Harcourt Chambers > Oxford, England > Set Profile

Harcourt Chambers Offices

Chambers of Nick Goodwin KC
Harcourt Chambers
CHURCHILL HOUSE, 3 ST ALDATE'S COURTYARD
OXFORD
OX1 1BN
England
Visit website 0844 561 7135 01865 791585

Harcourt Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings

South Eastern Circuit > Family and children law Tier 1

‘An excellent family set with a number of excellent practitioners’, Harcourt Chambers has renowned expertise in children law, both private and public as well as matrimonial finance. John Vater KC is a ‘passionate parents advocate’ who is well known for his ‘work ethic, courtroom skills and client care’. Jane Campbell focuses on divorce and financial remedy cases for high profile individuals, along with ‘effective advocate’ Fiona Hay , who is praised for her ‘ability to deliver clear and practical advice in difficult cases’ and ‘her wonderful manner with clients’. Sara Granshaw and Simon Miller specialise in children law and regularly appear for a number of local authorities, vulnerable parents, and children’s guardians at all levels, including the Court of Appeal.

Leading Silks: Child Law (Public and Private)

Nick Goodwin KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Nick has an excellent advocacy, ability to absorb vast amounts of information and distil it into succinct advice. He is very approachable.’
Ranked: Tier 1
John Vater KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘John is relentless in his desire to get to the heart of the family dynamic and does not pull any punches with either the client or the court.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Aidan Vine KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Aidan’s attention to detail is impressive, together with his ability to analyse complex cases and to develop a strategy in presenting the cases makes him a formidable barrister. His ability to memorise large volume of information and evidence is outstanding. Another real strength is his calm approach to the clients, the case and any issues that arises.’
Ranked: Tier 1

2020 Silks: Child Law (Public and Private)

Jonathan Sampson KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Jonathan is brilliant in cross-examination of the witnesses, be it the lay parties or experts. His unruffled ability to forensically challenge and undermine a witness is peerless. He has a great command of the complexities of medical evidence.’ 

Leading Juniors: Child Law (Public and Private)

Sara Granshaw –Harcourt Chambers ‘Sara is very good in medical cases and excellent with clients.’ 
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 1
Douglas Allen –Harcourt Chambers ‘Douglas is great at negotiation and keeping clients calm.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Alex Forbes –Harcourt Chambers ‘Alex is a tower of strength to clients who are fighting for their family. He is exceptional in the heat of trial. He provides a clear sighted advice.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Emily Rayner –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emily is always well prepared. She gives realistic and sensible advice and is very easy to work with. She builds up a good rapport with clients. Judges respect her and find her arguments persuasive.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Cecilia Barrett –Harcourt Chambers ‘Cecilia is thorough and efficient in her preparation. She is smart, incisive, and clear in her advice and formulation of case strategy. She is authoritative but sympathetic in her communication with clients. She is a team player working to get the best outcome for the client working constructively, and in a family focused way.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Jason Green –Harcourt Chambers 'Jason is a class act whose written work is brilliant. He is utterly charming with clients who love him. He is impressive in the way he handles difficult opponents and is unflappable. His advocacy is pitched perfectly.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Edward Kirkwood –Harcourt Chambers ‘Edward has the ability to process large and complex bundles of documents and present them to the court in a highly skilled manner whilst making the entire process user friendly and supportive to the clients. He is a very capable advocate who will always support the clients but will always be honest and give sound legal advice with a sense of humour when needed.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Emma Gatland –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emma has an intelligent and pragmatic approach to legal and family problems.’  
Ranked: Tier 3
Eleanor Howard –Harcourt Chambers ‘Eleanor is meticulous, very knowledgeable, and can quickly grasp the salient points of a case. She is extremely approachable, and very helpful. She responds quickly to any queries and the standard of her written work is excellent.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Annie Sayers   –Harcourt Chambers ‘Annie has an excellent communication skills and can tailor her approach to client needs and is extremely articulate and robust when addressing the court. She is pragmatic in advice and not afraid to have difficult conversations with the client but leaves them in no doubt that she will fight their corner.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Martha Gray –Harcourt Chambers ‘Martha is meticulous in preparation of a case, always prepared with research to support their argument. The advocacy skills are impressive, and she thinks quickly on her feet. She is emphatic and can build a rapport with clients from all backgrounds.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Fiona Hay –Harcourt Chambers ‘Fiona radiates a calm authority in everything she does and is respected by opponents and judges alike. She is always to the point. She is the complete package.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Jane Campbell –Harcourt Chambers ‘Jane has exceptional legal knowledge,  focus, and expertise. She has a highly professional, calm, and rational approach, particularly in cases between highly conflicted parties.’ 
Ranked: Tier 1
Douglas Allen –Harcourt Chambers ‘Douglas is great at negotiation and keeping clients calm.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Louise Potter –Harcourt Chambers ‘Louise is kind and has attention to detail. He has a respectful engagement with the other party and counsel, as well as with the client. He is one of the most genuinely conciliatory and compassionate barristers in practice.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Emily Rayner –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emily is always well prepared. She gives realistic and sensible advice. She builds up a good rapport with clients. Judges respect her and find her arguments persuasive.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Cecilia Barrett –Harcourt Chambers ‘Cecilia is thorough and efficient in her preparation. She is smart and clear in her advice and formulation of case strategy. She is a team player.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2
Julia Shillingford –Harcourt Chambers ‘Julia is always well prepared. She is an effective cross-examiner and has secured some excellent and unexpected results, particularly in the Children Act proceedings.’
Ranked: Tier 3
David Marusza –Harcourt Chambers ‘David is extremely diligent and goes above and beyond for his clients. He is very communicative and responds very promptly. He has a very calm manner. His approach to cases is sensible and pragmatic.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

