Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

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Alexander Thorpe KC

Alexander took Silk in 2017 and specialises in complex financial cases, particularly those involving Trust and Foundation structures, both on – and off-shore. His work involves rigorous investigation of assets, liquidity and extraction. His advice is considered and realistic. Alexander is a trial specialist who thrives on the advocacy inherent in financial remedy applications. His reputation is that of a balanced negotiator at settlement meetings but a ruthless litigator in the event of the need for adjudication at trial. He is an advocate who relishes the trial process, especially the forensic analysis required in cross examination. Alexander is also a member of the Chartered Insititute of Arbitrators. Interesting cases: M v S [2013] All ER (D) 286; S v M [2012] All ER D 175; BP v KP and NI [2013] All ER D 307; K v K [2009] EWHC 1876 (Fam); B v B [2008] 1 FLR 1279; Miller v Miller [2005] EWCA Civ 984; Field v Field [2003] 1 FLR 376; D v D [2001] 1 FLR 495; Assoun v Assoun [No 1] [2017] EWCA Civ 21; and Assoun v Assoun [No 2] [2017] EWCA Civ 179.

Amy Kisser

Recommended as a leading junior barrister in family law in The Legal 500 UK and Chambers UK, Amy's practice encompasses all aspects of private family law, including divorce, finance (for married parties after an English or foreign divorce; for unmarried cohabitees and for unmarried parents), and private law children matters. She regularly acts in cases with a foreign/intemational element (including jurisdiction disputes) and complex financial arrangements (including company, trust and tax issues). Amy has experience in all levels of tribunal up to and including the Supreme Court, and recently acted as Tim Amos QC's junior in the supreme court in Prest v Petrodel Resources Limited [2013] UKSC 34. Amy has been described as 'a standout junior; the quality of her work is superb' (The Legal 500 2014) and 'a prodigy. She is supremely clever and has the intellect of somèone many years more experienced than her' (Chambers UK 2015).

Andrew Tidbury

Andrew practises mainly in family law, specialising in financial cases. He practises in all areas of family work, and regularly deals with cases involving children and child abduction. He also continues to do general common law work. Reported cases: P v P [2003] (Proceeds of Crime Act); R v R [2005] (Hemain injunction foreign divorce proceedings); X v Dempster [1999] (contempt, publication of material relating to cases heard in chambers).

Andrew Campbell

Andrew now practices in all areas of family law including financial, children and domestic violence cases. Prior to starting pupillage Andrew worked as paralegal in a leading firm of solicitors dealing with crime, extradition and prison law and he has a particular interest in family law cases that feature allegations of criminal behaviour. Andrew is an enthusiastic proponent of pro bono law and has gained additional experience doing cases with the Bar Pro Bono Unit and Free Representation Unit both during and after pupillage. Before coming to the Bar, Andrew gained commercial experience working in market research, evaluating and presenting survey data and enjoys the chance to apply these analytical skills in a legal context where appropriate.

Catherine Cowton KC

Katie was appointed Queen’s Counsel in March 2019. She had been rated as a leading junior for matrimonial finance by Legal 500 for many years, and was shortlisted as Legal 500 Family Junior Barrister of the Year in 2017. She sits as a family Judge (Recorder), and is a family Arbitrator. Katie is instructed to appear in complex international cases, involving trusts and tax issues, predominantly in the High Court and Central Family Court. A tough negotiator and tenacious advocate, she quickly wins the confidence of her clients. Much of Katie’s practice takes place away from the public eye, resolving complicated, often high-profile cases at private FDRs. Her work includes financial applications on divorce and civil partnership dissolution, Schedule 1 financial applications for children, and representing trustees in financial cases. She drafts pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements. Katie has been involved in numerous significant reported cases including: Martin v Martin [2018] EWCA Civ 2866 (valuation of private companies; approach to non-marital wealth); WM v HM [2017] EWFC 25 (linear approach to business valuation); Zimina v Zimin [2017] EWCA Civ 1429 (successful appeal against Part III MFPA order); Z v Z [2016] EWHC 911 & 1720 (Fam) (Part III MFPA application); WG v HG [2016] EWHC 3279 (Fam) (pre-marital business); WW v HW [2015] EWHC 1844 (Fam) (pre-nuptial agreement) Katie lectures on a range of topics including Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Financial Claims after Overseas Divorces, Brexit and Jurisdiction Issues, Enforcement and Spousal Maintenance.

