Deka Chambers' family law team is renowned for having a ‘wealth of knowledge and expertise in complex and sensitive child law cases'. Tim Parker KC has established strength in handling public child law matters, and often advises on complex cases involving sexual abuse, serious injuries and deaths. Among the juniors, Tabitha Barran is 'an excellent barrister who excels in complex cases due to her thorough case preparation'; she is adept at handling cases involving adoption, international child abduction and allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. In a boost to chambers, Edward Lamb KC took silk in March 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Jaime Brooks is fantastic.'
  • 'Louis Candy and Abigail Clark are very helpful.'
  • 'The clerks' room is approachable. Jaime Brooks is the go-to clerk to find counsel and goes above and beyond to help when there is an issue or a clash.'
  • 'The clerks are efficient and very helpful. Louis Candy and Abigail Clark are very professional and quick to respond.'
  • 'Deka Chambers is a very strong set for care proceedings, particularly more complex cases.'
  • 'Deka Chambers is a reputed family law set.'
  • 'Deka Chambers is a go-to set for childcare cases.'
  • 'Deka Chambers has a very good family team, all solid and high calibre.'

Silks

Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Tim Parker KC
Tim Parker KC
Deka Chambers
‘Tim is extremely good with clients, making them feel at ease in highly charged situations, while he methodically unpicks the evidence and legal issues.’
2024 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Edward Lamb KC
Edward Lamb KC
Deka Chambers
‘Edward is an excellent children’s law barrister, particularly with cases involving international elements. A strong advocate who is well-prepared in his cross-examination.’

Juniors

Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
John Schmitt
3
John Schmitt
Deka Chambers
 ‘John is a safe pair of hands. He is a good choice for a case with complex medical evidence.’
Oliver Millington
4
Oliver Millington
Deka Chambers
 ‘Oliver has thorough knowledge of family law and an exceptional ability to handle the most complex and sensitive cases. A junior renowned for his compassionate advocacy.’
Tara Vindis
4
Tara Vindis
Deka Chambers
‘Tara is a highly skilled advocate, quick on her feet, and her preparation and attention to detail is exceptional.'
Max Melsa
6
Max Melsa
Deka Chambers
 ‘Max is a capable advocate. He focuses on the central issues in a case and is very good at predicting how a judge will view those issues.’