18 St John Street Chambers is praised for having ‘a superb family department’ that handles cases involving serious sexual abuse, life threatening and fatal injuries, deprivation of liberty, factitious illness and parental alienation. Rehana Begum leads the family department and specialises in public law care proceedings, including complex cases involving serious life threatening injuries, sexual abuse, forced marriage and deprivation of liberty. Yvonne Healing has an all-encompassing family law practice, with a particular focus on children law and care proceedings, and Fiona Holloran also has a wide reaching practice, covering private and public law applications, representing children, parents and local authorities. Holloran is active in cases involving historical sexual abuse, multiple injuries, fabricated and induced illness, and cases with an international element, including abductions. The set is also home to Stephen Murray, who specialises in matrimonial finance, and Danish Ameen , who has expertise in handling cases with assets overseas.
Family and children law in
Regional Bar18 St John Street Chambers
Testimonials
Set
’18 St John Street has a superb family department. There are counsel from silks to pupils, with all levels of seniority in between. 18 St John Street has a very strong family team which is known in Manchester as being reliable, hardworking, dependable, and knowledgable. The family department is also known in Manchester as being friendly and approachable with solicitors, lay clients, and opposing advocates.’
‘Yes the set without exception are knowledgeable able and professional. I would have little difficulty in finding somebody suitable to instruct in any area of child protection law.’
‘The chambers are good and usually have counsel available. They have a good range of barristers. They also offer webinars which are helpful.’
’18 St John Street is an excellent chambers. They are brimming with talent and have a good blend of very talented senior counsel alongside very talented junior members of the team.’
‘The set of Chambers have an excellent reputation both locally and nationally. They are very well regarded and highly thought of experts in their field.’
Clerking
‘Similarly to the barristers, the clerks are amazing, lovely and hard working. They always go above and beyond to try and accommodate urgent hearings and long hearings that are attended some distance away. Responses are always prompt and the entire working system at these chambers is perfect.’
‘The clerks are fantastic. My main dealings are with Garrick Brown but all clerks provide an exceptional service.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful. Camille Scott and Garrick Brown in particular will always discuss strengths of other counsel if a particular requested counsel is unavailable.’
‘The clerks are very helpful. Camille Scott the senior family clerk will do everything she can to provide cover on occasion at extremely short notice due top the listing of emergency and urgent hearings including out of hours.’
‘The head family clerk, Camille Scott, is dedicated and able. She has a personal touch and knows instructing solicitors well. She is adept at allocating suitable counsel to particular cases, and ensures the smooth transition of cases from one counsel to another if a case unfortunately cannot be dealt with by the original counsel.’
Deans Court Chambers
Deans Court Chambers is praised as ‘an exceptional family set.’ It is home to Michael Jones KC, who has a strong child law practice and his work often involves issues of wardship and inherent jurisdiction, as well as fabricated illness and complex medical issues. Peter Rothery and Rebecca Gregg are also key names, both with considerable expertise in children cases involving death, serious injury and sexual abuse. Julia Cheetham KC is another notable member.
Testimonials
Set
‘Deans Court are an exceptional family set. They have a wealth of experienced seniors and juniors who consistently deliver in and out of court. Excellent advocacy – both written and spoken, early updates after court with outcomes and always provide excellent replacements if counsel is part heard.’
‘They are the go to Chambers for complex family law cases. They have strength in-depth, counsel are helpful and make themselves available. They have a very good training programme with excellent lecture notes.’
‘Excellent all-round service. Clerks are always helpful, professional and prompt in their responses. There is strength in depth to the Family Team and, if at all possible, counsel availability will be found. Chambers education programme is first rate, and this has continued notwithstanding the difficulties posed by the pandemic.’
‘Deans Court Chambers are one of the go to chambers for private law and family money cases. They are a solid set with some fresh faces coming through the ranks to compliment the team. They really do try to go above and beyond when it comes to looking after their instructing solicitors and clients.’
‘Deans Court Chambers has large number of very able counsel.’
Clerking
‘”Fantastic service provided by the clerks, particularly Louise McCarty who is always on the ball and gives you as much notice if counsel is part heard but moves mountains to secure a replacement. The one clerk who is always on speed dial – nothing is too much trouble for her. There should be more like her.’
‘I mainly deal with Louise McCarthy and Matthew Rigby. Both are very quick to respond to enquires and proactive in finding you counsel even when they are very busy. Both are proactive in seeking paper in good time for up coming hearings.’