Set

‘The set has a number of talented and experienced counsel available at all levels. The set is outstanding.’

‘The set offers a number of highly skilled practitioners with high expertise in family law across the board. The availability of counsel at all levels is good.’

‘There is a good breadth of knowledge and experience in the chambers.’

‘Harcourt always gives excellent service.’

‘The Chambers is always happy to accommodate requests and go that extra mile to find you representation, even at the last minute. Overall, the quality of the chambers is very good.’

‘The set is a very safe pair of hands, and substitutes can be relied upon.’

‘Harcourt Chambers is a highly competent set of specialist family barristers. The team there is able to assist with all areas of family law, including children and financial cases.’

Work highlights

    Midland Circuit > Family and children law Tier 2

    Harcourt Chambers is a ‘strong set at all levels specialising in family law with a particular niche in international family law’. John Vater KC is described as a ‘fearsome and committed advocate’ who recently won a conflict of jurisdictions case in the High Court. Aidan Vine KC is ‘highly experienced and knowledgeable’ and acts in both matrimonial finance and children’s cases, often with an international element. Matthew Brookes-Baker recently handled a High Court case involving the tragic injury and death of a child caused by co-sleeping with the parents. Alex Forbes is ‘robust, determined, and detail oriented’ and practices in all aspects of family law, both children and financial.

    Leading Silks: Child Law (Public and Private)

    John Vater KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘John is the best trial advocate at the children’s Bar. He is a phenomenal cross-examiner, who has expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence, including brain injuries. His ability is matched by his genuine concern for his clients and he fights for them with every ounce of his ability.’  
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Aidan Vine KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Aidan is always extremely well prepared and highly intelligent and experienced but down to earth and able to engage effectively with clients.’
    Ranked: Tier 1

    Leading Juniors: Child Law (Public and Private)

    Alex Forbes –Harcourt Chambers ‘Alex is always prepared to present the best case for his client and does not shy away from a dispute. He always thoroughly researches the law for the matter in dispute and will deliver strong and forthright arguments in support of the client.’  
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Matthew Brookes-Baker – Harcourt Chambers ‘Matthew is a calm, robust and persuasive advocate who has a clear command of the case, not only the pertinent issues for determination but also complex technical matters.’
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Daniel Sheridan – Harcourt Chambers  ‘Daniel is a very bright and persuasive advocate. He understands the key issues in cases and is particularly good at representing children in proceedings. He has built a very good rapport with professional and lay clients and achieves excellent outcomes.’
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Margaret Styles – Harcourt Chambers ‘Margaret is meticulous in her preparation, and she always calls before the hearing to ensure the scope of the brief is fully understood, and strategy can be discussed. Her written documents are always prepared promptly in advance and to a high standard. She is fearless in her pursuit of her case and is highly dedicated.’  
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Oliver Powell – Harcourt Chambers 'Oliver is extremely approachable, and his knowledge of the law is exceptional. He is extremely forensic, and his advice is always clear and concise.’   
    Ranked: Tier 3

    Testimonials

    Set 

    ‘A strong set of chambers with a good national reputation.’ 