Charanjit Batt

Charanjit’s practice covers most areas of family law including ancillary relief, schedule 1 cases and private law children. Charanjit is multi-lingual; her considerable language skills are a particularly great asset in cases which involve non-English speaking parties, and she has also used her interpreting skills in assisting mediation. In addition Charanjit has hands-on experience of legal practice in a foreign jurisdiction as a result of her internship in New Delhi, India (see below).

Daniel Bentham KC

Daniel practises exclusively in family law, with a particular emphasis on financial cases. Chambers & Partners describe him as having " a very pleasant and urbane manner. His court skills are first-class: his approach is deceptively smooth, but underneath there is a fist of iron."

Duncan Brooks KC

Duncan is known as “an excellent lawyer with superb client care skills” who deals with “very complex matrimonial finance proceedings and children law matters”. He is “a calm and authoritative advocate who prepares impeccably” has “brilliant judgment” and is “incredibly good to work with” (Chambers UK). He is “one of the very leading technical lawyers; a smart tactician and persuasive advocate” (Legal 500). Duncan has been a Family Arbitrator (MCIArb) since 2013. He has also acted in arbitrations as a barrister. He regularly represents clients at Private FDRs and also acts as the Private FDR tribunal. He is also available as an early neutral evaluator in child welfare disputes. Duncan is familiar with the financial complexities arising in cases involving high net worth clients, including businesses, trusts, taxation and international forum disputes (both in respect to divorce/financial applications and also relocating with children). He is often instructed where there is a knotty point of law.

Elizabeth Clarke

Liz is rated by Chambers and Partners and other legal directories as one of the leading juniors in matrimonial finance. Liz practises exclusively in family law, with a particular emphasis on ‘big money’ ancillary relief cases, usually conducted before the High Court or in the CFC. Her work frequently involves complicated issues relating to trusts, companies, taxation and conflict of laws, and often has an international element. She has acted for trustees and companies in matrimonial cases.

Fiona Stewart

Fiona has experience in all areas of private family law, including divorce, with an emphasis on financial remedies including Schedule 1, TOLATA, Part III. Fiona also accepts instructions in Inheritance Act Cases. She has appeared unled in the High Court on various occasions. Reported cases include: Cazalet v Abu-zalaf [2022] EWFC 119 Publications: Sharing and the Family Home FRJ, Issue 2, Summer 2002; regular contributor to Lexis PSL Case Analysis.

Fitzrene Headley

Private children, financial remedies, Family Law Act. Interesting cases include: US v SR [2015] EWHC 175; A and B (Fact finding) [2014] EWFC B87

Harry Campbell

Harry specialises in financial remedy work. He has been described as “a future star of the junior Bar”. He regularly acts (led and unled) in high-value financial remedy cases involving private companies, onshore/offshore trusts, tax issues, forum/jurisdiction disputes, and other complicating factors.

James Ewins KC

James specialises in all complex matrimonial finance issues, including pre-nuptial contracts. In the recent past, he has acted in a wide range of domestic and international cases at all levels including multi-million-pound cases. James has considerable experience of cases involving complex corporate and family asset structures, internationally held assets, significant inherited wealth, as well as bankruptcy related issues. He also has experience of international forum shopping and enforcement issues, and has appeared as an expert witness in the USA. He also undertakes private law children work. James has acted in a wide range of complex and big money cases, both reported and not. He appears frequently at the RCJ and PRFD, has taken cases to the Court of Appeal, and has represented clients in courts around the country, as well as at private FDRs, round-table meetings and in arbitrations. He has previously been described in Chambers and Partners as an ‘a superb advocate’ who is ‘thorough, careful and efficient’. He has been described as ‘equally charming as an advocate and opponent’ whose ‘first-rate advocacy is received well in court’. Peers are impressed by James’ ability to master complex information and make incisive judgements. Most recently it has been said of James that ‘he can identify the magic number for a settlement at lightning speed’. He has also been praised for ‘his extraordinary intelligence combined with a down-to-earth nature’ ensuring that clients feel very safe in his hands. Having been in practice for 19 years, during which he has led junior counsel in large cases and has frequently represented clients against Leading Counsel, James was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2016. Reported cases include the following: OS v DS [2005] 1 FLR 675; Sorrell [2006] 1 FLR 497; Charman (Letter of Request) [2006] 1 WLR 1053 CA; Charman (No. 1) [2006] 2FLR 422 CA; Charman (No.2) [2007] 1FLR 593; Charman (No.3) [2007] 1FLR 1237 CA; Charman (No. 4) [2007] 1FLR 1243 CA; Myerson [2009] 1FLR 826 CA and Myerson (No.2) [2009] 2FLR 147 CA; Arif v Anwar [2012] EWCA Civ 986 and [2013] EWHC 624 (Fam); Wright: [2015] EWFC B17; and [2015] EWCA Civ 201; and SS v NS: [2014] EWHC 4183 (Fam).

