St John’s Chambers is one of the leading sets on the Western Circuit for public and private child law work. Christopher Sharp KC is instructed by parents, local authorities, and guardians in child protection cases involving catastrophic or fatal injuries. Abigail Bond, specialising in care proceedings involving learning disabled parents, heads the practice group in chambers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Marcus Harding is a credit to the team; he always goes above and beyond.'
- 'The clerking at St John’s is extremely effective. They are often able to deliver on listings and assist in fixing hearings up in a way that other chambers do not quite match. Luke Hodgson in particular is a standout.'
- 'Elaine Jewell-Moore's ability to find counsel availability or move diaries around is excellent. She is always willing to consider the client's needs in terms of costs and seniority.'
- 'Marcus Harding is in equal measures brilliant and dynamic. If something needs doing, Marcus will get it done!'
- 'St John's Chambers offers a very good service and an impressive number of highly skilled barristers.'
- 'St John's Chambers has a large offering of experienced barristers covering all aspects of private children proceedings.'
- 'St John's Chambers is easily the best for Family Law in the South West. The clerks are very helpful and knowledgeable and counsel are always great.'
Silks
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.
2023 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.
St John’s Chambers
‘Lucy is a wonderful barrister, as strong on written submissions as she is on her feet, where she attracts the ear of judges with her court manner, and more than holds her own with silks far more senior than her.‘
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.
St John’s Chambers
'Abigail is a brilliant barrister. She is completely respected by every tribunal she appears in front of and you can tell judges listen to what she says. She is articulate, intelligent, unflappable, civil to the opposition and caring with clients.'
St John’s Chambers
'Susan is tenacious and pragmatic. She quickly gets to the heart of a case, rolls up her sleeves and looks to resolve matters. She is very user friendly and has an excellent support manner with clients coupled with a healthy no-nonsense approach.'
St John’s Chambers
'Olivia's knowledge of the law is top class and her ability to deal with clients in a caring and empathetic way whilst still putting a case forward effectively is very impressive.'
St John’s Chambers
'Ryan is always well prepared, calm, and has excellent client skills. He gives clear advice which can be easily understood.'
Leading Juniors
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.
St John’s Chambers
'Abigail is a brilliant barrister. She is completely respected by every tribunal she appears in front of and you can tell judges listen to what she says. She is articulate, intelligent, unflappable, civil to the opposition and caring with clients.'
St John’s Chambers
'Susan is tenacious and pragmatic. She quickly gets to the heart of a case, rolls up her sleeves and looks to resolve matters. She is very user friendly and has an excellent support manner with clients coupled with a healthy no-nonsense approach.'
St John’s Chambers
'Olivia's knowledge of the law is top class and her ability to deal with clients in a caring and empathetic way whilst still putting a case forward effectively is very impressive.'
St John’s Chambers
'Ryan is always well prepared, calm, and has excellent client skills. He gives clear advice which can be easily understood.'