Chambers of Nkumbe Ekaney KC and Andrew Norton KC

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1GC | Family Law is an ‘excellent set of chambers’ and home to ’barristers of excellent calibre’. ‘Exceptionally strong advocate’ Penelope Clapham specialises in all aspects of financial provision on relationship breakdown, including divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships and the separation of cohabitees, while Philip Perrins is an ’exceptionally talented with outstanding presentation’ and expertise in international cases. Other key contacts include ‘fantastic barrister’ David Burles, Claire Heppenstall, who focuses on financial remedy cases for private high-net-worth clients.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Tommy Eyles and Francesca Paveley are very helpful.'
  • 'The service from the clerk's room is unparalleled and will always go the extra mile. The clerking team is incredibly well led by Paul Harris, and his professionalism, experience and drive - make it a team that delivers a very high service.'
  • '1GC | Family Law is a go-to set with a consistent level of expertise and skill throughout.'
  • '1GC | Family Law has a great breadth of barristers available, at different levels and with a range of specialisms.'
  • '1GC | Family Law is a skilled and approachable set offering excellent support. The team overall have excellent attention to detail, offers enormous support to those instructing, and their advocacy is second to none.'
  • '1GC | Family Law is an excellent set of Chambers with strengths and expertise in all areas of family law.' 
  • '1GC | Family Law is exceptional. It offers a range of options depending on the particular case or client.'
  • '1GC | Family Law is a great set of chambers. A lot of solid talent in the team and some great juniors rising the ranks.'

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.
1
Philip Perrins
‘Philip is always thoroughly prepared. He can be forthright when required. He is particularly good with technical points of law.’
1
Penelope Clapham
‘Penelope is a first-class barrister. Her preparation is meticulous, and she knows the case inside and out. She is extremely assertive and robust as an advocate but is very personable, and clients warm quickly towards her.’
2
David Burles
‘David has a unique style of advocacy. He draws the courtroom with him rather than presenting, which is very effective. He is good with vulnerable clients, working with them rather than presenting the correct approach.’
2
Claire Heppenstall
‘Claire’s advocacy is robust. Her cross-examination of the witness is exceptional. Her authoritative presence in court is respected by both the judges and opponents.’
3
Helen Jefferson
‘Helen is excellent with clients. She is a very strong advocate who is decisive and clear with a strategy for the case. She puts clients at ease and is always well-prepared.’
3
Eleri Jones
‘Eleri has an incredible brain. She is the go-to for complex international work. Her preparation is meticulous – no stone is left unturned. Her research, knowledge and persuasive advocacy are exemplary in the case.’
4
Simon Sugar
‘Simon has a great bedside manner putting clients at ease. He provides straightforward, practical advice. He is very approachable to his instructing solicitor.’
4
Joseph Moore
‘Joseph is an exceptionally thorough advocate. His legal knowledge is second to none, and he is always available to work with solicitors as a team to get the best outcome for clients. He is a skilled negotiator whilst being a persuasive advocate on his feet. He has a natural ability to get to grips with finances quickly and has excellent instincts and pitching the right offers.’
4
Duncan Watson
‘Duncan has a sharp attention to detail, can think outside the box, particularly when dealing with complex financial matters, has excellent client relationships and is approachable.’
4
Katherine Dunseath
'Katherine is extremely robust, a fearless advocate and quick on her feet. She never fails to make an impact, and her cross-examination is exceptional.'
4
Craig Vickers
'Craig is great on his feet. He always fights his client’s corner and simplifies the most complex issues.'
4
Jack Rundall
'Jack is a thoughtful, well-prepared and persuasive advocate. He is very good at technical argument and gets the best results for his clients. '
4
Elizabeth Darlington
 'Elizabeth has an excellent client manner making them feel reassured and supported. She has an in-depth knowledge of the law concerning cohabitation disputes and is fearless in her advocacy. She is pragmatic and commercial but is prepared to roll her sleeves up and argue the points that merit it. '
4
Oliver Woolley
‘Oliver is a go-to person for financial remedy cases. He is an absolute master of his craft. His advice is robust, strategic and effective. His preparation is always meticulous. He is an accomplished and assured advocate.’
Leading Juniors
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
1
Philip Perrins
‘Philip is always thoroughly prepared. He can be forthright when required. He is particularly good with technical points of law.’
1
Penelope Clapham
‘Penelope is a first-class barrister. Her preparation is meticulous, and she knows the case inside and out. She is extremely assertive and robust as an advocate but is very personable, and clients warm quickly towards her.’
2
David Burles
‘David has a unique style of advocacy. He draws the courtroom with him rather than presenting, which is very effective. He is good with vulnerable clients, working with them rather than presenting the correct approach.’
2
Claire Heppenstall
‘Claire’s advocacy is robust. Her cross-examination of the witness is exceptional. Her authoritative presence in court is respected by both the judges and opponents.’
3
Helen Jefferson
‘Helen is excellent with clients. She is a very strong advocate who is decisive and clear with a strategy for the case. She puts clients at ease and is always well-prepared.’
3
Eleri Jones
‘Eleri has an incredible brain. She is the go-to for complex international work. Her preparation is meticulous – no stone is left unturned. Her research, knowledge and persuasive advocacy are exemplary in the case.’
4
Simon Sugar
‘Simon has a great bedside manner putting clients at ease. He provides straightforward, practical advice. He is very approachable to his instructing solicitor.��
4
Joseph Moore
‘Joseph is an exceptionally thorough advocate. His legal knowledge is second to none, and he is always available to work with solicitors as a team to get the best outcome for clients. He is a skilled negotiator whilst being a persuasive advocate on his feet. He has a natural ability to get to grips with finances quickly and has excellent instincts and pitching the right offers.’
4
Duncan Watson
‘Duncan has a sharp attention to detail, can think outside the box, particularly when dealing with complex financial matters, has excellent client relationships and is approachable.’
4
Katherine Dunseath
'Katherine is extremely robust, a fearless advocate and quick on her feet. She never fails to make an impact, and her cross-examination is exceptional.'
4
Craig Vickers
'Craig is great on his feet. He always fights his client’s corner and simplifies the most complex issues.'
4
Jack Rundall
'Jack is a thoughtful, well-prepared and persuasive advocate. He is very good at technical argument and gets the best results for his clients. '
4
Elizabeth Darlington
 'Elizabeth has an excellent client manner making them feel reassured and supported. She has an in-depth knowledge of the law concerning cohabitation disputes and is fearless in her advocacy. She is pragmatic and commercial but is prepared to roll her sleeves up and argue the points that merit it. '
4
Oliver Woolley
‘Oliver is a go-to person for financial remedy cases. He is an absolute master of his craft. His advice is robust, strategic and effective. His preparation is always meticulous. He is an accomplished and assured advocate.’