Janine McGuigan

Janine joined Chambers having successfully completed her pupillage under the supervision of Duncan Brooks, Catherine Cowton and Daniel Bentham. She has experience in all areas of family law including financial remedies, domestic violence and private law children matters. She has appeared in the High Court in matters concerning internal child abduction. Before coming to QEB, Janine spent a year as a Visiting Scholar at the University of The Gambia where she gave lectures to undergraduate law students and assisted in establishing the country’s first pro bono legal advice centre. She continues to represent clients through the CAB Pro Bono scheme at the Central Family Court and the Bar Pro Bono Unit. Janine also gained experience in dealing with highly sensitive and emotional cases concerning historic child abuse while working for an international law firm specialising in this field.

Joe Rainer

Joe’s practice covers all areas of private family law, with a focus on financial remedies (including cases brought under TLATA 1996). Joe is ranked as a leading matrimonial finance junior in The Legal 500. He is described as ‘supremely intelligent’, ‘highly technical’, ‘exceptionally hard working’, ‘persuasive and powerful’ and ‘calm and confident under pressure’. He has appeared solo in several multi-day High Court trials, where he has been commended by the Court for his “conspicuous skill”. He has recently appeared in the Supreme Court, led by Tim Amos KC.

Joseph Rainer

Publications Contributor – International Trust and Divorce Litigation, LexisNexis, 2019 Non-matrimonial pensions: the forgotten discussion, [2020] Fam Law 95 – referenced with approval by HHJ Robinson in KM v CV [2020] EWFC B22 The Thwaite Jurisdiction – No Longer the Last Reserve of the Desperate? Family Law Week, 16.1.19 Enforcement against Pensions in Financial Remedies Cases: the neglected option, Family Law Week, 12.2.18 The Law Commission Report: Enforcement of Family Financial Orders – Enforcement or Variation? Family Law Week, 19.1.17 Parenthood for Same-Sex Couples in the European Union: Key Challenges (with Tim Amos QC) – Same-Sex Relationships and Beyond – Gender Matters in the EU, 3rd edition, Intersentia 2017

