Family: Divorce And Financial Remedy

Leading Silks

Tim Amos KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Tim is extraordinarily thorough and considers every page of instructions, which is reassuring. He is a charming advocate and amongst the most experienced on jurisdictional issues.’

Deborah Bangay KC –1 Hare Court ‘Deborah is a true powerhouse and a formidable advocate. She is determined to achieve the client’s goals. When she makes submissions, judges listen closely.’

Philip Cayford KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Philip’s advocacy skills are second to none. He is brilliant on his feet. He is calm and measured in everything he does.’

Nicholas Cusworth KC –1 Hare Court

Richard Harrison KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Richard is extremely intelligent and insightful, which shines through in his advice to clients and advocacy.’

Charles Howard KC – 1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Charles is an exceptionally gifted barrister. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and is very much on top of the detail.’

Lewis Marks KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Lewis is intelligent, analytical, efficient and always puts in the extra effort. He is a brilliant and persuasive advocate who will fight every point worth running.’

Philip Marshall KC –1 King’s Bench Walk

Christopher Pocock KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Christopher is wonderful with clients. He provides clear and robust advice and is not afraid to ask difficult questions. His advocacy is clear and effective without being pompous. Judges trust and like him.’

Timothy Scott KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Timothy is the consummate professional. He is sharp and incisive in determining the appropriate strategies in the most complex cases. He is always calm and collaborative, and his advocacy is superb.’

Jonathan Southgate KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Jonathan is strategic and focused. He is calm and organised. He is incredibly good at managing difficult clients.’

Lucy Stone KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Lucy is a real force of nature. She is the best silk for complicated big-money cases. The level and detail of her preparation are beyond any other silk. She fights hard for her clients and always gives sensible advice. Her advocacy is incredible.’

Richard Todd KC –1 Hare Court

Alexis Campbell KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Alexis is a go-to silk. She is utterly brilliant, fiercely intelligent and is seemingly able to predict almost precisely what a judge will decide on any issue. She is articulate and unflappable in court and has the respect of the judiciary.’

Patrick Chamberlayne KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers

Deborah Eaton KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Deborah is a true powerhouse. She has a determination to achieve the client’s goals, robust, determined, knowledgeable, and a formidable advocate.’

Charles Hale KC –4PB ‘Charles is exceptionally strong in his practice. His client management skills and ability to judge a tribunal are second to none. He is the best counsel to work with in terms of client confidence. His advice is pragmatic, full of good sense and strategic- all delivered in a way that a client can understand and support.’

Stewart Leech KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Stewart has exceptionally good judgement and calmness, knowledge and understanding.’

Brent Molyneux KC – 29 Bedford Row Chambers

Nicholas Allen KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Nicholas is multi-faceted and multi-talented. He is extremely well-versed in the law and incredibly thorough.’

Timothy Bishop KC –1 Hare Court

Rebecca Carew-Pole KC –1 Hare Court 'Rebecca brings a breath of fresh air, especially to a big and complex financial remedy case. She prepares each case diligently and can certainly think outside the box. She is particularly good at providing reassurance to nervous clients.'

James Ewins KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘James has an eye for detail on the most complex of cases and delivers top-quality advice. He is thoroughly decent, has been at the top of the game for several years and is one of the silks of choice.’

Frank Feehan KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Frank is a gifted advocate with the ability to identify the key issues in a case and present even highly complicated arguments in an accessible and ultimately persuasive way.’

Michael Horton KC –Coram Chambers ‘Michael is highly intelligent, intellectually rigorous. He is always impeccably well prepared and researched so judges give them time and just as importantly clients listen to their steer.’

Harry Oliver KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Harry is extraordinarily numerate and can handle complex financial cases with expertise beyond his peers. He is a fantastic and hard-hitting advocate who also brings strategy and sense to the negotiating table. He is simply brilliant with analysing disclosure.’

James Roberts KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘James is conscientious personified. He is very responsive and can pick up and run complex cases. He provides clear and to-the-point advice and leaves no stone unturned.’

James Turner KC –1 King’s Bench Walk

Justin Warshaw KC –1 Hare Court

John Wilson KC – 1 Hare Court

Katie Cowton KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Michael Glaser KC –Fourteen ‘Michael is a tenacious advocate who is able to distinguish the good points from the bad ones. He is well able to stand his ground in the most difficult cases.’

Nichola Gray KC –1 Hare Court 'Nichola is intelligent, hard working, and her documents are always immaculately prepared.'

Christopher Hames KC –4PB ‘Christopher is professional, knowledgeable, driven, confident, disciplined and able to analyse complex facts and lots of information within a limited timeframe. He is excellent at keeping the client focused.’

Ann Hussey KC –1 Hare Court 'Ann is very experienced and has very good with clients with a lovely manner.'

Daniel Lightman KC –Serle Court

Peter Mitchell KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Peter is a superb advocate. He is calm and delivers his examination and cross-examination straightforwardly and humanly, yet his presentation is sophisticated.’

