The 36 Group is a ‘very strong and well-regarded set’ that offers advice on all areas of family law. ’Extremely persuasive barrister’ William Tyler KC co-heads the team and has extensive experience of handling international and cross-jurisdictional cases. Lucy Reed KC was appointed silk in 2023. Rising star Madeleine Whelan is praised for her ‘meticulous preparation and professional manner’ and handles private children law cases related to parental alienation, drug use, domestic abuse and complex needs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
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.
1‘William has the ability to handle and present complex fact-finding material with a lightness of touch that belies the amount of work invested in making the task appear effortless. He has a degree of gravitas and composure in his presentation that commands authority in court.’
2‘Hannah is a tenacious, skilled advocate who fights her client’s corner and has incredible judgement in the trickiest cases. She inspires faith and confidence and is thoroughly decent while running a case. She is impressive and persuasive on her feet, and the tribunals listen to her.’
4‘Martin is very hardworking and has an excellent knowledge of the law. He is a calming influence in court and is always appreciated by the court.’
2023 Silks
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.
2‘Kate is a very strong advocate who is always well-prepared. She provides good feedback and help when working together on a case.’
3‘Kate possesses an unparalleled ability to manage complex children cases and is hugely impressive on her feet. In court, Kate is solution focused and tenacious. She has the expertise and a warm personality and always brings benefits to a case. She is particularly good at extremely complex public law matters, and her advice is firm whilst being results driven.’
4‘Joanne is empathetic and supportive, possessing a good client matter. She devises a good strategy and is robust and clear in her paperwork and court.’
4‘George is a great advocate, and clients love him. He's very passionate about his work and fights for his clients.’
5‘Fenella is an outstanding children's law barrister. She has a wonderfully warm manner with clients yet ensures that she provides clear and detailed advice. She is accessible and very hardworking.’
‘Kelly is a fighter in difficult cases who can quickly get to grips with a case.She is empathetic with clients who feel she is fighting their corner.’
6'Ben is approachable, full of energy and genuinely interested in his cases. He becomes fully absorbed and gives each case his heart and soul. He is creative, thinks out of the box and usually steps ahead.'
6‘Hena is the consummate professional and always prepared for every case. She has a detailed grasp of her area of law and is able to quickly and accurately ascertain the issues in a case. Her advocacy skills and cross examination skills are exceptional. She swiftly updates her instructing solicitor and is generous with her time and knowledge.’
'Sabuhi is a robust advocate and a tough negotiator. She always fights her client’s corner and is fearless in court. Her preparation is meticulous. In particular, the thoroughness of her position statements and pre-hearing briefings puts clients at ease.'
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.
2‘Kate is a very strong advocate who is always well-prepared. She provides good feedback and help when working together on a case.’
3‘Kate possesses an unparalleled ability to manage complex children cases and is hugely impressive on her feet. In court, Kate is solution focused and tenacious. She has the expertise and a warm personality and always brings benefits to a case. She is particularly good at extremely complex public law matters, and her advice is firm whilst being results driven.’
4‘Joanne is empathetic and supportive, possessing a good client matter. She devises a good strategy and is robust and clear in her paperwork and court.’
4‘George is a great advocate, and clients love him. He's very passionate about his work and fights for his clients.’
5‘Fenella is an outstanding children's law barrister. She has a wonderfully warm manner with clients yet ensures that she provides clear and detailed advice. She is accessible and very hardworking.’
‘Kelly is a fighter in difficult cases who can quickly get to grips with a case.She is empathetic with clients who feel she is fighting their corner.’
6'Ben is approachable, full of energy and genuinely interested in his cases. He becomes fully absorbed and gives each case his heart and soul. He is creative, thinks out of the box and usually steps ahead.'
6‘Hena is the consummate professional and always prepared for every case. She has a detailed grasp of her area of law and is able to quickly and accurately ascertain the issues in a case. Her advocacy skills and cross examination skills are exceptional. She swiftly updates her instructing solicitor and is generous with her time and knowledge.’
'Sabuhi is a robust advocate and a tough negotiator. She always fights her client’s corner and is fearless in court. Her preparation is meticulous. In particular, the thoroughness of her position statements and pre-hearing briefings puts clients at ease.'