Lewis Marks KC

Lewis has been consistently ranked in tier one of the leading silks specialising in Family Law in The Legal 500, in the 2020 edition of which it was said that he is “One of the most respected silks at the family Bar.” In Chambers & Partners guide to the UK Bar for Matrimonial Law he is the longest serving member of the elite ‘star individual’ category and where it has been said that his “combination of advocacy, numeracy and client skills means he has everything”, and even that he “‘makes everything seem possible’ to the point where ‘it almost seems like he can walk on water’”. Slightly less hyperbolically it has been said that his “numerical and analytical dexterity are unsurpassed” and that he has “exceptional judgment” and “willingness to listen”, and that he is “intelligent, forceful and always ready to take up the cudgels”. “He is renowned for his technical proficiency and superior courtroom skills. Sources extol his impressive all-round abilities both inside and outside the courtroom. Top of the tree and by far the most numerate barrister there is. He identifies issues that other people haven't even thought of and is an incredibly persuasive advocate. Lewis is meticulous in his preparation, and a punchy and forceful cross-examiner." From the beginning of his practice he developed his advocacy skills in the criminal courts but since about 1995 he has practised exclusively in family law, and in particular in the sphere of “big money” financial remedies (financial provision following divorce), ‘Schedule 1’ case (financial provision for children of unmarried parents) and jurisdictional disputes. He has appeared in many of the leading cases either as junior or, since 2002, as leading counsel. His most recent work includes being part of the team that represented His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum in his battle to restore contact with his minor children who had been brought to England by their mother HRH Princess Haya. He also represented the respondent husband in XW v XH in the Court of Appeal, which increased the award in favour of the wife by ‘only’ £30m of the £115m that she had been seeking. He has been a long-time member of the editorial board of the FLBA publication ‘At A Glance’ now in its 29th edition containing key information on all aspects of ancillary relief (and available in many good book shops), and a member of the team responsible for the companion electronic version, @eGlance. He is also one of the authors of Financial Remedies Practice, the essential guide to procedure in such cases, now in its ninth edition. He has a particular interest in matters mathematical. Cases and Publications Al M (Publication) [2020] EWHC 122 (Fam) Al M (Assurances and Waiver), Re [2020] EWHC 67 (Fam) Al M (Factfinding) [2019] EWHC 3415 (Fam) XW v XH [2019] EWCA Civ 2262 (18 December 2019) Pierburg v Pierburg [2019] EWFC 24 Martin v Martin [2018] EWCA Civ 2866 Versteegh v Versteegh [2018] EWCA Civ 1050 IX v IY [2018] EWHC 3053 (Fam) Zimina v Zimin [2017] EWCA Civ 1429 WM v HM [2017] EWFC 25 Mantegazza v Mantegazza [2017] EWHC 3811 Z v Z and Others [2016] EWHC 1720 (Fam) Beshavora v Berezovsky [2016] EWCA Civ 161 NR v AB & Ors. [2016] EWHC 277 (Fam)Z v Z [2016] EWHC 911 (Fam) Fields v Fields [2015] EWHC 1670 (Fam) Cooper-Hohn v Hohn [2014] EWHC 4122 (Fam) Cooper-Hohn v Hohn [2014] EWHC 2314 (Fam) (media reporting) Luckwell v Limata [2014] EWHC 502 (Fam) Luckwell v Limata [2014] EWHC 536 (Fam) B v B [2013] EWHC 1232 (Fam) Y v Y [2012] EWHC 2063 (Fam) F v F [2012] EWHC 438 (Fam) Z v Z (No2) [2012] 1FLR 1100 W v W (Divorce Proceedings) [2011] 1FLR 372 Weiner v Weiner [2010] All ER 265 Marano v Marano [2010] 1 FLR 1903 H v H (Financial relief) [2010] 1 FLR 1864 M v M (Costs) [2010] 1 FLR 256 Spencer v Spencer [2009] 2 FLR 1416 P v P (post-Separation Accruals and Earning Capacity) [2008] 2 FLR 1135 H v H [2007] 2FLR 548 Moore v Moore [2007] 2FLR 339 Sorrell v Sorrell [2006] 1 FLR 497 Miller v Miller [2006] 1 FLR 151 G v G (Matrimonial Property: Rights of Extended Family) [2006] 1 FLR 62 OS v DS [2005] 1 FLR 675 Burns v Burns [2004] 3 FCR 263 W v W (Financial Provision: Form E) [2004] 1 FLR 494 M v M (Substantial earning capacity) [2004] 2 FLR 236 Pearce v Pearce [2004] 1 WLR 68, [2004] 2 FLR 1144 Wermuth v Wermuth [2003] 1 FLR 1029 GW v RW [2003] 2 FLR 197 Rose v Rose [2002] 1 FLR 978 Breuning v Breuning [2002] 1 FLR 888 White v White [2000] 2 FLR 981 Kellman [2000] 1 FLR 785 Dart v Dart [1996] 2FLR 286 F v F (Ancillary Relief: Substantial Assets) [1995] 2 FLR 45

Lucy Stone KC

Lucy was once again ranked this year as a first tier matrimonial finance silk by the Legal 500, where she was described as ‘the very best of the best, with an astonishing eye for detail and an outstanding memory’, and as a first tier matrimonialfinance silk by Chambers & Partners, which described her as ‘a revered matrimonial finance silk’. Reviewers this year said, ��when you want one of the best legal brains in the business, go to Lucy’; and ‘with Lucy on board, you’ll know from day one that your client and your team are going to win’. Lucy has also been described as ‘quite simply the most accomplished all-round family law silk’ (The Legal 500) and as ‘gold-plated counsel’ (Chambers & Partners). ln silk since 2001, Lucy acts in the most complex financial matters for ultra high net worth individuals from all walks of life. She has had many clients from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Lucy regularly advises on and drafts nuptial agreements, both domestic and international. She also specialises in civil partnership and cohabitee disputes; in claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act and Part lllof the Matrimonialand Family Proceedings Act 1984; and in jurisdictional disputes. She has been involved in a number of cases in Hong Kong, including appearing successfully in a leading case in the Hong Kong Court of Appeal. She has dealt with numerous matters involving Jewish law, and the Beth Din; and with Sharia law. Lucy is highly numerate, has a meticulous eye for detail, and is known for her exceptional and comprehensive preparat¡on and realistic advice. She has an easy manner towards both her professional and lay clients. ln Court, she combines a mastery of her papers with powerful and persuasive advocacy. Notwithstanding the nature of her work, she believes that the most effective outcome is achieved by combining forcefulness with courtesy. Over the years she had been,reported to inspire ‘laudatory comment for her ‘meticulous preparation, pragmatism and accessibility to clients’, combining ‘excellent intellect with effective communication skills’, and has been described as ‘pretension-free, very sensible, kind and sympathetic.’ ‘Lucy-no-Stone-left-unturned,’ as she is known, is one of the best-prepared advocates at the Bar. Those instructing her have complete faith in the fact that ‘she’ll always be up to speed and have the clients eating out of her hand.’ Furthermore, she cuts to the chase admirably ‘Stone extracts information in five minutes that others would take half an hour to get.’ ‘Once in court she impresses with her “punchy, incisive advocacy”.’ Interesting cases include: Z v A [2012] EWHC 1434; K v L (Non-Matrimonial Property: Special Contribution) [2011] EWCA Civ 550, [2011] 2 FLR 980; HJFG v. KCY CACV127/2011 (Hong Kong Court of Appeal); K v L (Ancillary Relief: Inherited Wealth) - [2010] 2 FLR 1467; S v S (No 2) (Ancillary Relief: Application to Set Aside Order) - [2010] 1 FLR 993; Jones v Jones [2010] EWCA Civ 890.