Deepak Nagpal KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Deepak has forensic attention to detail. His knowledge of international law is unmatched. He is hugely technical, works extremely hard and is all over the papers. He is a fierce advocate and a great team player.’

Howard Shaw KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers

Stephen Trowell KC –1 Hare Court 'Stephen is a hard-working and dediacated barrister.'

Christopher Wagstaffe KC –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Christopher is an outstanding KC. He is robust as an advocate when he needs to be, but he is also very skilled in negotiating. He can put clients and instructing solicitors at ease.’

Simon Webster KC –1 Hare Court

Nicholas Yates KC –1 Hare Court

2022 Silks

Giles Richardson KC – Serle Court

Alexander Chandler KC –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Alexander is patient with clients. He knows the law. He knows how to address a judge tellingly. He is very quick to respond and works hard for the client.’

2023 Silks

Duncan Brooks KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Duncan is phenomenally good. His knowledge of the law and procedure, which extends far beyond family law and the family procedure rules is second to none. His judgement is excellent, and he is always calm under pressure. His preparation of cases is exemplary, and clients love him. His advocacy is always measured yet persuasive, and he has the ear of all judges.’

Judith Murray KC –4PB ‘Judith is very calm, puts the client at ease, provides clear, straightforward advice and gets straight to the heart of complicated issues, distilling them down and focusing on the key issues to present a persuasive case to the court succinctly and directly.’

Sarah Phipps KC –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Sarah is frighteningly intelligent, and her ability to absorb information is seemingly unlimited. She has an uncanny ability to cut to the chase. She is extremely hard-working and will always go the extra mile to fight her client’s corner. Her advocacy is second to none, and she always has the ear of the tribunal.’

Leading Juniors

Richard Castle –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Richard has a superb knowledge of the law. He has a strong instinct in relation to the merits of a case and is very accessible, and great bedside manner. His advocacy is extremely polished and persuasive. He is never flustered and his case law recall is sublime.’

Penelope Clapham –1GC | Family Law ‘Penelope is a first-class barrister. Her preparation is meticulous, and she knows the case inside and out. She is extremely assertive and robust as an advocate but is very personable, and clients warm quickly towards her.’

Elizabeth Clarke –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Elizabeth is an extraordinary talent. She is the leading junior at the family Bar, regularly acts against silks and is at the same level.’

Henry Clayton –4PB ‘Henry is the most detailed, intelligent and forensic mind. He is exceptionally hard-working and utterly commercial in his outlook. There is no case too complex for him, and he is a match for any Silk in terms of his preparation, understanding and advocacy.’

Marina Faggionato –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Katherine Kelsey –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Katherine is an incredibly safe pair of hands. She delivers realistic, focused and pertinent advice and exudes confidence putting the most anxious client at ease.’

Sally Max –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Sally is clear, strategic and realistic. She will settle the cases that can settle and stand up for the client where required. She gives clients the confidence to do so by the clarity of her analysis and assessment of the case.’

Philip Perrins –1GC | Family Law ‘Philip is always thoroughly prepared. He can be forthright when required. He is particularly good with technical points of law.’

Richard Sear –1 Hare Court

Jonathan Tod –29 Bedford Row Chambers

Samantha Woodham –4PB ‘Samantha is an intelligent and persuasive advocate. She is deeply committed to her clients and always well-prepared. She remains calm under pressure and builds rapport with her clients. She is fantastic to work with and extremely supportive of her instructing solicitors.’

Sassa-Ann Amaouche –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Sassa is extremely tenacious and passionate about her client’s case. She is fearless, an extremely strong advocate and a great barrister.’

Rebecca Bailey-Harris –1 Hare Court

Andrzej Bojarski –The 36 Group ‘Andrzej gives clear well thought and excellent advice. He is a very good advocate and unfailingly polite to all involved. He is reliable and hugely experienced. He puts clients at their ease.’

David Burles –1GC | Family Law ‘David has a unique style of advocacy. He draws the courtroom with him rather than presenting, which is very effective. He is good with vulnerable clients, working with them rather than presenting the correct approach.’

Claire Heppenstall –1GC | Family Law ‘Claire’s advocacy is robust. Her cross-examination of the witness is exceptional. Her authoritative presence in court is respected by both the judges and opponents.’

Amy Kisser –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Amy has a very reassuring and determined manner with clients, is appropriately feisty and also entirely commercial and pragmatic.’

Niki Langridge –The 36 Group ‘Niki is a go-to barrister. She is so knowledgeable and can deliver advice to clients in a straightforward and considerate way. Her manner with clients is first-class. She changes her approach depending on the client’s needs. Her advice is always spot on, and she gives pragmatic and realistic advice.’

Peter Newman –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Peter is a superb advocate, quick on his feet and puts clients at ease with his calm and confident manner.’

