1 Hare Court is ‘a very well-respected set with a breadth of specialist barristers’, and ‘a leading set for matrimonial finance work’. Nigel Dyer KC is ‘a go-to private FDR judge who grasps case issues very quickly’, and Gavin Smith is ‘extremely diligent and hard-working, and produces excellent and well-reasoned judgements’. Tom Carter is ‘always thoroughly prepared and detailed in his reasoning’; he specialises in handling financial remedy cases, often involving complex asset structures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Steve McCrone, Daniel Barnett and Ryan Titmarsh are excellent.'
- 'Steve McCrone, Michael Lay and Daniel Barnett are approachable and responsive.'
- 'Steve McCrone and his team always make themselves available and are always responsive.'
- 'Daniel Barnett and Steve McCrone are excellent.'
- '1 Hare Court has a breadth of excellent and leading barristers.'
- '1 Hare Court has an excellent range of capable barristers at all levels.'
- '1 Hare Court is a stellar set.'
- '1 Hare Court is an excellent set.'
Silks
Leading Private FDR Judges and Arbitrators
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.
Tom Carter
1 Hare Court ‘Tom can explain his indication clearly and succinctly, in a way which clients find digestible and puts them at ease. His written indications are enormously helpful.’
Gavin Smith
1 Hare Court ‘Gavin is a go-to arbitrator for all complex cases. He demonstrates outstanding proficiency in managing complex disputes with a balanced and insightful approach. His keen analytical skills, coupled with an impressive depth of legal knowledge, make him a standout professional.’
Geoffrey Kingscote KC
1 Hare Court 'Geoff is an excellent private FDR judge coming up with sensible and balanced awards which result in financial settlements being reached every time. '
Jude Allen
1 Hare Court ‘Jude has excellent legal knowledge and judgement. She is always thoroughly prepared and has a calm and pragmatic approach to cases.'
Katherine Cook
1 Hare Court ‘Katherine is well-prepared, calm and courteous in conducting private FDRs. She provides accurate and well-reasoned indications to facilitate settlement.’
Nichola Gray KC
1 Hare Court ‘Nichola is a balanced FDR judge. She has in-depth understanding of the operation of sophisticated financial mechanisms.’
Eleanor Harris
1 Hare Court ‘Eleanor knows children and money work very well. She is sagacious and articulate.’
Rebecca Carew Pole KC
1 Hare Court ‘Rebecca is a breath of fresh air in the private FDR market. An exceptional private FDR judge, with great attention to detail and an air of gravitas.’
Simon Webster KC
1 Hare Court ‘Simon is a first choice as a private FDR judge. His judgement is impeccable, and he is highly persuasive.'
Rachel Spicer
1 Hare Court ‘Rachel is intellectually excellent. She has superb judgement and an air of authority.'