Marcus Lazarides

Marcus practices exclusively in family law, specialising in financial cases. He is a qualified arbitrator and is available to conduct private FDRs or early neutral evaluations. Important cases include: Beshavora v Berezovsky [2016] EWCA Civ 161; NR v AB & Ors. [2016] EWHC 277 (Fam); Jones v Jones [2011] EWCA Civ 41 and G v G (matrimonial property: rights of extended family) [2006]1 FLR 62.

Marina Faggionato

Marina’s practice covers all areas of family law work with a particular focus on the financial consequences of divorce and disputes involving children (including Schedule 1 provision, abduction and relocation cases). Marina has represented clients in courts of all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal and she is regularly instructed on behalf of third parties including trustees, companies, and litigation friends acting for protected parties. In 2014 Marina was named as one of the Lawyer Magazine’s “Hot 100” (the only barrister amongst the three family practitioners), and as a “Rising Star” in the Spears Wealth Index. She has been shortlisted for the Jordan’s Family Law Junior Barrister of the Year and in 2018 was the Legal 500 Family Junior of the year. Marina has a particular interest in cases with a foreign dimension and has practical experience of family law in France obtained during her time as a Pegasus scholar with the Parisian law firm Lafarge Associés. She sits as an arbitrator within the IFLA (finances) scheme. Reported cases include: LP v AE [2020] EWHC 1668 (Fam). RC v JC [2020] EWHC 466 (Fam), HC v FW [2017] EWHC 3162 (Fam), ND v SD v Ors [2017] EWHC1507 (Fam): EDG v RR [2014] EWHC 816 (Fam); Luckwell v Limata [2014] EWHC 502 (Fam); Luckwell v Limata [2014] EWHC 536 (Fam); Divall v Divall [2014] EWHC 95 (Fam) In the matter of G (Children) [2010] EWCA Civ 1232 (Court of Appeal); Spencer v Spencer [2009] 2 FLR 1416; Re R (A Child) [2009] 2 FLR 819 (Court of Appeal).

Matthew Firth

Matthew is currently recommended in ‘Chambers and Partners’ as a leading junior in matrimonial finance. He is described as a ‘totally straight and perfectly balanced advocate’. Matthew practises exclusively in family law, specialising in financial cases. In this work he often deals with trusts, companies and partnerships. He has also acted for both companies and trusts joined in ancillary relief proceedings. Cases of note: M v M (pre-nuptial agreement) [2002] 1 FLR 654; RP v RP [2006] EWHC 3409 (Fam).

Michael Hosford-tanner

Michael has a specialist family law practice, relating to both financial and child matters. He has experience in handling matrimonial financial claims, claims of unmarried couples concerning ownership of their home and claims of unmarried parents under Schedule 1 of the Children Act. Michael has extensive experience in private child law, including international child abduction (involving cases both outside and within Europe), applications to remove children permanently from the UK and for private clients involved in public child law cases. His practice has included regular work in the field of professional conduct tribunals. Resolution-trained collaborative lawyer. Qualified resolution family law mediator, accepting appointments concerning both children and financial issues.