Greg Williams –Coram Chambers 'Greg is technically astute, knowledgeable and a calmly persuasive advocate. Steely in court.'

Helen Williams –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Helen is utterly brilliant. She is incredibly bright and has wisdom beyond her call. She is articulate and utterly unflappable in court.’

Richard Bates –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Richard gets to the heart of a case effortlessly. He can find a strength, an angle, and argue it to success.’

Daniel Bentham –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Phillip Blatchly –1 Hare Court 'Philip is very polished and very client focussed. He'll go the extra mile and will fight tooth and nail.'

Simon Calhaem –29 Bedford Row Chambers

Gillon Cameron –Fourteen ‘Gillon is a brilliant barrister. He is intelligent, has great client care skills and is a talented advocate. Judges hang on to his every word because he is persuasive and firm without being aggressive.’

Christopher Carr –The 36 Group ‘Chris prepares thoroughly and picks up on detail. He is knowledgeable, sensible and pragmatic in his approach and will be robust where needed. He is a strong advocate, is tactical, and superb in cross-examination and summing up, leading the judge through the evidence and his client’s case. He is good with clients, approachable, down to earth, sensitive and gives clear advice. He is always helpful with his instructing solicitor and goes above and beyond to assist.’

Nicholas Chapman –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Nicholas is personable, knowledgeable and direct in his approach. He inspires confidence in clients and is an excellent advocate.’

Francesca Dowse –4PB ‘Francesca is a powerhouse when it comes to financial work. She gets to the heart of the case immediately and knows where to take the case.’

Gwynfor Evans –The 36 Group ‘Gwyn is an absolute star. He is calm and pragmatic, with an excellent bedside manner. He is very persuasive when on his feet and commands the judge’s undivided attention. He is concise without compromising on quality.’

Nicholas Fairbank –4PB ‘Nicholas is one of those rare lawyers at the Bar, constantly evolving. He is very bright, more tactical and has a phenomenal memory. He is a go-to for financial claims.’

Matthew Firth –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Matthew is a tenacious and incisive advocate with an intense attention to detail. He is a genuine team player and readily available at all important stages of the case. He develops a strategy at the outset and supports tactics throughout.’

Harry Gates –4PB ‘Harry has a calm manner and gives clear and sensible advice. He is good with difficult clients and able to get them to focus on the real issues.’

Charlotte Hartley –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Charlotte is an absolute superstar. She is clever, astute, over detail and good with clients. She is highly respected by opponents and judges alike and is a standout.’

Helen Jefferson –1GC | Family Law ‘Helen is excellent with clients. She is a very strong advocate who is decisive and clear with a strategy for the case. She puts clients at ease and is always well-prepared.’

Eleri Jones –1GC | Family Law ‘Eleri has an incredible brain. She is the go-to for complex international work. Her preparation is meticulous – no stone is left unturned. Her research, knowledge and persuasive advocacy are exemplary in the case.’

Alexander Laing –Coram Chambers 'He is incisive, always well-prepared, very confident and composed.'

Marcus Lazarides –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Max Lewis –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Max has superb judgement and does not hesitate to give sensible, pragmatic advice. He is kind to clients and not afraid to assert arguments articulately and clearly.’

Caroline Lister –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Caroline is extremely intelligent and diligent, at the same time as being very approachable. She has a strong advocacy style and is particularly persuasive.’

Rhiannon Lloyd –4PB ‘Rhiannon possesses a high level of skill and attention to detail that is second to none. She has assisted me with complex cases, demonstrating her sharp analytical mind in complex financial remedy cases.’

Ewan Murray –Fourteen ‘Ewan is a great communicator, approachable and extremely good with clients, putting them at ease from the outset, explaining everything and being empathetic at a difficult time. He is well-organised and very supportive, always responding promptly and efficiently to questions.’

Samantha Singer –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Samantha is a powerful advocate. She has an innate ability to grasp the key issues and facts and compellingly present them. She is also tenacious and never gives up.’

Morgan Sirikanda –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Emma Sumner –1 Hare Court 'Emma is bright, articulate and has a wonderful bedside manner. Her case preparation is meticulous, and she has excellent judgement. Her service delivery is first rate.'

Rhys Taylor –The 36 Group ‘Rhys is a walking encyclopaedia of all things pension. He is a persuasive written and oral advocate.’

Petra Teacher –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Petra is supremely capable. Her judgement is always excellent. Her presentation at court is intelligent, perceptive, immaculate and elegant. She always has the ear of the court. She has fantastic client care skills. She works constructively with her instructing solicitors and is supportive and helpful.’

William Tyzack –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Joshua William Viney –1 Hare Court 'Joshua is an absolutely brilliant junior barrister. He is a confident advocate and does not shy away from the fight.'

Nicholas Wilkinson –1 Hare Court 'Nicholas is fantastic, a great advocate and a wise advisor. He is polished yet pragmatic, tenacious but also empathetic. He is a first class lawyer.'

