No.18 Barristers Chambers is a team of ‘good, helpful and efficient advocates’ experienced in areas of public law care proceedings and private children law. Laura Baines is an ’extremely competent, patient and friendly advocate’ who regularly handles a variety of domestic abuse cases. Nigel Cholerton, known for his ‘calm demeanour and assertive nature’, regularly represents parents and children in private family law matters. Tracey Hennessey is ’an excellent barrister known for her calm, reassuring and knowledgeable presence’ and her ability to work with clients with capacity issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Mark Windebank and Dan Fantham are always helpful, ensuring that hearings are covered, even at very short notice.' 
  • 'The clerk service is very good. Mark Windebank and Dan Fantham are experienced and accessible and always do their best to work with their solicitors.' 
  • 'Mark Windebank is amazing and will go above and beyond.'
  • 'Mark Windebank is a great senior clerk. He is highly professional and responsive.'
  • 'No.18 Barristers Chambers is outstanding, consistently ensuring barristers are available for clients.'
  • 'No.18 Barristers Chambers is a very strong family set with a good depth of experience.' 
  • 'No.18 Barristers Chambers has a good availability of counsel and strength in depth.'
  • 'No.18 Barristers Chambers is an excellent and go-to set.'

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.
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Laura Baines
No.18 Barristers Chambers
‘Laura is an excellent barrister on every level. She has a fabulous way with people in that she can relate to everyone, whether professional or lay client. She has an enviable knowledge of the law, and her advocacy is skilled and articulate.’
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Francis Payne
No.18 Barristers Chambers
 'Francis is a brilliant barrister. He makes the clients feel safe and listened to. He has a strong advocacy and is always willing to fight for his clients.' 
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Claire Hook
No.18 Barristers Chambers
 'Claire is an exceptional barrister. She is brilliant with clients and puts them at ease straight away. She goes above and beyond her duties to ensure that the client is supported.'
Rising stars
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.
Rachel Chapman
No.18 Barristers Chambers
‘Rachel is a down-to-earth advocate who can communicate well with professional clients and vulnerable parents. Her knowledge of the law is extensive, and she is always practical and sensible in her approach.’