Morgan Sirikanda

Morgan's practice is almost exclusively in the family law field with an emphasis on matrimonial financial matters. He also regularly advises in property disputes between unmarried partners under "TLATA". In recent years he has appeared in the High Court in a number of very high value financial remedy applications as a junior with leading counsel. In addition to this financial work, Morgan also undertakes a wide range of private law children cases and he has a particular interest in international cross-border disputes involving jurisdictional issues. Morgan is recommended as a leading family law junior in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners where he has been praised for his technical ability and ability to stay calm and collected in tricky situations and before challenging judges. Morgan also undertakes occasional work from the Bar’s Pro Bono unit. Interesting cases: N v N (BIIR: Stay of Maintenance Proceedings [2012] EWHC 4282; J v V (offshore corporations) [2004] 1 FLR 1042; Re W (Jurisdiction: Mirror Order) [2011] EWCA Civ 703.

Oliver Wise

Oliver’s main areas of work are financial remedies and professional negligence, especially in relation to family law; but he has extensive experience of a broad range of common law work. He has a particular interest in cases that involve more than one area of the law. He is recommended as a leading junior in family work in ‘Legal Experts’. Interesting cases: Johnson v Unisys [2003] 1 AC 518 (HL); R v LSC ex p. W [2000] 1 WLR 2502 (Court of Appeal); Behzadi v Behzadi [2009] 2 FLR 640 (Court of Appeal); Williams v Thompson Leatherdale and Francis [2009] 2 FLR 730; Robson v Robson [2011] 1 FLR (751) (Court of Appeal); Davies v Welch [2011] 1 FLR (1241) (Divisional Court); and Prest v Petrodel Resources [2013] 2 AC 415 (Supreme Court).

Rosemary Budden

Rosemary practises exclusively in family law, specialising in all types of financial claims and private law children work. She is instructed to appear before all levels of tribunal up to and including the Court of Appeal, both on her own and as junior to leading Counsel. Rosemary acts for a wide range of clients in particular high net-worth clients with complex financial arrangements. Rosemary brings an intelligent, strategic and extremely personable approach to her cases. Since 2012, Rosemary has been consistently recommended as a leading junior in the Legal 500 and since 2013 in Chambers and Partners. The directories describe her: "She was phenomenal when dealing with one of the most challenging clients I have ever had. She gave frank advice and kept the client on board.” Chambers & Partners 2016 “a strong reputation for dealing with international cases…adept at both financial & private law children cases” Chambers & Partners 2015 "a very good advocate” Legal 500 2014 “regularly sought after to advise high net worth clients with complex financial arrangements” Chambers & Partners 2014 “extremely pleasant, but feisty and effective once in court." Chambers & Partners 2013 “a tenacious advocate” Legal 500 2012 "she is extremely sensitive towards the client in very difficult cases" Legal 500 2017 Interesting cases include: Fields v Fields [2015] EWHC 1670 (Fam); Schofield v Schofield [2011] 1 FLR 2129, CA

Roxanne King

Saima Younis

Saima successfully completed her pupillage under the supervision of Alexander Thorpe, Oliver Wise, Daniel Bentham and Catherine Cowton. Saima’s practice encompasses all aspects of family law, including both ancillary relief and children matters.

Samantha Singer

Samantha’s practice covers all areas of family law with a particular emphasis on matrimonial finance and private child law; she regularly appears in complex and high value matrimonial finance cases as a junior to QEB’s Silks and to Silks in other Chambers. She also regularly appears in complex cases without a leader. She has successfully appeared against Silks in both children and money cases. Samantha is consistently recommended as a leading junior in both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. Samantha wins praise as a ‘confident advocate who punches above her weight’. She offers ‘recognised excellence in high-value matrimonial finance cases’ and is also described as ‘utterly tenacious’, ‘absolutely super’ and ‘an extremely bright, tenacious and articulate advocate’. In terms of international experience, Samantha spent six weeks in 2010 observing practice in the USA (Washington DC and Northern Virginia), as an Inns of Court Pegasus Scholar.

Sarah Phipps KC

Sarah practises exclusively in Family Law. Her practice covers all aspects of ancillary relief, cohabitation disputes and private law Children Act applications. Ancillary relief cases in which she is experienced include those involving modest as well as significant wealth, and cases with an international dimension. Her Children Act work includes residence and contact disputes, leave to remove applications and financial claims on behalf of children under Schedule 1. She has appeared regularly in the High Court, both on her own and as a junior. Sarah has been rated as a leading junior by both Chambers UK and the Legal 500 for several years. In the 2010 edition of Chambers UK, she is described as “always a good choice as she is technically able and extremely forthright in her advocacy”, and in the 2011 edition she is said to be “intellectually top-drawer and really good with clients”. Interesting cases include: Gordon v Stefanou [2010] EWCA Civ 1601; S v S (No. 2)(Ancillary Relief: Application to Set Aside Order) [2010] 1 FLR 993; SR v CR (Ancillary Relief: Family Trusts) [2009] 2 FLR 1083; Re B (Indemnity Costs) [2008] 1 FLR 205; S v S (Ancillary Relief after Lengthy Separation) [2007] 1 FLR 2120