Katherine Cook – 1 Hare Court 'Katherine's preparation is vey impressive. She is always more than fully up to speed and plans proper reading and preparation time ahead of a conference or a hearing. Her client care skills are top-notch.'

Lily Mottahedan – 1 Hare Court 'Lily is a skilled advocate. She is eloquent, articulate, forceful, robust and pragmatic. She is a go-to junior on all matrimonial finance disputes.'

Kate Elizabeth Ozwell – 1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Kate is well-prepared and poised in her approach to negotiations. She is thorough and articulate in presenting her client’s case to the court.’

Jennifer Perrins –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Jennifer is pragmatic and quick on her feet. She can grasp complex issues and finds practical and sensible solutions which are in the client’s best interests. She is a formidable advocate with a subtle and effective style.’

Lucia Crimp – 1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Lucia has an extremely constructive approach to her advocacy. She cuts straight to the point and ensures court time is used efficiently and to her client’s advantage. Her written advocacy is clear and precise, and her proportionate view of cases leads to effective resolution.’

Imogen Lloyd-Thomas – 1 King’s Bench Walk 'Imogen has an excellent client manner and is well-liked by clients. She is efficient and pragmatic. She is constantly looking for a way forward and helps move matters along. Her written work is exceptional.'

Simon Sugar – 1GC | Family Law ‘Simon has a great bedside manner putting clients at ease. He provides straightforward, practical advice. He is very approachable to his instructing solicitor.’

Joe Rainer – Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Joe is very clever and highly astute. He is skilled in analysing complex documentation about businesses and trusts. He is incredibly hard-working and a true rising star.’

Jude Allen –1 Hare Court ‘Jude is a fantastic advocate. She gets to the crux of the issues in a case and communicates those to the tribunal effectively with skill and intellect. She is excellent in cross-examination.’

Nicholas Anderson- 1 King's Bench Walk 'Nicholas is all-around great to work with. He is always well prepared, and his preparation for court and advocacy is always polished and perfect. He responds well on his feet. Clients love his straight talking and clarity. '

Adrian Barnett-Thoung-Holland - Coram Chambers 'He is very articulate, straightforward, pragmatic and clear with clients. He is very efficient and reliable which puts instructing solicitors and the clients at ease during stressful court proceedings.'

Charanjit Batt –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Rosemary Budden –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Rosemary is always extremely well-prepared. When she meets the client for the first time, she is fully on top of the case. Her written documents for court are of the highest quality, and her advocacy is calm, controlled and highly effective.’

Jane Campbell –Harcourt Chambers 'Jane has exceptional legal knowledge. She is highly professional and calm and has a rational approach, in particular in detailing cases between highly conflicted parties.'

Juliet Chapman –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Juliet is an extremely diligent and hard-working advocate. Her written work is of the highest quality, and her judgement is extremely good.’

Sabuhi Chaudhry –The 36 Group ‘Sabuhi has a very empathetic manner yet has authority in court. She is very conscientious and thorough in her preparation and is capable of grasping a complex brief very quickly.’

Katy Chokowry –1 King’s Bench Walk

Sophie Connors –4PB ‘Sophie is at the top of her game and the best of her generation. She is incredibly bright and has a unique combination of exceptional client manners and impressive, tenacious advocacy. She is a strong opponent and fights when a case needs a fight but knows when to advise on settlement and pragmatism. She is a star in both money and children's work.’

Sarah Lucy Cooper - Thomas More Chambers 'Sarah is fearless both in court and outside. She provides clear advice to clients and can explain very complex legal issues in a simple and digestible manner. Her advocacy and negotiation skills are stellar, and she can adapt her style to the varying approaches of opponents and tribunals. Her cross-examination is much like an iron fist in a velvet glove. '

Kyra Cornwall –1 Hare Court

Lynsey Cade Davies - 29 Bedford Row Chambers 'Lynsey is a ferociously tenacious, highly numerate, direct and effective advocate.'

Hamish Dunlop – 3PB

‘Hamish is a strong advocate who is entirely comfortable in front of any judge at any level. He is persuasive and authoritative, and his gravitas earns him the respect of the bench and opponents alike.’

Katherine Dunseath – 1GC | Family Law 'Katherine is extremely robust, a fearless advocate and quick on her feet. She never fails to make an impact, and her cross-examination is exceptional.'

Ben Fearnley –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Ben is a hugely supportive barrister to work with. He understands the family dynamic and supports clients (and solicitors) to achieve the best outcomes. His judgement is excellent, and he's a hugely persuasive advocate.’

Conor Fee –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Conor has attention to detail, and his advocacy is calm and purposeful, backed up with a full grasp of the issues and evidence, which cuts through arguments no matter how fiercely fought. He is always approachable, calm, and collected.’

