1GC | Family Law is 'a family law set of the highest standard' with 'great strength in depth'. Philip Perrins' 'attention to detail is exemplary, as is his preparation on a case', and he is sought after for his deep expertise in advising on high-value financial remedy applications. David Burles has 'a commanding, confident persona, which immediately puts clients at ease', and Claire Heppenstall is well regarded for her ‘close attention to detail’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks are helpful. Tommy Eyles always helps find the right counsel for the matter.'
  • 'Paul Harris is an outstanding example of excellence.'
  • 'David McDonald will always go that extra mile.'
  • 'David McDonald is incredibly approachable and helpful.'
  • '1GC | Family Law is a family law set of the highest standard.'
  • '1GC | Family Law has several talented barristers.'
  • '1GC | Family Law is a highly-regarded family set.'
  • '1GC | Family Law has great strength in depth.'

Silks

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.
Penelope Clapham
1
Penelope Clapham
1GC | Family Law
‘An extremely impressive barrister. Her preparation is first-class, and she is conscientious and fearless as an advocate.’
Philip Perrins
1
Philip Perrins
1GC | Family Law
‘Philip is always one step ahead of his opponent. His advocacy skills are second to none, and he grasps the matter within moments.’
David Burles
2
David Burles
1GC | Family Law
‘David is an excellent advocate with a unique style which commands the court.’
Claire Heppenstall
2
Claire Heppenstall
1GC | Family Law
‘Claire is a safe pair of hands. She negotiates sensibly and takes a stand when needed.’
Helen Jefferson
3
Helen Jefferson
1GC | Family Law
‘Helen is very bright. In advocacy, she is on top of all the figures and arguments.’
Eleri Jones
3
Eleri Jones
1GC | Family Law
‘Eleri is hardworking, diligent and effective.’
Duncan Watson
4
Duncan Watson
1GC | Family Law
‘Duncan has an excellent bedside manner and can adapt to each client's needs. He can think outside of the box and come up with unique and practical solutions.’
Craig Vickers
4
Craig Vickers
1GC | Family Law
‘Craig is fantastic. He is particularly good at tailoring his advice to each client's needs and always gets the tone right.’
Joseph Moore
4
Joseph Moore
1GC | Family Law
‘Joseph's key strength lies in his depth of knowledge across the family law spectrum.’
Oliver Woolley
4
Oliver Woolley
1GC | Family Law
‘Oliver is personable and immediately puts clients at ease. He instils confidence and always fights tooth and nail for his clients. His understanding of the law is second to none, and he is a smooth and well-accomplished advocate.’
Jack Rundall
4
Jack Rundall
1GC | Family Law
‘Jack is very personable with clients and robust in his advocacy. He wins judges around with his approach in court.'
Elizabeth Darlington
4
Elizabeth Darlington
1GC | Family Law
 ‘Elizabeth’s knowledge is superb, and her technical ability is second to none.'
Simon Sugar
4
Simon Sugar
1GC | Family Law
‘Simon is diligent, on top of all the facts, and simply brilliant with clients. A focused and pragmatic barrister.'
Annabel Barrons
4
Annabel Barrons
1GC | Family Law
‘Annabel is a great barrister. Her advice is thorough and clear, she is fantastic on her feet, and her cross-examination is impressive.’
4
Matthew Brunsdon-Tully
1GC | Family Law
‘Matthew is exceptionally bright and thinks forensically about his cases.’
Katherine Dunseath
4
Katherine Dunseath
1GC | Family Law
‘Katherine is fearless and leaves no stone unturned.'
Elizabeth Hartnett
4
Elizabeth Hartnett
1GC | Family Law
‘She has good understanding of complex financial remedy cases. She goes above and beyond.'