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St Ive’s Chambers houses ‘some of the best family practitioners in the Midlands’. The ‘exceptional’ Michael Keehan QC, who is ‘charming in court and very aware of clients ’ needs’, has a child-focused practice, as does Jeremey Weston QC, who is ‘intellectually astute and creative in the application of cutting-edge developments’ and ‘provides comprehensive and elegantly crafted documents’. Nina Bache, who ‘excels in her advocacy and ensures that the client’s case is put to the court accurately, with passion and compassion’, is also recommended for childcare work, as are the ‘superb’ Elizabeth Isaacs and Timothy Bowe. Paul Lopez, who is recommended for Court of Protection work, is a ‘charming and confident advocate, who is able to put even the most anxious clients at ease’. Sarah Pritchard is a popular junior for private and public children work. Jayne Mullen ‘sees her role and involvement with the client to be more than just her brief’: she is recommended for financial cases and is particularly strong where there are complex business assets. Nicholas Cole and Andrew Day are very good juniors and are recommended for matrimonial finance work.

St Philips Chambers has seen Alistair MacDonald QC take his ‘thoroughly deserved appointment to silk’: he has the ‘ability to absorb the detail of complex cases, while retaining a clear focus on the most important issues’. Louise McCabe is a ‘leader in the Birmingham market’ for ancillary relief work and is an ‘absolute star’, and the ‘extremely intelligent’ Jonathan Nosworthy is a team player who is also recommended for financial briefs. Vanessa Meachin’s ‘sensible approach often assists settlement, but she is prepared for a contest if necessary’. Lawrence Messling is an ‘extremely competent advocate whose measured and professional approach has promoted the resolution of complicated and emotionally charged matters’. Martine Kushner is a very popular senior junior, and Elizabeth McGrath is highly rated on circuit.

No5 Chambers’ ‘very strong family team’ includes the following ancillary relief practitioners: Robin Rowland, who is a ‘leader at the senior level’; Ashley Wynne, who is ‘always exceptionally well prepared for every case’; and Christopher James. Michele Friel is a ‘regional leader’ on Children Act matters, and Lorna Meyer QC also comes highly recommended for children matters. Victoria Clifford is ‘extremely good at her level in relation to children and finance work’, and Stephanie Brown is a ‘favourite’ on circuit. Dewinder Birk recently joined from St Mary’s Chambers.

Cornwall Street Chambers’ Anthony Lowe is a ‘leading light’ in the family field. Bryce Somerville and Amanda Pittaway are both highly recommended for ancillary relief matters.

St Mary’s Chambers’ Nigel Page continues to handle high-value, complex ancillary relief matters, and Maria Mulrennan is recommended for complex care work involving sexual abuse and neglect. Victoria Hodges is a respected practitioner and has a general family law practice. Vivien Buchanan’s financial practice extends to inheritance and co-habitee disputes. Jason Reece is a popular choice and has a thriving, all-encompassing family practice, as does Beryl Gilead.

KCH Garden Square’s Pami Dhadli is ‘always fully prepared, has a thorough understanding of all of the issues in the case, and is imperious when dealing with (often) massive volumes of paperwork’.

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