Miriam Foster – 29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Miriam relishes a collegiate approach to her cases. She is contactable and accessible, and her client manner is excellent, and she does not shy away from providing tough advice. She is an excellent advocate, able to delve into the detail and present her arguments robustly if required. ‘

Nicola Fox – 1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Nicola is an absolute powerhouse and genuinely flawless. Her paperwork is always excellent and prepared. She has a masterful and commanding court presence, impressive client and solicitor handling skills, and deep knowledge of the law. ‘

Victoria Francis –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Victoria is brilliantly prepared and gets clients onside very quickly. She explains very tricky concepts to clients beautifully. She is great at giving tricky advice. She is a great strategist and is excellent in court.’

Anthony Geadah – 29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Anthony is an excellent advocate and always digs to get to the bottom of an issue, leaving no stone unturned.’

Michael Gleeson –Harcourt Chambers ‘Michael offers clear and concise advice and is tactically extremely smart. His client care is excellent, and he is able to provide difficult advice with charm and sensitivity. He is tenacious when required but always looking for the best solution for the client.’

Emma Hargreaves –Serle Court

Thomas Harvey – 1 Hare Court

Fiona Hay –Harcourt Chambers ‘Fiona has a stellar brain, and her attention to detail and grasp of the technical issues, particularly regarding pensions. She is also very calm while being empathetic and strong in her advocacy when needed.’

Fitzrene Headley –Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

‘Fitzrene's presentation and approach are excellent. She works very well with her instructing solicitors and has good client care skills. Her advocacy is clean and clear.’

Laura Heaton –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Laura is excellent at combining incisive big-picture analysis with microscopic attention to detail.’

Sally Jackson –New Court Chambers ‘Sally is an excellent and persuasive advocate combined with excellent judgement about what is achievable, how to present the case and likely outcomes. She is always well-prepared and accessible for discussions, and her paperwork is well-drafted and concise.'

Stephen Jarmain –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Stephen has considerable experience in complex divorce financial cases, bringing his expertise and knowledge to the client. He handles cases professionally, particularly when dealing with highly conflicted parties. He is strong in attention to detail and always approachable and personable.'

Christian Kenny – 1 Hare Court

Stephen Lyon –4PB ‘Stephen is thorough, articulate, and excellent in preparation and presentation.’

Jacqueline Marks –Coram Chambers 'She has a quiet authority and has the ear of the judge in court.'

Christopher McCourt –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Christopher is a fighter, clever, and a pleasant opponent out of court.’

Elizabeth Darlington - 1GC | Family Law 'Elizabeth has an excellent client manner making them feel reassured and supported. She has an in-depth knowledge of the law concerning cohabitation disputes and is fearless in her advocacy. She is pragmatic and commercial but is prepared to roll her sleeves up and argue the points that merit it. '

Paul Mertens - Pump Court Chambers 'Paul is a very clear advocate and an able communicator. He has a very can-do attitude, is helpful and excellent at working collaboratively or in a team.'

Joseph Moore –1GC | Family Law ‘Joseph is an exceptionally thorough advocate. His legal knowledge is second to none, and he is always available to work with solicitors as a team to get the best outcome for clients. He is a skilled negotiator whilst being a persuasive advocate on his feet. He has a natural ability to get to grips with finances quickly and has excellent instincts and pitching the right offers.’

Laura Moys – 1 King’s Bench Walk 'Laura is an excellent advocate. She is always thoroughly prepared and can cope with even the most challenging of opposition.'

Harry Nosworthy –4PB ‘Harry has a calm manner. He is self-assured and has gravitas above his level of call. He is extremely well-prepared, strong and confident in his advocacy.’

Lucy Owens –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Lucy's attention to detail is superb. Her written work is well crafted, and her advocacy is persuasive and tenacious at the same time. She is popular with clients who know she will fight their corner but also adopt a pragmatic and commercial approach from the outset.’

Jennifer Palmer – 1 King’s Bench Walk 'Jennifer is all over the detail, highly numerate, measured, a consummate professional, and fabulous. She is super hard-working, has a phenomenal work ethic and is unflappable under pressure.'

James Pullen – 29 Bedford Row Chambers 'James is an intelligent advocate who quickly gets to the root of a case. He is quick on his feet, highly persuasive, and a complete delight to work with.'

Matthew Richardson –Coram Chambers 'An exceptionally knowledgeable individual, who can put a case across clearly and succinctly.'

Kate Van Rol – 4PB 'Kate is the consummate performer with an eye for detail. She is able to distil complex legal concepts into succinct and powerful advocacy. She is pragmatic and reasonable, always fearless in her advocacy if the case requires it.'

Jack Rundall - 1GC | Family Law 'Jack is a thoughtful, well-prepared and persuasive advocate. He is very good at technical argument and gets the best results for his clients. '

Grace Garrett-Sadler – Fourteen

Marc Samuels – The 36 Group 'Marc is extremely thorough in his preparation for conferences and hearings. His written work is comprehensive, and he makes difficult points simple. He is very responsive and enjoys being part of the team. He excels at advocacy – punchy, persuasive and eloquent.'