‘Again a solid clerking team; there is little turnover of staff and many have been there 15 years plus. They have grown with the market and know their solicitors well. They demonstrate excellent client relationship management which is very important. A bonus is that you only need to speak to one person to deal with a case whether it is family money or children work. Other chambers split this off which just doesn’t work as we don’t have the time to duplicate effort; Deans Court have a seamless operation.’
‘Louise McCarthy is reliable in her communications, always responding and acknowledging where required. She is professional and polite and generally my first port of call when I am seeking cover.’
‘Louise McCarthy is very receptive, and appears to be a competent, reliable clerk.’
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings is for many a ‘go-to chambers in Manchester for family law’. The set is home to child law specialist Karl Rowley KC, who has expertise in medical cases, as well as matters involving sexual abuse and radicalisation. Sally Harrison KC has a thriving matrimonial finance practice including cases featuring complex trust and corporate structures. Samantha Hillas KC is another notable name in the matrimonial finance team, with considerable expertise in cases involving pre and post-nuptial agreements and non-disclosure of assets. Frances Heaton KC acts in very complex public law children proceedings, including gang-related family cases, sexual exploitation and contested adoption cases, and Lorraine Cavanagh KC has substantial experience handling children law cases that involve medical disputes, including complex brain and fatal injury cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set now seems to be the prominent set for family matters in Manchester, both in terms of financial and children’s matters . They did excellent seminars online during lockdown.’
The go-to chambers for Manchester. Excellent service right from the reception staff, clerks and barristers.’
‘One of the premier sets in the country. The quality of silks and juniors is unrivalled on circuit and stands shoulder with any set in London.’
‘They are a go-to set in Manchester and the North for the strength and depth of their counsel cohort. You can always find the right counsel for the right client. They have a fantastic breadth of experience and they regularly run training programmes and these tend to be the not to miss options.’
‘St Johns Buildings are a go-to chambers in Manchester for the family team. They have a broad spectrum of advocates and specialists at differing levels of experience. They offer extremely useful seminars on family law topics that are popular among family law practitioners.’
Clerking
‘The clerking is great at St Johns Buildings Manchester. Ryan Barker is excellent and delivers a Rolls Royce service – always bending over backwards to accommodate and assist solicitors.’
‘Best clerking team in the country – honest, helpful and super organised. Paul Laverty runs a tight ship while maintaining his good sense of humour. Ryan Barker is tremendous.’
‘Ryan Barker is brilliant; very calm, considered and always very happy to help. Paul Laverty is first rate and a very safe pair of hands. The clerks are all generally helpful and always keen to assist.’
‘In a word – excellent. They know their barristers and clients to an extent that they can match as opposed to being a diary service.’
‘SJB is an entirely reliable chambers which always delivers what it promises, efficiently. As an instructing solicitor, you are never let down. Ryan Barker is an unfailingly friendly, helpful and efficient clerk.’
7 Harrington Street
The ‘exceptional’ members of 7 Harrington Street are highly adept at handling both child and matrimonial cases, including finance and property distribution as well as Children Act matters. Margaret Parr represents parents, children and local authorities in care and adoption proceedings, and has particular expertise in cases involving allegations of sexual and violent abuse, drug use, mental health issues and child neglect. The set also includes Tom Fazackerley, who practices exclusively in divorce and financial remedy work, as well as private law children matters. Megan Gilchrist represents Local Authorities, parents and guardians.
Testimonials
Set
‘7HS Street chambers are well respected. Their approach is pragmatic and their knowledge of law and practice is outstanding. Barristers are exceptional; they cut through the litigious advances ensuring the legal standards are maintained ensuring their independence and professionalism whilst building secure relationships with other professionals. 7HS are a friendly, knowledgeable and approachable set of chambers who work extremely hard and they are dedicated professionals.’
‘The family team is quite large and so able to deal with all aspects of family law. 99% of the time they have availability.’
‘They are a very highly rated set in the area of family law.’
‘7HS is always the chambers of choice; they offer the complete spectrum of barristers, for all cases at all levels.’
‘Chambers have some depth of barristers. This set is one of the stronger sets locally.’
Clerking
‘I highly commend Carolyn Creegan and the team she manages; they are a very busy chambers but all enquires either by email or phone are always answered swiftly.’
‘Chambers provide a very high quality and professional service. Laura Jones in particular is always extremely helpful and efficient.’
‘All the family Clerks are excellent. Carolyn Creegan is worthy of special mention for her long service to Chambers.’
