations of sexual abuse by a parent; applications to remove children from the jurisdiction; child abduction cases.
Lucy is a specialist criminal barrister. She undertakes all areas of criminal work, both prosecuting and defending. Lucy has appeared in the Court of Appeal (CMAC), Crown Courts, Magistrates’ Courts and Youth Courts. She has a busy criminal practice, and is instructed in the full range of offences (sexual offences, offences of violence, traffic offences, drugs, and dishonesty). She is regularly instructed in the Courts Martial. Lucy is analytical, persuasive, and robust. She combines this with an empathetic, down-to-Earth approach which puts lay clients at ease.
Lucy Plumpton enjoys a busy practice across the spectrum of Chambers’ work, with particular expertise in civil law.
Child AbductionChildren Law (Private)Children Law (Public)Court of ProtectionDomestic Violence
Maria Henty is building a practice in all areas of family law, with a particular interest in family finance. Maria read social and political sciences at Girton College, Cambridge before converting to law. Prior to coming to the bar, Maria worked for two years as a solicitors’ agent, attending the County Court on a daily basis on a variety of civil matters.
Inheritance, wills and probate, real property particularly constructive and resulting trusts, undue influence, financial remedy proceedings, Court of Protection, costs, mediation. Notable cases include: Stoker v Rose (Re Krzystofowicz (deceased) [2001] WTLR 883; McMeekin v Long [2003] 29 EG 120; Brown & Ors v Russell Young & Co (a firm) [2006] EWHC 90055 (Costs); Soulsbury v Soulsbury [2007] EWCA Civ 938; Broadway v Fernandez [2007] EWHC 684 (Ch); Parris v Williams [2008] EWCA Civ 1147; Kentfield v Wright [2010] EWHC 1607 (Ch).
Mark Ablett has a specialist practice in family law, appearing at all levels of the Family Court and High Court having completed pupillage in October 2017. His background as the senior paralegal at a leading family law solicitors firm lends an experience of working on big money divorce cases. He is frequently instructed on family finance cases with a complex element, often involving asset-protection structures, as well as private law children cases. He also handles Family Law Act injunctions and is building a practice in TOLATA claims. In all practice areas, Mark is sensitive to the benefits of settlement where achievable but does not hesitate in taking a robust approach where necessary. Profiling his expertise, Mark regularly provides talks and case updates to leading law firms as well as writing articles for key publications (both online and in print), and has been published in the Guardian. Mark was also proud to achieve recognition when awarded the IBA Family Law Committee scholarship in 2017, enabling him to attend and talk at the IBA annual conference in Sydney (2017).Mark is the co-host and co-founder of ’The Family Law Podcast’.
Naima specialises in children law, public law and human rights. She has a keen interest in protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals and has been commended for her analytical mind and ability to draw out the essential points of a case. Alongside her core practice, Naima maintains a particular interest in cases concerning human rights and social justice issues and has been involved in capital cases before the senior courts in Pakistan. Naima is currently instructed to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Naima is a member of the Centre for Women’s Justice legal reference panel.
Naomi is a dual practitioner specialising in Employment law and Criminal law. She is regularly instructed in multi-week trials in both the Crown Court and Employment Tribunal. Examples of cases in which she has been involved: R v Rowan-Davies where the Defendant was charged with murder. Naomi was led by Kate Lumsdon QC for the Defence. R v Gurung – where she represent the Defendant, a Sergeant charged with others for offences connected to the death of a civilian. A v A School – Naomi is representing a Claimant in a claim for age discrimination. The Claimant was dismissed for declining to undertake optional training due to her impending retirement. Naomi is also advising a company with a workforce of over 10,000 employees on their response to the Covid-pandemic, site closures and collective redundancies.
