Sally Harrison KC
‘Sally has an uncanny knack of identifying the heart of an issue and finding the right solution for clients. She is one of the leading matrimonial finance KCs in the country.'
The ‘excellent matrimonial finance barristers’ at St John’s Buildings have an established reputation for assisting international and domestic clients with a wide spectrum of financial remedy work. Samantha Hillas KC is ‘an exceptional advocate’ who regularly handles high-value cases involving Schedule 1 claims and civil partnership dissolutions. The ‘phenomenally effective’ Sally Harrison KC has an excellent track record in acting for high-profile and high-net-worth individuals in cases concerning pre-nuptial agreements, complex trust structures, overseas assets and non-disclosure issues. Turning to the junior end of chambers, Neil Montaldo is skilled in pre and post-nuptial agreements, TOLATA claims and cohabitation agreements. Charles Eastwood is a ‘go-to senior junior in Manchester for complex financial remedy work’. Inherited wealth cases are a key area of activity for Frances De Navarro, in addition to pre-nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals, complex pension issues and non-matrimonial assets. Archna Dawar is now a Circuit Judge.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The leading set for matrimonial finance in Manchester.'
- 'Gail Whelan and David Harrald are very friendly, approachable and ultimately very responsive.'
Lawyers
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.
Samantha Hillas KC
‘Samantha is always meticulously well prepared and gives clients the reassurance they often need that she has the granular detail of their case, even if they've never met before. She is never fazed, and always aims to get the right result for the client, not shying away from tough advice on the prospects of success.'
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.
Charles Eastwood
'Charles is fantastic at dealing with cases where there are complex financial structures. He is a skilled advocate and negotiator.'
Neil Montaldo
‘Neil's silky smooth delivery effectively disguises the force of his submissions and the relentless pursuit of his client's case, resulting in excellent outcomes without the risk of alienation with aggression. A superb advocate.'
Frances De Navarro
'She is a fantastic forensic barrister that can cut thorough complexity with ease and translate that into written advocacy that is so easy to follow for the court and for the client.'
Simon Charles
‘Simon has a quiet gravitas which belies his years. He is exceptionally clever and incredibly astute. His advocacy is measured and highly effective. He is never aggressive or over the top and when he speaks, the court listens.'
Elisabeth Cooper
'Her preparation, client care and advocacy skills are tremendous. Judges love her considered approach.'
Hannah Wood
‘She is clear and calm and is able to explain complex concepts to clients with ease. Her advocacy is always of a high standard. She is persuasive without being abrasive and measured in her arguments.’
Michelle Burley
'Michelle is a persuasive and intelligent advocate who has wonderful client care skills. She is a hard worker whose preparation and advice is top notch.'