7 Harrington Street includes members adept at handling all varieties of public and private children law cases, especially those involving adoption and care proceedings, child abduction, and cohabitation issues. Having appeared before the Court of Appeal and the High Court, Margaret Parr boasts significant expertise in representing children, parents, and local authorities - shespecialises in complex cases of sexual and physical abuse, as well as deprivation of liberty. Paul Wright is another key name, and is often instructed by parents, children, and other family members in public law proceedings. Sarah Watters has strong capabilities in handling allegations of sexual and physical abuse, while forced marriages and neglect-related cases are an area of focus for Natasha Johnson.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks are incredibly helpful. Carolyn Cregeen is consistently polite and accommodating, assisting wherever possible.'
  • 'All the clerks are helpful, and the work has recently been reorganised which has improved the service provided. Carolyn Cregeen, Laura Jones, Jenny Mogan, and Neil McHugh look after clients very well.'
  • 'John Kilgallon is an excellent head clerk. Laura Jones is efficient and will do all that she can to help. Neil McHugh is very efficient and monitors the court diary closely to assist.'
  • 'Carolyn Cregeen and Laura Jones are excellent, as is John Kilgallon, who all go above and beyond.'
  • 'Carolyn Cregeen and Laura Jones are always happy to help.'
  • 'The clerks are helpful and supportive. Laura Jones is excellent and always so helpful and great to deal with.'

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
Margaret Parr
7 Harrington Street
 ‘Margaret is just wonderful with clients, as she offers empathy and is a fierce advocate. She is a natural advocate and presents as extremely confident and knowledgeable.’
2
Paul Wright
7 Harrington Street
 ‘Paul is a thorough advocate who undertakes significant preparation. He deals particularly well with clients who have suffered trauma or abuse, he is calm and empathetic, and clients immediately warm to him and trust him.’
3
Natasha Johnson
7 Harrington Street
 'Natasha is exceptional. She is a complete all rounder, her academic knowledge is beyond most, and her ability to deliver that knowledge and think on her feet as an advocate is exemplary.'
3
Megan Gilchrist
7 Harrington Street
‘Megan is a very efficient, calming, and measured barrister. She is very organised and supportive to work alongside, and she gets orders to you in record speed.’
4
Sarah Watters
7 Harrington Street
 ‘Sarah is an excellent barrister and is fantastic at managing professional clients, ensuring she offers robust advice, but in a very supportive manner. She is an exceptionally gifted advocate who is always well prepared and focused.’
4
Alexandra Cracknell
7 Harrington Street
 ‘Alexandra is an excellent advocate who will fight for the client’s best interests with real commitment. She goes above and beyond to ensure the best case is put before the court, providing support and advice where needed, and her advocacy skills are outstanding.’