Maria Scotland –5 St Andrews Hill

‘Maria has a personable, approvable and considerate approach. She is always at hand and has a fantastic way of explaining complex matters to clients.’

Amber Sheridan –29 Bedford Row Chambers 'Amber is a brilliant barrister. She can explain and discuss the family law concepts which arose in the trial. Her assistance in the trial, particularly in preparing for cross-examination is invaluable.'

Christopher Stirling – Field Court Chambers ‘Christopher is always available to discuss cases with instructing solicitors at any stage. He is incredibly knowledgeable and technically excellent and a strong advocate.’

Anna Sutcliffe –1 King’s Bench Walk 'Anna is very pragmatic, and clients really like her down-to-earth approach. She is very good at thinking outside the box to find creative and commercial solutions.'

Joseph Switalski – 29 Bedford Row Chambers 'Joseph is a very able family law barrister. He is thorough and has experience beyond his years. His advice is on the button, and his preparation is very good.'

Suzanne Syme –Harcourt Chambers ‘Suzanne is a very grounded and sensible barrister. She prepares her cases thoroughly and carefully and pursues the correct issues entirely and proportionately. Her advocacy is strong, and she is an excellent opponent.’

Perican Tahir –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Perican is brilliant. She possesses an unwavering commitment to all her clients, providing excellent client care, always empathetic and reassuring, but not afraid to provide realistic advice. She is an exceptional advocate, tenacious and never gives up.’

Mandy Tanner –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Mandy has excellent client care and interacts with instructing solicitors brilliantly. Her written and oral submissions are fantastic -her advocacy is calm, collected and has great attention to detail.’

Alex Tatton-Bennett –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Alex has meticulous attention to detail and succinct presentation. His advocacy is calm and thorough and always very well prepared.’

Julia Townend –4PB ‘Julia is a superb advocate with a great eye for detail, meticulous in her preparation and quick on her feet. She is calm, reassuring and pragmatic with clients.’

Charlotte Trace –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Charlotte is bright, hard-working and with tremendous attention to detail. She has fantastic client care skills and always ensures that the client's concerns are front and centre of her advice.’

Max Turnell –1 King’s Bench Walk ‘Max is incredibly pragmatic and thoughtful. He is very good at seeing cases from several different angles and coming to a considered and proportionate solution. His knowledge of the legal precedents is brilliant, especially for someone of his call.’

Sarah Tyler – Coram Chambers 'Sarah is incredibly clever and incredibly dedicated. She works magic both in and out of the court room with her calm and measured approach.'

Craig Vickers – 1GC | Family Law 'Craig is great on his feet. He always fights his client’s corner and simplifies the most complex issues.'

Duncan Watson –1GC | Family Law ‘Duncan has a sharp attention to detail, can think outside the box, particularly when dealing with complex financial matters, has excellent client relationships and is approachable.’

Gerald Wilson – The 36 Group ‘Gerald has a wealth of legal knowledge and experience, which he brings to bear in giving particular gravitas to his advocacy. He is a fine lawyer who presents his client's case with real charm.’

Victoria Wilson - Goldsmith Chambers 'She reads her cases very well and leaves no stone unturned. In court, she is confident and judges can see how much work she has put in.'

Katie Wood –4PB ‘Katie is cool, calm and collected and can put the client immediately at ease. She is well prepared and brings that coolness to her advocacy where nothing phases her. She can present and argue the case with ease.’

Ben Wooldridge – 1 Hare Court ‘Ben is an extraordinary junior and undoubtedly a star in the making. He combines clear and robust advice with his first rate client skills and razor-sharp advocacy.’

Oliver Woolley – 1GC | Family Law ‘Oliver is a go-to person for financial remedy cases. He is an absolute master of his craft. His advice is robust, strategic and effective. His preparation is always meticulous. He is an accomplished and assured advocate.’

Rising Stars

Philip Tait – 29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Philip is a formidable barrister with attention to detail. He is an excellent advocate.’

Annabel Barrons –1GC | Family Law ‘Annabel is a conscientious barrister who strives to provide the best possible advice to clients and her instructing solicitors. She is thorough and has an eye for detail in all that she does. Her advocacy, similar to her written work, is considered and confident.’

Harry Campbell –29 Bedford Row Chambers ‘Harry is always very prepared and is all over the detail of a case. He has strong advocacy skills and can distil complex legal matters into simple terms for clients. His ability to present is clear and engaging. His legal knowledge is very impressive for someone of his call.’

Emma Wilson – 1 King’s Bench Walk 'Emma is a fantastic and hard-working barrister. She is always thoroughly prepared and consistently gets straight to the issues in the matter regardless of any complexities. Her written work and advocacy are of an extremely high quality. She is always technically strong but also runs her cases creatively and personably.'