Sophie Clayton

Sophie has a specialist family law practice with a particular focus on financial remedies. She also has a growing wealth of experience in private law children disputes and applications under the Family Law Act 1996. Sophie has a keen eye for forensic detail and a flair for written advocacy. She is a powerful court advocate whilst remaining down-to-earth and approachable to her clients and professional colleagues. Her practice has rapidly been developing since she joined chambers as a tenant in 2018 upon successful completion of her pupillage under Katie Cowton QC, Duncan Brooks and Morgan Sirikanda. Sophie now regularly takes instructions in complex financial matters as well as applications under TLATA, private law children disputes and injunctions. She has successfully represented clients against opponents many years her senior.

Sophie Wellings

Sophie’s practice encompasses all aspects of private family law, including divorce, finance (for married parties after an English or foreign divorce; for unmarried cohabitees and for unmarried parents), and private law children matters. She regularly acts in cases involving high net worth clients (often led) and with complex financial arrangements (including company and trust issues).

Stewart Leech KC

Stewart specialises in ancillary relief, civil partnership and cohabitee disputes as well as Inheritance Act claims. His cases generally involve significant wealth and complex financial arrangements, often with an international dimension and/or involving jurisdictional disputes. He is bilingual in French and English and has a particular interest in cross-channel cases. He is regularly instructed by trustees both to advise and to represent them in proceedings. He also routinely drafts pre- and post-nuptial agreements, again often involving multiple jurisdictions. He is rated in Chambers & Partners, Legal Experts, and the Legal 500 as one of the leading practitioners at the family bar. He has also been selected by his peers as one of 2012’s Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom and figures as one of the country’s leading barristers in Citywealth Magazine’s Leaders List 2012. Recent editions of Chambers & Partners quote solicitors as saying he is "very clever, very calm, fantastic with clients and good with judges". He is also described as “a late starter at the Bar after a successful teaching career with a maturity and confidence that allows him to bring a dash of theatricality into his expertly prepared addresses”, “excellent” and a "fierce advocate"; he “continues to amass a huge following among solicitors due to his superb judgment.” The latest edition says as follows: ‘he is "an extremely hard-working, elegant and intelligent advocate. Observers agree with his elevation to silk, noting that he has "conducted himself in a 'silky' way for years." His ancillary relief practice regularly involves cases in multiple jurisdictions relating to very high net worth individuals.’ He prides himself on being approachable and user-friendly. Interesting cases include: E v E (Art 19 and Seisin BIIa) [2015] EWHC 3742 (Fam); WD v HD [2015] EWHC 1547 (Fam); Joy v Joy [2014] EWHC 3769 (Fam); Y v Y (Financial Remedy - Marriage Contract) [2014] 2920 EWHC (Fam); Joy v Joy [2014] EWCA Civ 520; HMRC v Charman [2012] EWHC 1448 (Fam); [2012] 2 FLR; FL v Registrar General [2011] 2 FLR 630; Lykiardopulo v Lykiardopulo [2011] 1 FLR 1427; H v H (pensions) [2010] 2 FLR 173; M v V (Art 23 Brussels 1) [2010] All ER (D) 216; Judge v Judge [2009] 1 FLR 1287; Mahon v Mahon [2008] EWCA Civ 901; CR v CR [2008] 1 FLR 323; Moore v Moore [2007] 2 FLR 339; Sulaiman v Juffali [2002] 1 FLR 479; Khreino v Khreino (No 2) [2000] 1 FCR 80.