‘John Kilgallon, the senior clerk, is by far the most outstanding clerk. His amazing leadership filters right the way down. The clerks understand instructing solicitors needs and make sure they are met.’
‘Carolyn Creegan, Laura Jones and Jenny Mogan are all very friendly and approachable. They will all go the extra mile to ensure you have the right person for the job. They are an extremely tight knit team and work together extremely well.’
9 St John Street
9 St John Street‘s barristers have ‘a wealth of experience and expertise’, handling a wide range of matters within the areas of financial remedy litigation, and both public law and private law child proceedings. Specific areas of expertise include contested adoption, physical and sexual abuse, deprivation of liberty, factitious inducted illness, parental alienation, relocation of children; high net worth financial relief and cohabitation disputes. The set is home to Sarah Kilvington, whose public law practice includes cases with issues involving fabricated illnesses, gender dysphoria in children and sexual abuse, whilst her private practice law includes allegations of severe parental alienation. Emma Greenhalgh ‘s practice has a strong focus on public law Children Act 1989 proceedings and she represents parents, grandparents, Local Authorities, children and intervenors. Other notable names include Joanne Barnett, who undertakes private law and financial cases, and Kalsoom Maqsood, who predominantly acts in public law proceedings, especially those involving catastrophic and fatal injury injuries to children and complex allegations of sexual abuse.
Testimonials
Set
‘The Chambers are always professional and courteous. The Chambers have many barristers with a wealth of experience and expertise, particularly in family law. ‘
‘The chambers have a great depth of professionals which makes any necessary switching due to other commitments much easier. All counsel are easy to work with and understand the pressures local authorities face. They all report back promptly and you are never left waiting on an order or wondering what has happened. They are all willing to work out of usual hours to be provided with instructions at the last minute.’
‘9 St John Street is a superb chambers. They have a very impressive blend of talent in their family team.’
‘The are a good family set which has continued to build over recent years. The barristers are friendly and willing to help.’
‘9 St John Street chambers is a go-to chambers when seeking counsel in Family and Children matters. Their strength-in-depth is unrivalled in Manchester and their counsel are always readily available should you need some general advice or pointing in the right direction.’
Clerking
‘The head family clerk, Ped McKinstry, is outstanding. Ped is the engine of the family team and will go out of his way to try to ensure a barrister is made available. He is supported by a team of other fantastic clerks, all of whom are incredibly supportive and helpful.’
‘Ped McKinstry makes himself available and responds readily when asked. He has a friendly approach and more than willing to help if able.’
‘Ped McKinstry runs a really slick operation. The clerks didn’t miss a beat throughout Covid-19, embracing all the requirements of virtual hearings as if they were old hat. The Chambers have also been ahead of the game for developments such as the Family Court Digital Service.’
‘The clerks are very helpful. Jake Speed always responds quickly and if he cannot help tells me clearly rather than keeping me hanging on. Papers are always forwarded to counsel promptly. The chambers have no problem in providing counsel’s mobile phone numbers or emails.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and approachable. They always offer assistance should any difficult situations arise and more often than not they are able to assist. The biggest strengths of the clerks, generally, would be their personable attitudes and professional organisation.’
Exchange Chambers
Exchange Chambers ‘is a well respected set of chambers with a particular expertise in representing parents and children within the range of private and public law proceedings.’ Judith Fordham is the head of the financial remedy group team and specialises in matrimonial finance, whilst Julie Forsyth leads the children’s family team. Forsyth has expertise in representing parents, relatives and intervenors facing allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Sheren Guirguis was appointed as a District Judge in November 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Exchange Chambers are excellent – if the preferred barrister is not available, they do their best to get someone with the right qualities to deal with a particular matter, ensuring that the clients needs are always met. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are a very professional and helpful chambers.’
‘Exchange Chambers is a well respected set of chambers with a particular expertise in representing parents and children within the range of private and public law proceedings.’
‘Excellent team of public law barristers at this set.’
‘Top class legal advice and representation from this well established set of experienced barristers. Excellence is the key word here on all levels.’
‘Exchange have a strong family set with a good spread of knowledge and experience.’
Clerking
‘Mark Shannon could not do enough to accommodate clients. He is flexible and easy to contact, even out of hours. Excellent service provider.’
‘Excellent- always willing to help but honest in the suitability of counsel for a particular case .’
‘The clerks at exchange to be very approachable, extremely helpful and accommodating. Mark Shannon always goes above and beyond. The clerks are extremely organised. Wendy Shannon is another clerk who is always extremely organised, she always responds promptly. Katie Batty is very thorough. On the whole, the clerks play a pivotal role in the smooth and effective functioning of chambers services.’