    ‘Excellent senior barristers, especially in children and matrimonial finance.’ 

    ‘Chambers is always punctual in responding to enquiries and incredibly helpful throughout the case.’ 

    ‘Harcourt Chambers is an exceptional set of chambers who offer excellent service. Their knowledge is invaluable, and their barristers are a hard act to follow.’

    ‘The set is very well endowed with an excellent body of counsel in the field of children law and have an ability to select team members of high quality so that, if counsel of initial choice is not available, chambers is able to field counsel who are well able to accept the brief, no matter how short their call may be.’

    Clerking

    ‘Excellent, the clerks are adept at pulling rabbits out of hats when short notice hearings are required. There is never a complaint when there are problems created by part-heard matters and they are administratively thorough chasing briefs/papers well in advance.’

    London Bar > Children law (including public and private law) Tier 3

    Harcourt Chambers is an ‘exceptional set with many very experienced and able advocates’. Edward Devereux KC has ‘unparalleled knowledge, intellect, and expertise in children law’ and in F v M represented a mother of a child, who was allegedly sexually abused by the father, in a matter with issues of evidence from a foreign jurisdiction. Damian Garrido KC is praised for his ‘persuasive advocacy’ and is experienced at handling both domestic and international children law cases. Nick Goodwin KC ‘is great with vulnerable clients’, and his work involves both public and private law proceedings, including removals from the jurisdiction, adoption, and placement decisions. Mehvish Chaudhry is regarded as ‘a standout star in the world of children law’ and regularly appears in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

    Leading Silks

    Edward Devereux KC –Harcourt Chambers 'Edward is one of the most skilled and persuasive advocates in the international family law matters.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Damian Garrido KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Damian's knowledge is breathtaking, and he instills such confidence in clients. He is utterly brilliant as an advocate, a master of strategy, and achieves outstanding results.’
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Nick Goodwin KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Nick is the best children’s KC and well respected by judiciary, opponents and clients. Behind his intellect and excellent advocacy, he is also incredibly approachable, insightful and wonderfully human.’
    Ranked: Tier 3
    John Vater KC – Harcourt Chambers ‘John is beyond tenacious, exceptionally insightful, and wonderfully organised. His written work is fantastic, and behind his tremendous ability is a wonderfully human and approachable person.’
    Ranked: Tier 4
    Jonathan Sampson KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Jonathan has amazing forensic mind with a full understanding of medical terminology and expert reports.’
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Leading Juniors

    Mehvish Chaudhry –Harcourt Chambers ‘Mehvish is a standout star in the world of children law. Her advocacy is top-notch, and her cross-examination skills are beyond outstanding. She quite simply lights the world of children law on fire, her submissions are flawless, and her written documents are clear, thorough and persuasive.’
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Ruth Cabeza –Harcourt Chambers ‘Ruth has an encyclopedic knowledge of adoption law and an extremely impressive advocate with a great bedside manner. She is a real star in the field of adoption.’
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Edward Bennett –Harcourt Chambers ‘Edward is incredibly kind and compassionate and is the epitome of polite effectiveness. He is impassioned advocate when necessary and empathises strongly with his clients. His submissions are measured and eloquent, he is through and well-prepared, and his written documents are literally second to none. His position statements are absolutely fantastic. He has a wonderful ability to distil all aspects of a complex case into a hard-hitting yet concise document.’
    Ranked: Tier 4
    Emily Rayner –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emily is extremely bright, pragmatic in her advice and a forceful advocate when required. Her ability to cut to the quick is greatly appreciated by judges, and she has excellent tactical awareness in more complex cases.’
    Ranked: Tier 4
    Ranked: Tier 5
    Rob George –Harcourt Chambers ‘Rob is a calm and thoughtful advocate with a kind and warm manner with clients. His niche is that he combines academic rigor with advocacy, and he is bright and enthusiastic.’
    Ranked: Tier 5

    Testimonials

    Set

    ‘Harcourt Chambers has many excellent barristers in this set whose knowledge and presentation is impressive.’