Thomas Haggie

Thomas joined chambers following successful completion of his pupillage under Sarah Phipps, Daniel Bentham, and Morgan Sirikanda. He specialises in family law, with a particular focus on financial remedies, including cases brought under TOLATA 1996, and private children’s law. In addition to his private practice, Thomas also has an interest in taking pro bono cases. I was very impressed… His note was excellent and he got a very good outcome for my client

Thomas Brudenell

Thomas' practice is almost exclusively confined to ancillary relief. He works mainly in the Central Family Court and the High Court. Thomas brings to bear on his cases many years of experience in conducting final hearings in ancillary relief and is known among instructing solicitors for his tenacity and his fearless approach to advocacy. Should a case require a combative approach because of the other side's non-disclosure or intransigence, Thomas is readily able to adopt one. Interesting cases include: W v C (Financial Remedies: Appeal: Non-Disclosure) [2012] EWHC 3788 (Fam) [2013] 2 FLR 115; RK v RK (Financial Resources: Trust Assets) [2011] EWHC 3910 (Fam) [2013] 1 FLR 329; Independent Trustee Services Ltd v GP Noble Trustees Ltd [2010] EWHC 3275.

Tim Amos KC

Tim’s practice spans all aspects of family law. He is predominantly known as an expert in ‘big money’ family finance, married or unmarried, alive or dead (including claims under the Inheritance Act) and especially international. Tim has particular expertise in cases with a foreign or international element, especially Anglo-German cases. Tim is fluent in German (including legal German and German mediation) and has good professional French. He has undertaken work experience in German courts and German law firms. This has led to his involvement in an increasing number of cases with an Anglo-German element and/or German-speaking clients or witnesses, and those with disclosure issues relating to assets in German-speaking jurisdictions including Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Tim has been variously described in legal directories as ‘one of the go-to silks for jurisdiction and complex international issues’ and ‘rated extremely highly by the market for his abilities in international family law and international family finance’; and as having an ‘awesome ability to cut through detail’, an ‘unshakeable grasp of a case’ and ‘rigorous attention to detail’ but at the same time ‘the patience of a saint’, and being ‘fairly tough but very nice; you know that he is really going to take a case forward.’ The Legal 500 2014 describes Tim as a ‘formidable intellect with an extraordinary ability to master legal complexities quickly’. Reported cases include: Bellinger [2002] Fam 150 [2001] 2FLR 1048 (CA) (transsexual capacity to marry); Islam [2003] 2 FLR 1208 (fraudulent divorce petition) Wermuth No.1 [2003] 1FLR 1022 (seizin and Article 11(4) under Brussels II); Wermuth No.2 [2003] 1 FLR 1029 (CA) (protective and provisional measures under Brussels II); Duhur-Johnson v Duhur-Johnson (Attorney General Intervening) [2005] 2 FLR 1042 (non-recognition of overseas divorce); TL v ML [2006] 36 FamLaw 183 (third party ownership and family subvention in ancillary relief); Robson [2011] 1 FLR 751, CA (inherited wealth); Schofield [2011] 1 FLR 2129, CA (MFPA Pt III pensions and Germany); N v F (financial orders pre-acquired wealth) [2011] 2 FLR 533; Petrodel v Prest [2013] 2 FLR 732 UKSC (MCA s24 and the corporate veil); T v T Brussels II Revised: Article 15 [2013] 2 FLR 1326 (transfer of European proceedings and S v S (Brussels II Revised: Articles 19 (1) + (3) reference to CJEU [2014] EWHC 3613. Tim is also a Resolution Mediator, a private FDR judge and a trained collaborative lawyer.

Tristan Harvey

Specialises in dispute resolution. He is a resolution trained mediator, an arbitrator and a collaborative lawyer. He also conducts private FDRs and early neutral evaluations in Children Act cases. His practice encompasses all aspects of family law, with an emphasis on matrimonial finance and private law children matters. He has also represented clients in Schedule l applications, trust of land disputes and applications under Part lV Family Law Act 1996. He has lectured on a range of subjects including pre-nuptial agreements and trust of land disputes.

William Tyzack

William practices in all areas of family law (finance and children), and welfare and financial issues relating to vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection. Particularly EU and international cases – child abduction, relocation, international maintenance issues and private international law. Has advised on English/EU law in European jurisdictions and elsewhere, and has provided expert evidence to the Supreme Court of New York, USA, and appeared in court in Portugal as an expert witness. Recent cases: C v B [2014] EWHC 2069 (abduction); EY v RZ [2013] EWHC 4403 (abduction); Re B [2012] EWCA Civ 1082 (EU Maintenance Regulation); AR v RN (Scotland) [2015] UKSC 35; AB v JJB (EU Maintenance Regulation) [2015] 2 FLR 1143. Publications: Articles on EU law in International Family Law Journal: [2012] IFL 277 and [2015] IFL 258; joint editor with Thorpe LJ of the collected papers of the 2011 Dartington Interdisciplinary Conference

James Ewins KC

Lewis Marks KC

Lucy Stone KC

Stewart Leech KC

Tim Amos KC

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