‘Mark Shannon has always stood out. He has always been extremely helpful, very professional and he will go the extra mile, even during evenings and weekends to ensure the job is done and will always do what he can to accommodate us. He is an absolute asset to Exchange Chambers.’
‘Rachel Williams is excellent, as is Ben Kierman if she is not available. Rachel provides a personal touch which is fantastic.’
18 St John Street Chambers
Testimonials
Set
’18 St John Street has a superb family department. There are counsel from silks to pupils, with all levels of seniority in between. 18 St John Street has a very strong family team which is known in Manchester as being reliable, hardworking, dependable, and knowledgable. The family department is also known in Manchester as being friendly and approachable with solicitors, lay clients, and opposing advocates.’
‘Yes the set without exception are knowledgeable able and professional. I would have little difficulty in finding somebody suitable to instruct in any area of child protection law.’
‘The chambers are good and usually have counsel available. They have a good range of barristers. They also offer webinars which are helpful.’
’18 St John Street is an excellent chambers. They are brimming with talent and have a good blend of very talented senior counsel alongside very talented junior members of the team.’
‘The set of Chambers have an excellent reputation both locally and nationally. They are very well regarded and highly thought of experts in their field.’
Clerking
‘Similarly to the barristers, the clerks are amazing, lovely and hard working. They always go above and beyond to try and accommodate urgent hearings and long hearings that are attended some distance away. Responses are always prompt and the entire working system at these chambers is perfect.’
‘The clerks are fantastic. My main dealings are with Garrick Brown but all clerks provide an exceptional service.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful. Camille Scott and Garrick Brown in particular will always discuss strengths of other counsel if a particular requested counsel is unavailable.’
‘The clerks are very helpful. Camille Scott the senior family clerk will do everything she can to provide cover on occasion at extremely short notice due top the listing of emergency and urgent hearings including out of hours.’
‘The head family clerk, Camille Scott, is dedicated and able. She has a personal touch and knows instructing solicitors well. She is adept at allocating suitable counsel to particular cases, and ensures the smooth transition of cases from one counsel to another if a case unfortunately cannot be dealt with by the original counsel.’
Deans Court Chambers
Deans Court Chambers is praised as ‘an exceptional family set.’ It is home to Michael Jones KC, who has a strong child law practice and his work often involves issues of wardship and inherent jurisdiction, as well as fabricated illness and complex medical issues. Peter Rothery and Rebecca Gregg are also key names, both with considerable expertise in children cases involving death, serious injury and sexual abuse. Julia Cheetham KC is another notable member.
Testimonials
Set
‘Deans Court are an exceptional family set. They have a wealth of experienced seniors and juniors who consistently deliver in and out of court. Excellent advocacy – both written and spoken, early updates after court with outcomes and always provide excellent replacements if counsel is part heard.’
‘They are the go to Chambers for complex family law cases. They have strength in-depth, counsel are helpful and make themselves available. They have a very good training programme with excellent lecture notes.’
‘Excellent all-round service. Clerks are always helpful, professional and prompt in their responses. There is strength in depth to the Family Team and, if at all possible, counsel availability will be found. Chambers education programme is first rate, and this has continued notwithstanding the difficulties posed by the pandemic.’
‘Deans Court Chambers are one of the go to chambers for private law and family money cases. They are a solid set with some fresh faces coming through the ranks to compliment the team. They really do try to go above and beyond when it comes to looking after their instructing solicitors and clients.’
‘Deans Court Chambers has large number of very able counsel.’
Clerking
‘”Fantastic service provided by the clerks, particularly Louise McCarty who is always on the ball and gives you as much notice if counsel is part heard but moves mountains to secure a replacement. The one clerk who is always on speed dial – nothing is too much trouble for her. There should be more like her.’
‘I mainly deal with Louise McCarthy and Matthew Rigby. Both are very quick to respond to enquires and proactive in finding you counsel even when they are very busy. Both are proactive in seeking paper in good time for up coming hearings.’
‘Again a solid clerking team; there is little turnover of staff and many have been there 15 years plus. They have grown with the market and know their solicitors well. They demonstrate excellent client relationship management which is very important. A bonus is that you only need to speak to one person to deal with a case whether it is family money or children work. Other chambers split this off which just doesn’t work as we don’t have the time to duplicate effort; Deans Court have a seamless operation.’
‘Louise McCarthy is reliable in her communications, always responding and acknowledging where required. She is professional and polite and generally my first port of call when I am seeking cover.’