    ‘Counsel from Harcourt are intelligent, humble, always well prepared, and friendly.’

    ‘Harcourt Chambers is a well-respected set.’

    ‘The barristers of Harcourt Chambers are excellent, professional, well experienced, and their expertise is outstanding.’

    ‘Harcourt Chambers has a wide variety of barristers suited to all types of clients.’

    ‘Harcourt Chambers is the go-to set for children law.’  

    Clerking

    Work highlights

      London Bar > Family (including divorce and financial remedy)

      Leading Juniors

      Michael Gleeson –Harcourt Chambers ‘Michael is very ebullient and eager. He is very responsive and user friendly.’
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Fiona Hay –Harcourt Chambers ‘Fiona is extremely able and experienced. She is very adept in front of judges and carries excellent client handling skills. High intellect combined with humanity which is a rare combination.’
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Suzanne Syme –Harcourt Chambers ‘Suzanne gets to grips with a case quickly and has wonderful bedside manner with clients. She's accessible and utterly professional. Her advocacy is outstanding when she cross-examines, and her written submissions and position statements are always well set out.’
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Ranked: Tier 4

      Regional Bar > South Eastern Circuit > Family and children law Tier 1

      ‘An excellent family set with a number of excellent practitioners’, Harcourt Chambers has renowned expertise in children law, both private and public as well as matrimonial finance. John Vater KC is a ‘passionate parents advocate’ who is well known for his ‘work ethic, courtroom skills and client care’. Jane Campbell focuses on divorce and financial remedy cases for high profile individuals, along with ‘effective advocate’ Fiona Hay , who is praised for her ‘ability to deliver clear and practical advice in difficult cases’ and ‘her wonderful manner with clients’. Sara Granshaw and Simon Miller specialise in children law and regularly appear for a number of local authorities, vulnerable parents, and children’s guardians at all levels, including the Court of Appeal.

      Leading Silks: Child Law (Public and Private)

      Nick Goodwin KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Nick has an excellent advocacy, ability to absorb vast amounts of information and distil it into succinct advice. He is very approachable.’
      Ranked: Tier 1
      John Vater KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘John is relentless in his desire to get to the heart of the family dynamic and does not pull any punches with either the client or the court.’
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Aidan Vine KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Aidan’s attention to detail is impressive, together with his ability to analyse complex cases and to develop a strategy in presenting the cases makes him a formidable barrister. His ability to memorise large volume of information and evidence is outstanding. Another real strength is his calm approach to the clients, the case and any issues that arises.’
      Ranked: Tier 1

      2020 Silks: Child Law (Public and Private)

      Jonathan Sampson KC –Harcourt Chambers ‘Jonathan is brilliant in cross-examination of the witnesses, be it the lay parties or experts. His unruffled ability to forensically challenge and undermine a witness is peerless. He has a great command of the complexities of medical evidence.’ 

      Leading Juniors: Child Law (Public and Private)

      Sara Granshaw –Harcourt Chambers ‘Sara is very good in medical cases and excellent with clients.’ 
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Douglas Allen –Harcourt Chambers ‘Douglas is great at negotiation and keeping clients calm.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Alex Forbes –Harcourt Chambers ‘Alex is a tower of strength to clients who are fighting for their family. He is exceptional in the heat of trial. He provides a clear sighted advice.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Emily Rayner –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emily is always well prepared. She gives realistic and sensible advice and is very easy to work with. She builds up a good rapport with clients. Judges respect her and find her arguments persuasive.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Cecilia Barrett –Harcourt Chambers ‘Cecilia is thorough and efficient in her preparation. She is smart, incisive, and clear in her advice and formulation of case strategy. She is authoritative but sympathetic in her communication with clients. She is a team player working to get the best outcome for the client working constructively, and in a family focused way.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Jason Green –Harcourt Chambers 'Jason is a class act whose written work is brilliant. He is utterly charming with clients who love him. He is impressive in the way he handles difficult opponents and is unflappable. His advocacy is pitched perfectly.'
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Edward Kirkwood –Harcourt Chambers ‘Edward has the ability to process large and complex bundles of documents and present them to the court in a highly skilled manner whilst making the entire process user friendly and supportive to the clients. He is a very capable advocate who will always support the clients but will always be honest and give sound legal advice with a sense of humour when needed.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Emma Gatland –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emma has an intelligent and pragmatic approach to legal and family problems.’  
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Eleanor Howard –Harcourt Chambers ‘Eleanor is meticulous, very knowledgeable, and can quickly grasp the salient points of a case. She is extremely approachable, and very helpful. She responds quickly to any queries and the standard of her written work is excellent.’
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Annie Sayers   –Harcourt Chambers ‘Annie has an excellent communication skills and can tailor her approach to client needs and is extremely articulate and robust when addressing the court. She is pragmatic in advice and not afraid to have difficult conversations with the client but leaves them in no doubt that she will fight their corner.’
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Martha Gray –Harcourt Chambers ‘Martha is meticulous in preparation of a case, always prepared with research to support their argument. The advocacy skills are impressive, and she thinks quickly on her feet. She is emphatic and can build a rapport with clients from all backgrounds.’
      Ranked: Tier 4