Naznin specialises in public and private children law proceedings. She has particular expertise in cases involving international elements, including child abduction, forced marriage and relocation. Naznin also deals with complex matters involving domestic violence and sexual abuse, mental health and non-accidental injuries. Prior to joining chambers in 2005, Naznin practiced from Tooks Court (Chambers of Michael Mansfied QC); headed an immigration department in a CAB; was Legal Advisor to AVID; and worked with the UNHCR in a consultancy role. Naznin further honed her human rights experience at the ECHR where she was employed as a lawyer at the invitation of the court. Naznin’s considerable experience in immigration, crime and human rights often assists her in effectively dealing with issues arising from children law matters. She has represented local authorities, parents, children, other relatives and intervenors as well as sports and media personalities. Naznin regularly appears before all levels of court, including the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Neelo Shravat is an experienced child law barrister. He specialises in acting for parents, children and local authorities in public law proceedings including matters before the High Court and Court of Appeal. He has significant experience in handling a wide range of cases, including those involving allegations of sexual abuse, inflicted injury, fabricated illness, and cases with significant international elements. Neelo has a particular expertise in acting for vulnerable parents including parents with learning disabilities or serious mental health issues, and those who require the enagement of the Official Solicitor. He also undertakes complex private law cases that may involve allegations of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, ‘intractable’ contact cases, changes of residence, and applications for leave to remove from the jurisdiction. Neelo brings a broad breadth of experience to his courtroom advocacy having started his career with a busy criminal and common law practice before focussing on family law for the past 10 years. He remains resolutely committed to publicly funded work and considers it the heart of his practice.
Widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s and Nigeria’s leading barristers, he has a broad international practice with a particular interest in Africa. He provides high-level advice and representation for individuals, corporate clients and other organisations, in matters ranging from business and general crime to corrupt practices, commercial litigation, contractual disputes and health and safety. Oba is qualified in both the UK and Nigeria and is highly experienced in the courts of both countries. His work in Nigeria includes advising in large environmental damage cases. He represents a large number of the families of victims killed in the recent Dana air crash in Lagos, and acts as arbitrator and counsel in a number of complex arbitrations. He has also appeared in the High Court of England and Wales as an expert witness in UK cases involving Nigerian law. Oba provides expert regulatory guidance to businesses on the legal framework in UK and Nigeria. In addition, through a close network of partner firms, he also assists with other African jurisdictions. In general crime, he has prosecuted and defended in serious criminal cases, including the successful representation of two defendants in linked trials in the long-running prosecution of former governor, James Ibori. In health and safety his work is peerless; well-recognised as leader in this area, he has been involved in a number of the leading authorities. He acts as a legal assessor for the General Medical Council and the Nursing & Midwifery Council and also sits as a part-time judge in the Crown Court.
Paul Mertens has a busy practice, encompassing civil, family and public law. Paul has successfully represented parties in a wide range of courts and tribunals, including claims in the Queen’s Bench, Chancery and Family Divisions of the High Court. Paul’s background in company secretarial and in-house legal work has given him a strong commercial insight and he prides himself on providing pragmatic commercial advice to his clients. Before joining chambers, Paul worked at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and he maintains an interest in and advises on professional disciplinary complaints and data protection. He is Pump Court Chambers’ Data Protection Officer and has provided training on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 to a range of organisations, including government departments and public inquiries / statutory reviews. Since joining the Bar, Paul has been instructed in a number of cases by the Government Legal Department.
Penny Howe QC acts in all aspects of the law relating to children. In public law Penny represents local authorities, parents, guardians and competent children. She has particular expertise in cases which involve death and non-accidental injuries, allegations of serious sexual abuse, factitious and induced illness, child trafficking and cross examination of expert and vulnerable witnesses. In private law Penny acts in disputes between parents and other significant adults including cases involving serious harm, and internal and international relocation. Penny also has considerable experience in proceedings relating to press injunctions arising out of public law proceedings. Penny was a member of the RCVS’ Preliminary Investigation Committee from 2013 to 2018. From 2014 to 2017 (and the employment of case examiners) Penny was a lay Chair of the GDC’s Investigating Committee. From 2016-2017, Penny was a Deputy Chair of the GOC’s Investigating Committee. Since 2015, Penny has been a lay member of the GOC’s Fitness to Practise Committee. Penny has been a legal assessor for the NMC since 2016, and was recently appointed a legal assessor for the HCPC.