‘Louise McCarthy is very receptive, and appears to be a competent, reliable clerk.’
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings is for many a ‘go-to chambers in Manchester for family law’. The set is home to child law specialist Karl Rowley KC, who has expertise in medical cases, as well as matters involving sexual abuse and radicalisation. Sally Harrison KC has a thriving matrimonial finance practice including cases featuring complex trust and corporate structures. Samantha Hillas KC is another notable name in the matrimonial finance team, with considerable expertise in cases involving pre and post-nuptial agreements and non-disclosure of assets. Frances Heaton KC acts in very complex public law children proceedings, including gang-related family cases, sexual exploitation and contested adoption cases, and Lorraine Cavanagh KC has substantial experience handling children law cases that involve medical disputes, including complex brain and fatal injury cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set now seems to be the prominent set for family matters in Manchester, both in terms of financial and children’s matters . They did excellent seminars online during lockdown.’
The go-to chambers for Manchester. Excellent service right from the reception staff, clerks and barristers.’
‘One of the premier sets in the country. The quality of silks and juniors is unrivalled on circuit and stands shoulder with any set in London.’
‘They are a go-to set in Manchester and the North for the strength and depth of their counsel cohort. You can always find the right counsel for the right client. They have a fantastic breadth of experience and they regularly run training programmes and these tend to be the not to miss options.’
‘St Johns Buildings are a go-to chambers in Manchester for the family team. They have a broad spectrum of advocates and specialists at differing levels of experience. They offer extremely useful seminars on family law topics that are popular among family law practitioners.’
Clerking
‘The clerking is great at St Johns Buildings Manchester. Ryan Barker is excellent and delivers a Rolls Royce service – always bending over backwards to accommodate and assist solicitors.’
‘Best clerking team in the country – honest, helpful and super organised. Paul Laverty runs a tight ship while maintaining his good sense of humour. Ryan Barker is tremendous.’
‘Ryan Barker is brilliant; very calm, considered and always very happy to help. Paul Laverty is first rate and a very safe pair of hands. The clerks are all generally helpful and always keen to assist.’
‘In a word – excellent. They know their barristers and clients to an extent that they can match as opposed to being a diary service.’
‘SJB is an entirely reliable chambers which always delivers what it promises, efficiently. As an instructing solicitor, you are never let down. Ryan Barker is an unfailingly friendly, helpful and efficient clerk.’
7 Harrington Street
The ‘exceptional’ members of 7 Harrington Street are highly adept at handling both child and matrimonial cases, including finance and property distribution as well as Children Act matters. Margaret Parr represents parents, children and local authorities in care and adoption proceedings, and has particular expertise in cases involving allegations of sexual and violent abuse, drug use, mental health issues and child neglect. The set also includes Tom Fazackerley, who practices exclusively in divorce and financial remedy work, as well as private law children matters. Megan Gilchrist represents Local Authorities, parents and guardians.
Testimonials
Set
‘7HS Street chambers are well respected. Their approach is pragmatic and their knowledge of law and practice is outstanding. Barristers are exceptional; they cut through the litigious advances ensuring the legal standards are maintained ensuring their independence and professionalism whilst building secure relationships with other professionals. 7HS are a friendly, knowledgeable and approachable set of chambers who work extremely hard and they are dedicated professionals.’
‘The family team is quite large and so able to deal with all aspects of family law. 99% of the time they have availability.’
‘They are a very highly rated set in the area of family law.’
‘7HS is always the chambers of choice; they offer the complete spectrum of barristers, for all cases at all levels.’
‘Chambers have some depth of barristers. This set is one of the stronger sets locally.’
Clerking
‘I highly commend Carolyn Creegan and the team she manages; they are a very busy chambers but all enquires either by email or phone are always answered swiftly.’
‘Chambers provide a very high quality and professional service. Laura Jones in particular is always extremely helpful and efficient.’
‘All the family Clerks are excellent. Carolyn Creegan is worthy of special mention for her long service to Chambers.’
‘John Kilgallon, the senior clerk, is by far the most outstanding clerk. His amazing leadership filters right the way down. The clerks understand instructing solicitors needs and make sure they are met.’
‘Carolyn Creegan, Laura Jones and Jenny Mogan are all very friendly and approachable. They will all go the extra mile to ensure you have the right person for the job. They are an extremely tight knit team and work together extremely well.’