Family: divorce and financial remedy in London Bar

Tier 1 sets

1 Hare Court

1 Hare Court is home to many experienced silks and practitioners who specialise in matrimonial finance and divorce cases and regularly act for many high-net-worth and high-profile clients. Deborah Bangay KC has extensive experience of handling complex financial disputes in both marital and Schedule 1 cases. Nicholas Cusworth KC specialises in high-value financial remedy cases and recently secured the large periodical maintenance order from a family court for his client and her children in Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs. Nigel Dyer KC has extensive expertise in financial remedy cases with an international element.

Testimonials

‘Steven McCrone and his team are the benchmark at the family bar, providing friendly, accessible service and more than willing to go the extra mile.’

‘Daniel Barnett is a superb clerk. He is always willing to go the extra mile.’

‘1 Hare Court is excellent and a go to for complex financial remedy work.’

‘1 Hare Court is the best set of chambers dealing with financial remedy cases.’

‘1 Hare Court are the leading family set across the board. The barristers are second to none, and the clerking team and their front of house are absolutely exceptional.’

‘1 Hare Court provide an excellent service. Their barristers work to a very high standard. The clerks are professional, helpful and communicate well.’

‘1 Hare Court is an excellent set with a first rate barristers at all levels.’

‘1 Hare Court is deservedly one of the leading chamber. Among their silks are some impressive practitioners who are well know in this field, and their junior barristers are excellent.’

Work highlights

1 King's Bench Walk

1 King’s Bench Walk is ‘one of the strongest sets for family law work with highly-talented leaders and juniors’. Richard Harrison KC is a ‘very clever, persuasive and strategic advocate’ with exceptional finance silks and expert at dealing with international cases involving complex issues of jurisdiction, while ‘expert cross-examiner’ Charles Howard KC’s main expertise is high net-worth financial disputes arising from divorce. Christopher Pocock KC is a ‘fantastic and impressive’ advocate experienced in financial remedy cases involving corporate and business assets. Other key members of the team include the ‘highly knowledgeable’ Richard Castle and Katherine Kelsey , who is praised for her ‘brilliant mind and written advocacy’.

Testimonials

‘The clerks are always willing to go above and beyond to help. They ensure they can provide a variety of options of available counsel for a hearing. In particular, Mark Betts, Nicola Cade, Lewis Hicks and Chris Young do ensure that a good rapport is maintained and provide outstanding service when dealing with an instructing solicitor.’

‘The clerks are fantastic and responsive. Chris Young and Lewis Hicks are standout clerks.’

‘1 King’s Bench Walk is a go-to chamber. It has excellent and knowledgeable barristers at all levels specialising in all aspects of family law-related matters.’

‘1 King’s Bench Walk is a magic circle of family sets, with a strong roster of barristers at all levels in money and children’s work.’

‘1 King’s Bench Walk is the best family law chamber. It is unique in having industry leaders in financial work and is particularly adept at providing teams who can work across all issues.’

‘1 King’s Bench Walk is the heavyweight of the family BaR. The best family law set which can handle financial and children work with equal ease from silks to pupils.’

‘1 King’s Bench Walk is an extremely strong set. All the barristers are very strong on technical legal knowledge and extremely approachable.’

‘1 King’s Bench Walk is an impressive and a leading set in family law.’

Work highlights

29 Bedford Row Chambers

29 Bedford Row Chambers is a ‘go-to set with exceptional and strong counsel at every level of experience’. Timothy Scott KC is a ‘persuasive advocate with a very dignified approach in contentious cases’ while Jonathan Southgate KC is a ‘very clever and resourceful advocate’ who specialises in high-net-worth financial remedy cases. Other key members of the set include ‘expert cross-examiner’ Philip Cayford KC, Sally Max and Jonathan Tod .

Testimonials

‘James Shortall is second to none. He is incredibly responsive and will bend over backwards to help.’

‘James Shortall and Julie Holcombe are very experienced and supportive clerks.’

’29 Bedford Row Chambers is an excellent set with a great strength-in-depth from the junior to silk end.’

’29 Bedford Row Chambers is a very good family set with strength at all levels in financial remedies proceedings.’

’29 Bedford Row Chambers is a top-notch set, with talent throughout.’

’29 Bedford Row Chambers is an outstanding and go-to chamber for family finance matters.’

’29 Bedford Row Chambers is an impressive chamber with a great strength in depth.’

’29 Bedford Row Chambers have a strong spread of advocates, from juniors to silks. All are approachable and willing to make themselves available at short notice.’

Work highlights

Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)

Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) is ‘a superb set for finance cases with top silks and juniors and great strength in depth’. William Tyzack specialises in cases involving international focus and, in the case S-L v S-L, is acting on behalf of an applicant challenging the assertion of English domicile and instead seeking proceedings in Monaco. Katie Cowton KC has significant expertise in financial applications of divorce and civil partnership dissolution and financial claims after overseas divorces. Duncan Brooks KC and Sarah Phipps KC took silk in March 2023.

