Tom Harrill is a Barrister specialising in Family law.

Year of Call: 2013

Private Law Children

Tom is experienced in acting for parents, children and members of the extended family in all aspects of private-law disputes. He is sensitive toward the particular challenges which are posed in private law litigation whilst maintaining a tactically-driven approach. Tom prefers to be instructed at an early stage in private proceedings and to work in partnership with his solicitors so that his clients have the benefit of their full legal team.

Tom has recently been instructed in cases with issues including:

Alleged serious physical and sexual violence Alleged parental alienation Alleged drug and alcohol misuse Internal and external relocation, including to non-Hague Convention countries Challenging section 7 reports Transfer of living arrangements Contact Schooling Change of name Declarations of parentage Special guardianship

Public Law Children

Tom is regularly instructed to represent parents, local authorities, children, and interveners in care proceedings, from the first hearing to contested interim hearings, fact finding hearings and final hearings.

Tom has recently been instructed in cases involving:

Serious non-accidental injury to children (including multiple fractures and brain injury) Serious sexual abuse Cross-jurisdictional terrorism and wardship Trafficking and modern-day slavery International child abduction Issues under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 Chronic neglect Domestic violence Contested applications for adoption orders

Court of Protection

Tom often acts for protected parties via the Official Solicitor in claims linked to, or arising out of, care proceedings. He has particular experience in cases involving vulnerable adults who have been subject to alleged trafficking and modern-day slavery and the interplay between the Mental Capacity Act and the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice.

The Midland Circuit

Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn

Family Law Bar Association

Tom practises exclusively in Family law and specialises in matters related to children. He has a busy practice and is known for his pragmatic, tactical approach and keen attention to detail in even the most factually complex cases.

Tom runs Chambers’ Family law training programme. He regularly speaks on all aspects of Family law to solicitors and other professionals.

Recent cases:

Re: A (Surrogacy: s.54 Criteria) [2020] EWHC 1426 (Fam)

Re C (A Child: Parental Order & Child Arrangements Order) [2020] EWHC 2141 (Fam)

University of Law, Birmingham: BPTC, Very Competent (2013)

University of Birmingham: Graduate Diploma in Law, Commendation (2012)

University of Birmingham: BA English, First Class Honours (2011)