      Leading Juniors: Divorce and Financial Remedy

      Fiona Hay –Harcourt Chambers ‘Fiona radiates a calm authority in everything she does and is respected by opponents and judges alike. She is always to the point. She is the complete package.’
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Jane Campbell –Harcourt Chambers ‘Jane has exceptional legal knowledge,  focus, and expertise. She has a highly professional, calm, and rational approach, particularly in cases between highly conflicted parties.’ 
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Douglas Allen –Harcourt Chambers ‘Douglas is great at negotiation and keeping clients calm.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Louise Potter –Harcourt Chambers ‘Louise is kind and has attention to detail. He has a respectful engagement with the other party and counsel, as well as with the client. He is one of the most genuinely conciliatory and compassionate barristers in practice.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Emily Rayner –Harcourt Chambers ‘Emily is always well prepared. She gives realistic and sensible advice. She builds up a good rapport with clients. Judges respect her and find her arguments persuasive.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Cecilia Barrett –Harcourt Chambers ‘Cecilia is thorough and efficient in her preparation. She is smart and clear in her advice and formulation of case strategy. She is a team player.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Julia Shillingford –Harcourt Chambers ‘Julia is always well prepared. She is an effective cross-examiner and has secured some excellent and unexpected results, particularly in the Children Act proceedings.’
      Ranked: Tier 3
      David Marusza –Harcourt Chambers ‘David is extremely diligent and goes above and beyond for his clients. He is very communicative and responds very promptly. He has a very calm manner. His approach to cases is sensible and pragmatic.’
      Ranked: Tier 4

      Testimonials

      Set

      ‘The set has a number of talented and experienced counsel available at all levels. The set is outstanding.’

      ‘The set offers a number of highly skilled practitioners with high expertise in family law across the board. The availability of counsel at all levels is good.’

      ‘There is a good breadth of knowledge and experience in the chambers.’

      ‘Harcourt always gives excellent service.’

      ‘The Chambers is always happy to accommodate requests and go that extra mile to find you representation, even at the last minute. Overall, the quality of the chambers is very good.’

      ‘The set is a very safe pair of hands, and substitutes can be relied upon.’

      ‘Harcourt Chambers is a highly competent set of specialist family barristers. The team there is able to assist with all areas of family law, including children and financial cases.’

      Work highlights

        Harcourt Chambers > Set Profile

        The set: Harcourt Chambers is one of the leading specialist family law sets in the country. It is recommended for its expertise in both children law and family finance.

        Based in the Temple and in Oxford, it is home to eight well-known family silks: Nick Goodwin KC, John Vater KC, Karl Rowley KC (Door Tenant), Damian Garrido KC, Julia Cheetham KC (Door Tenant), Aidan Vine KC & Edward Devereux KC, Jonathan Sampson KC and 61 junior barristers, many of whom are acknowledged as leading practitioners in their fields.

        Over the past decade, Harcourt Chambers has established itself as one of the very top “across the range” family law sets and won “Family Set of the Year” at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2016 and “Family Law Chambers of the year – London” at the LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2018.

        It has grown significantly in size and prominence and its members are regularly to be found in high profile and leading cases at first instance, appellate level and in the Supreme Court. Harcourt Chambers is particularly known for the high quality of its advocacy, advice and client care and for its modern and approachable style.