9 St John Street
9 St John Street‘s barristers have ‘a wealth of experience and expertise’, handling a wide range of matters within the areas of financial remedy litigation, and both public law and private law child proceedings. Specific areas of expertise include contested adoption, physical and sexual abuse, deprivation of liberty, factitious inducted illness, parental alienation, relocation of children; high net worth financial relief and cohabitation disputes. The set is home to Sarah Kilvington, whose public law practice includes cases with issues involving fabricated illnesses, gender dysphoria in children and sexual abuse, whilst her private practice law includes allegations of severe parental alienation. Emma Greenhalgh ‘s practice has a strong focus on public law Children Act 1989 proceedings and she represents parents, grandparents, Local Authorities, children and intervenors. Other notable names include Joanne Barnett, who undertakes private law and financial cases, and Kalsoom Maqsood, who predominantly acts in public law proceedings, especially those involving catastrophic and fatal injury injuries to children and complex allegations of sexual abuse.
Testimonials
Set
‘The Chambers are always professional and courteous. The Chambers have many barristers with a wealth of experience and expertise, particularly in family law. ‘
‘The chambers have a great depth of professionals which makes any necessary switching due to other commitments much easier. All counsel are easy to work with and understand the pressures local authorities face. They all report back promptly and you are never left waiting on an order or wondering what has happened. They are all willing to work out of usual hours to be provided with instructions at the last minute.’
‘9 St John Street is a superb chambers. They have a very impressive blend of talent in their family team.’
‘The are a good family set which has continued to build over recent years. The barristers are friendly and willing to help.’
‘9 St John Street chambers is a go-to chambers when seeking counsel in Family and Children matters. Their strength-in-depth is unrivalled in Manchester and their counsel are always readily available should you need some general advice or pointing in the right direction.’
Clerking
‘The head family clerk, Ped McKinstry, is outstanding. Ped is the engine of the family team and will go out of his way to try to ensure a barrister is made available. He is supported by a team of other fantastic clerks, all of whom are incredibly supportive and helpful.’
‘Ped McKinstry makes himself available and responds readily when asked. He has a friendly approach and more than willing to help if able.’
‘Ped McKinstry runs a really slick operation. The clerks didn’t miss a beat throughout Covid-19, embracing all the requirements of virtual hearings as if they were old hat. The Chambers have also been ahead of the game for developments such as the Family Court Digital Service.’
‘The clerks are very helpful. Jake Speed always responds quickly and if he cannot help tells me clearly rather than keeping me hanging on. Papers are always forwarded to counsel promptly. The chambers have no problem in providing counsel’s mobile phone numbers or emails.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and approachable. They always offer assistance should any difficult situations arise and more often than not they are able to assist. The biggest strengths of the clerks, generally, would be their personable attitudes and professional organisation.’
Exchange Chambers
Exchange Chambers ‘is a well respected set of chambers with a particular expertise in representing parents and children within the range of private and public law proceedings.’ Judith Fordham is the head of the financial remedy group team and specialises in matrimonial finance, whilst Julie Forsyth leads the children’s family team. Forsyth has expertise in representing parents, relatives and intervenors facing allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Sheren Guirguis was appointed as a District Judge in November 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Exchange Chambers are excellent – if the preferred barrister is not available, they do their best to get someone with the right qualities to deal with a particular matter, ensuring that the clients needs are always met. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are a very professional and helpful chambers.’
‘Exchange Chambers is a well respected set of chambers with a particular expertise in representing parents and children within the range of private and public law proceedings.’
‘Excellent team of public law barristers at this set.’
‘Top class legal advice and representation from this well established set of experienced barristers. Excellence is the key word here on all levels.’
‘Exchange have a strong family set with a good spread of knowledge and experience.’
Clerking
‘Mark Shannon could not do enough to accommodate clients. He is flexible and easy to contact, even out of hours. Excellent service provider.’
‘Excellent- always willing to help but honest in the suitability of counsel for a particular case .’
‘The clerks at exchange to be very approachable, extremely helpful and accommodating. Mark Shannon always goes above and beyond. The clerks are extremely organised. Wendy Shannon is another clerk who is always extremely organised, she always responds promptly. Katie Batty is very thorough. On the whole, the clerks play a pivotal role in the smooth and effective functioning of chambers services.’
‘Mark Shannon has always stood out. He has always been extremely helpful, very professional and he will go the extra mile, even during evenings and weekends to ensure the job is done and will always do what he can to accommodate us. He is an absolute asset to Exchange Chambers.’
‘Rachel Williams is excellent, as is Ben Kierman if she is not available. Rachel provides a personal touch which is fantastic.’