Ricky Powell has broad common law experience across numerous practice areas. He is particularly experienced in property disputes and personal injury claims. However, he also has experience of other areas of work including clinical negligence, economic torts, commercial disputes and employment.He is currently instructed to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Ricky is an approachable barrister with excellent interpersonal skills. He has a natural ability to quickly build relationships of trust with all manner of people. He is thorough in his case preparation and is confident in presenting more technical and novel arguments. He makes his submissions with conviction and always conveys a sincere interest in the outcome of his client’s case.
Samara is a specialist family practitioner. She accepts instructions across the full spectrum of family law proceedings and appears before all levels of judiciary. She completed pupillage at a specialist family law chambers in October 2017. Samara has a busy practice comprising of family finance, private and public children work. She is frequently instructed for both finance and private children proceedings for clients and understands the importance of continuity of counsel. Samara is mindful that settlement will often be in a client’s best interests and she provides robust advice where required.
Siân is a specialist criminal practitioner. She has developed a practice prosecuting and defending in all areas of general crime following completion of pupillage at a specialist Criminal and Regulatory chambers in October 2018. Siân also accepts instructions in professional disciplinary matters, appearing regularly before the NMC on behalf of registrants. She has also developed a practice in prison law, appearing regularly for prisoners in parole hearings and having represented the Claimant in a successful Judicial Review against the Parole Board of England and Wales.
Simon Lane is a property and estates barrister and mediator, with a niche practice in the law of town and village greens. Simon’s practice in both property and inheritance matters means he is particularly well placed to help clients at risk of losing their home, farm or other business after a death. Simon is particularly sensitive to the legal issues that crop up in claims that arise on death and prides himself on being able to deal with the often delicate relationships between family members. Simon is based in London with a national practice concentrated across London, the South and West of England.
Stephanie Painter is developing a mixed common law practice, accepting instructions across a range of criminal, civil and family matters, with a focus on crime. Stephanie is currently undertaking a six-month secondment with the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit and is due to accept new instructions again in the new year.
Specialist practitioner in property law. Some recent significant cases: Lankester & Son Ltd v Rennie [2014] EWCA Civ 1515: This case concerned a valuable commercial lease. Acted for Lankester & Son Ltd at first instance and a Court of Appeal. Successfully established in both courts that the tenant could not escape liability under the lease even though he had transferred the premises to another occupant. Innerspaces Self Storage Ltd v Harding & others [2014] EWCA Civ 46: Represented Harding and others at first instance and at Court of Appeal. Successfully established in both courts that the client landlord was not liable to his tenant, on any basis, for depositing a large quantity of hardcore on the business park on which the tenant’s property was located. Wise v Jimenez [2014] WTLR 163 Ch D: This was a high-profile and bitterly contested case. It involved difficult issues of fact and law and required meticulous case management at a lengthy trial. Stephen successfully recovered equitable compensation of £500,000 for his client, Mr Wise – a well-known former professional footballer. Application of Stafford-Flowers [2014] UKUT 0082 (LC): The applicant applied to the Upper Tribunal to discharge a covenant which prevented him from living all year round in a holiday chalet on the Isle of Wight. In a difficult and hard-fought case, Stephen successfully resisted the application on behalf of the objectors.
Barrister specialising in matrimonial finance, financial provision for child, claims by cohabitees, TLATA, inheritance (provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims, contentious probates and court of protection.
Timothy Salisbury has a civil and commercial practice encompassing commercial litigation, personal injury, aviation, property, and landlord and tenant. He is able to provide advisory, drafting, and advocacy expertise at all stages of the litigation process. Timothy also has experience of ADR, including mediation. Timothy is currently instructed as Junior Counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Victoria Ellis’s practice encompasses all aspects of family law and the overlapping areas of Inheritance and the Court of Protection. She has extensive experience representing local authorities, parents and grandparents in all stages of non-contentious and contested hearings, at all court levels. Her particular interests include financial remedies cases and all private law children matters. She is routinely instructed in relation to claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and on claims for financial provision under schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Within private law children matters she is regularly instructed in cases involving vulnerable individuals.