Testimonials

‘Howard Rayner is excellent and runs a great team.’

‘Jon Bartlett gives standout service and devotion to solicitors. The best clerk in the family law world.’

‘Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) is a go-to chamber, with exceptional counsel at every level of experience.’

‘Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) is a fantastic finance set. It has great strength and excellence in family finance cases, from the bottom to the top.’

‘Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) is an excellent set of chambers offering strength and depth at all levels.’

‘Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) is a leading set in the family sector.’

‘Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) has a huge strength at all levels on the financial remedies side.’

‘Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) is a wonderful set which offers great talent across the board.’

Work highlights

Tier 2 sets

4PB

4PB is an ‘exceptional and first-rate family set, with expertise in all areas’ of divorce and financial remedy. ‘Superb, persuasive and powerful advocate’ Charles Hale KC successfully acted on behalf of a wife seeking proceedings from the English divorce of a Moroccan marriage in the case Boughajdim v Hayoukane, while ‘brilliantly bright and tenacious advocate’ Judith Murray KC who was appointed as silk in 2023 is notable for her involvement in large-value cases. Other key members of the team include ‘brilliant advocate’ Samantha Woodham and Henry Clayton , who is praised for his ‘immense attention to detail’.

Testimonials

‘Michael Reeves is a legend and one of the best clerks around. Paul Hennessy and Kenny Martin are top-notch and will go the extra mile to try and help.’

‘Paul Hennessey is always very helpful and accommodating.’

‘4 Paper Buildings is a superb set with a huge array of talent.’

‘4 Paper Buildings is a reliable and solid set, providing top quality legal expertise.’

‘4 Paper Buildings is the standout family set in the UK.’

‘4 Paper Buildings is an excellent set of barristers, with fantastic children and finances advice.’

‘4 Paper Buildings is an incredibly reliable set. It has a huge number of skilled family law barristers across all sub-disciplines.’

‘4 Paper Buildings has strength and depth across all areas of family law.’

Work highlights

Tier 3 sets

1GC | Family Law

1GC | Family Law is an ‘excellent set of chambers’ and home to ‘barristers of excellent calibre’. ‘Exceptionally strong advocate’ Penelope Clapham specialises in all aspects of financial provision on relationship breakdown, including divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships and the separation of cohabitees, while Philip Perrins is an ‘exceptionally talented with outstanding presentation’ and expertise in international cases. Other key contacts include ‘fantastic barrister’ David Burles, Claire Heppenstall, who focuses on financial remedy cases for private high-net-worth clients.

Testimonials

‘Tommy Eyles and Francesca Paveley are very helpful.’

‘The service from the clerk’s room is unparalleled and will always go the extra mile. The clerking team is incredibly well led by Paul Harris, and his professionalism, experience and drive – make it a team that delivers a very high service.’

‘1GC | Family Law is a go-to set with a consistent level of expertise and skill throughout.’

‘1GC | Family Law has a great breadth of barristers available, at different levels and with a range of specialisms.’

‘1GC | Family Law is a skilled and approachable set offering excellent support. The team overall have excellent attention to detail, offers enormous support to those instructing, and their advocacy is second to none.’

‘1GC | Family Law is an excellent set of Chambers with strengths and expertise in all areas of family law.’

‘1GC | Family Law is exceptional. It offers a range of options depending on the particular case or client.’

‘1GC | Family Law is a great set of chambers. A lot of solid talent in the team and some great juniors rising the ranks.’

Work highlights

The 36 Group

The 36 Group is ‘a brilliant set with a very strong team’. Andrzej Bojarski has ‘excellent client care skills’ and is an ‘incredibly easy barrister to work with’. Niki Langridge is a ‘gifted advocate and tenacious negotiator’ who has a track record of cases involving complex business assets or questioning the validity and recognition of marriages. Christopher Carr has extensive experience of acting on behalf of high-net-worth clients and is praised for his ‘measured and authoritative advocacy’.

Testimonials

‘Danny Chapman runs a tight ship and is amiably supported by Adam Cope and his clerking group – helpful and knowledgeable.’

‘The 36 Group has an exceptional clerking team with strong leadership. Danny Chapman and Ashley London always go the extra mile.’

‘The 36 Group is a go-to set for financial remedy work. They have a broad range of barristers from very junior to very experienced for the complex work.’

‘The 36 Group is a great set with an impressive array of barristers with considerable strength and depth.’

‘The team at the 36 Group are well rounded and offers exceptional service across all levels. The team is well led by senior counsel who mentors and supports juniors well.’

‘The team at the 36 Group is very strong.’

‘The 36 Group has a good family finance team and all professional, personable and talented.’

‘The 36 Group has a diverse and skilled range of counsel. One of the first choices for a safe pair of hands.’

Coverage By Practice AreaLondon Bar