        Harcourt Chambers’ highly regarded family finance practitioners undertake the full range of matrimonial, cohabitee and partnership litigation and have extensive expertise in cases of high value including those where complex issues involving pensions, private companies, farms and overseas assets exist.

        Its reputation in the field of children law is well-established and widely recognised in both private and public law. In private law, Harcourt Chambers has renowned expertise in all forms of parental dispute including international relocation and child abduction. Public law work encompasses care, placement and adoption proceedings, often involving the most complex and severe cases of physical & sexual abuse.

        Other offices: Oxford

        Main Contacts

        DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
        Chambers' Director Simon Boutwoodsboutwood@harcourtchambers.co.uk0207 353 6961
        Practice manager Judith Partingtonjpartington@harcourtchambers.co.uk0207 353 6961
        Practice Manager Matt Molloymmolloy@harcourtchambers.co.uk0207 353 6961
        Head of Chambers GOODWIN KC, Nick (1995)
        Members of Chambers VATER KC, John (1995)
        Door Tenant ROWLEY KC, Karl (1994)
        Members of Chambers GARRIDO KC, Damian (1993)
        Door Tenant CHEETHAM KC, Julia (1990)
        Members of Chambers VINE KC, Aidan (1995)
        Members of Chambers DEVEREUX KC, Edward (2001)
        Members of Chambers SAMPSON KC, Jonathan (1997)
        Members of Chambers EVANS, Roger (1970)
        Members of Chambers RODGERS, June (1971)
        Members of Chambers COLLINSON, Alicia (1982)
        Members of Chambers BRETT, Matthew (1987)
        Members of Chambers HAY, Fiona (1989)
        Members of Chambers CAMPBELL, Jane (1990)
        Members of Chambers GRANSHAW, Sara (1991)
        Members of Chambers POTTER, Louise (1993)
        Members of Chambers ALLEN, Douglas (1995)
        Members of Chambers MILLER, Simon (1996)
        Members of Chambers BROOKES-BAKER, Matthew (1998)
        Members of Chambers CABEZA, Ruth (1998)
        Members of Chambers BARRETT, Cecilia (1998)
        Members of Chambers WRAIGHT, Oliver (1998)
        Members of Chambers LEONG, Andrew (1998)
        Members of Chambers KIRKWOOD, Edward (1999)
        Members of Chambers LITTLE, Helen (1999)
        Members of Chambers STYLES, Margaret (2000)
        Members of Chambers JEAKINGS, Craig (2000)
        Members of Chambers TURNER, James (2001)
        Members of Chambers GREEN, Jason (2001)
        Members of Chambers SHILLINGFORD, Julia (2002)
        Members of Chambers FORBES, Alex (2003)
        Members of Chambers SYME, Suzanne (2004)
        Members of Chambers GLEESON, Michael (2004)
        Members of Chambers WILLIAMS, Alison (2004)
        Members of Chambers HARRIS, Frances (2005)
        Members of Chambers FIRBANK, Kit (2005)
        Members of Chambers STOTT, Matthew (2005)
        Members of Chambers WILKINS, Chloe (2006)
        Members of Chambers DOVE, James (2006)
        Members of Chambers PERRY, Alex (2007)
        Members of Chambers COX, Sian (2008)
        Members of Chambers CRISPIN, Stephen (2008)
        Members of Chambers CHAUDHRY, Mehvish (2008)
        Members of Chambers REYNOLDS, Vicky (2008)
        Members of Chambers MCILROY, Sara (2008)
        Members of Chambers RAYNER, Emily (2009)
        Members of Chambers MARUSZA, David (2009)
        Members of Chambers FLOWERS, Victoria (2009)
        Members of Chambers SAYERS, Annie (2009)
        Members of Chambers RAMSDEN, Justine (2010)
        Members of Chambers SCOTT-WITTENBORN, Maria (2013)
        Members of Chambers HOWARD, Eleanor (2012)
        Members of Chambers WICKHAM, Elizabeth (2012)
        Members of Chambers GRAY, Martha (2012)
        Members of Chambers YARDE, Anna (2012)
        Members of Chambers GATLAND, Dr Emma (2013)
        Members of Chambers POWELL, Oliver (2013)
        Members of Chambers GEORGE, Dr Rob (2013)
        Members of Chambers AMONOO-ACQUAH, Mavis (2013)
        Members of Chambers BENNETT, Edward (2013)
        Members of Chambers BALL, Curtis (2015)
        Members of Chambers WINDMILL, Hannah (2016)
        Members of Chambers FERGUSON, Kate (2016)
        Members of Chambers MILLER, Natasha (2017)
        Members of Chambers CONNOR, Ethan (2017)
        Members of Chambers CAMPBELL, Paige (2018)
        Members of Chambers ISHMAEL, Fazeela (2018)
        Members of Chambers KAYANI, Adam (2019)
        Members of Chambers HUGHES, Alana (2019)

