Family: private FDR judges and arbitrators

Leading Private FDR Judges and Arbitrators

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.

Tom Carter
1

Tom Carter

1 Hare Court
Tom is exceptionally able as both a pFDR judge and as an arbitrator. He is always meticulously prepared. He has a fierce intelligence and therefore understands complex issues in relation to, for instance, business valuations and pensions. His manner is charming. Clients warm to him and trust him. His written work, including awards and written indications, is thorough and accessible. He remains excellent value for money. All in all, he is one of the very best pFDR/Arbitral tribunals available.
Nichola Gray KC
1

Nichola Gray KC

1 Hare Court
Nichola brings tremendous gravitas to her role as a judge/arbitrator. She is always meticulous, and it is obvious to the clients quickly that she is on top of every detail. This, of course, has the advantage that when she gives an indication in Private FDR or makes a determination in arbitration, it comes from a position where the client knows she has given very considerable time and thought to the issues. She is incisive and has complete command of the courtroom while at all times being courteous and unflappable. She is always one of my top choices for private judging.
Andrzej Bojarski KC
2

Andrzej Bojarski KC

The 36 Group
Andrzej is one of the leading figures in family arbitration and private dispute resolution, and a 'go-to' arbitrator for many in the legal profession. He combines exceptional technical legal ability with the practical judgment and temperament required of a trusted arbitrator. Andrzej is particularly adept at identifying core issues in complex financial remedy disputes and guiding parties towards efficient and commercially realistic outcomes. He is not afraid of taking a robust approach when appropriate, and clients respond well to him because of his calm and reassuring manner. What distinguishes Andrzej is his breadth of expertise, which enables him to deal confidently with sophisticated asset structures. His arbitration awards and pFDR indications are consistently thoughtful, balanced, and robust, reflecting a deep understanding of both the law and the realities facing litigants. Andrzej is calm, authoritative, and highly effective in managing parties through difficult and often emotionally charged disputes. Clients and professionals trust his judgment, independence, and fairness. Whether acting as an arbitrator or a pFDR evaluator, Andrzej combines intellectual rigor with a pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.
Nicola Fox
2

Nicola Fox

1 King's Bench Walk
As an arbitrator, Nicola was excellent. She prepared thoroughly and was responsive. She dealt quickly with a pre-trial skirmish, giving appropriate directions that ensured the evidence was ready for the hearing. At the hearing, she was courteous and judicial. Her demeanor was authoritative without being distant or excessively formal. She listened carefully to the evidence with appropriate interventions. Her judgment was delivered efficiently and was comprehensive and clear. She was robust in her decision-making and did not simply go down the middle of the open positions. She also dealt with the inevitable post-hearing arguments with grace and efficiency.
Rhys Taylor
2

Rhys Taylor

The 36 Group
Rhys is a genuinely pleasant and highly effective tribunal, specializing in financial remedies, who combines deep technical expertise with an empathetic and pragmatic approach. He has a real gift for putting parties at ease and focusing minds on resolution, consistently assisting parties (and counsel) to narrow issues and reach sensible, constructive settlements. His calm authority, clarity of thinking, and commitment to fair outcomes make the process both efficient and confidence-inspiring. He is always a name on my list of potential arbitrators/evaluators.
Nicholas Chapman
3

Nicholas Chapman

29 Bedford Row Chambers
Andrew Day
3

Andrew Day

29 Bedford Row Chambers
Hamish Dunlop
3

Hamish Dunlop

3PB
Hamish is exceptionally prepared. He is forensic in his approach and has strong attention to detail. Hamish has an amazing ability to make even the most complex case seem simple with his clear explanation of each issue. Hamish is exemplary as an FDR Judge - he is prompt with communication and puts the parties at ease with his charming manner and people skills. Hamish is fair and methodical. The Bar and legal profession are very lucky to have Hamish Dunlop, and I, as a Solicitor, am always very grateful to work with Hamish.
Geoffrey Kelly
3

Geoffrey Kelly

Pump Court Chambers
Geoffrey Kelly is an evaluator of quite exceptional ability whose reputation in private FDR work is thoroughly deserved. What strikes anyone who appears before him is the sheer depth of his engagement with the papers. He is measured in his manner, precise in his reasoning, and direct in his conclusions. His availability and engagement throughout the day as negotiations develop is a further asset — he remains a steady and authoritative presence from the first submissions to the final exchange of offers. He is, for cases of real complexity, a wholly reliable and outstanding choice.