The Bar - Regional Bar • Midland Circuit
In Birmingham, St Philips Chambers is ‘an excellent family set with a number of exceptionally talented and experienced counsel available at all levels’. Sara Lewis KC is ’an exceptional silk’ who handles the most serious children law cases before the High Court, while Christopher Adams ‘is a very knowledgeable and sensitive advocate’ who regularly acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, and children in cases involving serious and medically complex injuries, as does Yolanda Pemberton. Michelle Christie and Abigail Turner joined the team in September 2023.
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.
'Sara is an exceptional silk and has a wealth of experience, and she is extremely thorough in her preparation. She has a store of knowledge and is incredibly well thought of and respected in cases involving serious allegations of non-accidental injury. Her courtroom manner is unfaltering, and cross-examination is bespoke and effective.'
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‘Christopher has extensive knowledge with a warm and sensitive approach to all matters. He is supportive and works as part of a team on behalf of the children he is representing. ’
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1‘Carolyn is a robust forensic cross-examiner and an exceptional and well-rounded practitioner.’
1‘Yolanda is above competent. She has a clear understanding of complex law and will work nonstop for her client.’
1‘Christopher is a smooth and elegant advocate. He has a natural flair for advocacy and an unrivalled ability to navigate even the most complex matters. His meticulous preparation is reflected in his advocacy and written work alike.’
2‘Gemma’s calm and reassuring manner, with razor-sharp attention to detail and knowledge of intricate legal issues, makes her a must to instruct. She is thorough in her preparation and gets to the heart of every case quickly and with ease.’
2‘Nicholas is conscientious, well-prepared and determined to fight his client's corner at all costs. He is passionate about fairness. He is eloquent and measured in his oral submissions.’
2‘Abigail is a fierce advocate. Her attention to detail is flawless, and she can get a firm grip on a case instantly. She has exceptional client care skills and gives sound and practical advice.’
‘Molly is an incredibly robust and confident advocate and a real expert in complicated private children’s law matters. She can handle difficult clients exceptionally well. Her advocacy is exceptional, and her written work is equally fantastic.’
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‘Christopher has extensive knowledge with a warm and sensitive approach to all matters. He is supportive and works as part of a team on behalf of the children he is representing. ’
11‘Carolyn is a robust forensic cross-examiner and an exceptional and well-rounded practitioner.’
1‘Yolanda is above competent. She has a clear understanding of complex law and will work nonstop for her client.’
1‘Christopher is a smooth and elegant advocate. He has a natural flair for advocacy and an unrivalled ability to navigate even the most complex matters. His meticulous preparation is reflected in his advocacy and written work alike.’
2‘Gemma’s calm and reassuring manner, with razor-sharp attention to detail and knowledge of intricate legal issues, makes her a must to instruct. She is thorough in her preparation and gets to the heart of every case quickly and with ease.’
2‘Nicholas is conscientious, well-prepared and determined to fight his client's corner at all costs. He is passionate about fairness. He is eloquent and measured in his oral submissions.’
2‘Abigail is a fierce advocate. Her attention to detail is flawless, and she can get a firm grip on a case instantly. She has exceptional client care skills and gives sound and practical advice.’
‘Molly is an incredibly robust and confident advocate and a real expert in complicated private children’s law matters. She can handle difficult clients exceptionally well. Her advocacy is exceptional, and her written work is equally fantastic.’