        Barrister Profiles

        PhotoNamePositionProfile
        David Marusza photo David MaruszaBarristerView Profile

        Languages

        Dutch
        French
        Urdu

        Diversity


        Harcourt Chambers is committed to all aspects of equality and diversity within the workplace. We provide an environment in which individuals from a wide range of backgrounds can fulfil their potential. Offers of pupillage and tenancy are made solely on the basis of merit, as are Chambers’ staff appointments and promotions. Our aim is always to meet the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

        We are proud to have signed up as part of the Bar’s collective participation to the 10,000 Black Interns initiative. The scheme aims to help transform the horizons and prospects of young Black people in the United Kingdom.

        Our members regularly give pro bono advice and appear pro bono on behalf of the following charities:

        Advocate – We have, for many years, been staunch supporters of Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit) a charity which helps to find free legal assistance from volunteer barristers.

        Reunite – We are proud to support Reunite http://www.reunite.org the leading UK charity specialising in parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders. Over the years our members have contributed many hours of free advice and written and oral advocacy. We also drafted the submission for Reunite to Parliament which sought to change the criminal law of child abduction to make retaining children outside the UK a criminal offence. This submission was accepted and, when parliamentary time allows, the law will be changed in accordance with that submission.

        Family Rights Group – We also support Family Rights Group a UK charity which advises families about their rights and options when social workers or courts make decisions about their children’s welfare.

        Where the circumstances merit our members will act pro bono for private clients.

        Client Testimonials


        CLIENT: Kim Lehal, Partner

        COMPANY/FIRM: Brethertons LLP

        TESTIMONIAL: I have been instructing Harcourt Chambers from the very beginning of my career spanning nearly 15 years, starting out as a trainee to now in my role as a Partner. I have worked closely with Matthew Molloy and Laurie Amron who have always been a pleasure to deal with and will always go above and beyond on all accounts for example when Counsel go part-heard, making Counsel available to accommodate a listing at short notice, listing matters where there are numerous counsel involved in a case and in relation to fees. During the pandemic, they were exceptional in continuing to provide a top-class service (with some fantastic juniors coming through) despite being faced with Counsel and Judge’s being taken unwell and hearings coming in and out at short notice. They are personable, approachable, always reachable and responsive. In all honesty, they are one of the best sets we work with. There is nothing more a Solicitor could ask for in a Clerking team.

        CLIENT: Carolina Marin Pedreno, Head of the Children Department

        COMPANY/FIRM: Dawson Cornwell

        TESTIMONIAL: To my mind, the clerking team at Harcourt is one of the best in the country. Not only does it have great depth with many years of experience, but it has also adapted swiftly and brilliantly to remote and hybrid working. They are very professional when arranging meetings online providing different platforms to the client and when dealing with the Court listing. However, what I value most of their clerks is their interest in identifying their best member to represent our client; they don’t simply provide us with a list of available members. A personal and tailor-made service.

        CLIENT: Katherine Res Pritchard, Senior Director – Head of Children

        COMPANY/FIRM: Vardags

        TESTIMONIAL: The clerking team are Harcourt are the very best in the business. Matt, Simon and Laurie are always a dream to work with. They are always available to assist and will bend over backwards to help. I can’t rate them highly enough. The vast majority of our children work goes to Harcourt as they will always be the first to respond to our enquiries and will come back with quotes that are both competitive and reasonable. They are always willing to take a client’s individual circumstances into account, and the service they provide is therefore far more personalised and human. They know who we like to instruct, but more than that, their knowledge stretches as far as who will be good for a particular client, which is not something that you get from other clerking teams. Matt Molloy deserves a special mention for being absolutely second to none. He is organised, efficient, and great fun to work with.