Pump Court Chambers > London, England > Set Profile

Chambers of Oba Nsugbe KC
Pump Court Chambers
3 PUMP COURT, TEMPLE
LONDON
EC4Y 7AJ
England

Western Circuit > Crime (general and fraud) Tier 1

At Pump Court Chambers in Winchester, the ‘very strong crime team‘ is led by the ‘robustJames Newton-Price KC, who is noted for his strength in handling cases of serious sexual offences, multi-handed fraud and homicide. Sarah Jones KC led Ellie Fargin in prosecuting a man who was received a life sentence for child destruction and grievous bodily harm after attacking his girlfriend, who subsequently suffered a miscarriage. The ‘very conscientiousPeter Asteris  prosecutes and defends in cases of complex sexual offences, and is sought after for his expertise in representing vulnerable clients. Multi-handed drugs and fraud conspiracies have been prominent in Mark Ruffell‘s recent caseload. In November 2021 Rebecca Fairbairn  joined from Drystone Chambers.

Leading Silks

Sarah Jones KC - Pump Court Chambers 'A fearless advocate whose natural and powerful advocacy is supported by hard work and attention to detail. She consistently demonstrates sound judgement, determination and natural ability.'
Ranked: Tier 1
James Newton-Price KC – Pump Court Chambers 'James has assiduous attention to detail. He builds good rapport with clients and judges, and has a good court room manner.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Juniors

Peter Asteris - Pump Court Chambers 'Peter is a charismatic, highly skilled jury advocate. He has natural flair and inspires confidence in both instructing solicitors and lay clients.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Rebecca Fairbairn  - Pump Court Chambers 'Dedicated, determined and resourceful. She keeps a very cool head however complex the case, and her clear, down to earth style of jury advocacy is highly persuasive. Truly silk class.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Mark Ruffell - Pump Court Chambers 'Mark is incredibly industrious. He is a fierce cross-examiner yet exudes a style which juries warm to.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Tim Akers - Pump Court Chambers 'A methodical junior and a good trial advocate. He is measured and always in control.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Tom WilkinsPump Court Chambers 'Tom is diligent and has a friendly approach. Clients feel at ease in his presence, and they know he will fight their corner in court.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Ellie Fargin - Pump Court Chambers 'Ellie is excellent with clients. She is a powerful and effective advocate who shows a personal and human side to every case.'
Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

Set

A well-established set with an excellent reputation.’

All members are outstanding advocates and liked by both clients and judges.’

A strong set.’

A strong criminal team.’

Clerking

The clerks at Pump Court Chambers are helpful and adaptable. Ben Harfield and James May always pull out the stops when it comes to listing and making sure all last minute matters are covered.’

The clerking team are friendly and approachable.’

Western Circuit > Family and children law Tier 1

Pump Court Chambers ‘offers superb strength in depth in family law‘ and has ‘real talent at all levels of seniority‘. Penny Howe KC, who heads the public and private children law teams, is ‘a robust cross-examiner‘ and counts serious cases of fabricated and induced illness, violent and sexual abuse among her areas of expertise. Caroline Hartley is regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, serious injuries, salt poisoning and physical and emotional abuse. The ‘very articulate and intelligentEdward Boydell leads the family finance team, and is sought after for his experience in handling high-net-worth financial remedy cases.

Rising Stars: Child Law (Public and Private)

Cordelia Williams  - Pump Court Chambers 'A ferocious advocate and a tenacious fighter. She exudes confidence and always makes clients feel she is fighting their corner.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks: Child Law (Public and Private)

Leslie Samuels KC - Pump Court Chambers 'One of the top silks in children work, particularly in international cases. He is a first class advocate and very persuasive in court.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Penny Howe KC - Pump Court Chambers 'Penny has a wealth of specialist knowledge that she carries with such ease that she beguiles opponents and judges alike with her skilful advocacy. She fights for her clients with a highly persuasive combination of passion, insight and realism.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Leslie Samuels KC - Pump Court Chambers 'He is extremely intelligent, very calm and considered, and tactically sound.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Juniors: Child Law (Public and Private)

Caroline Hartley – Pump Court Chambers 'Caroline gives pragmatic and practical advice. She has impeccable attention to detail, as well as a good strategic view of the bigger picture.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 1
Jennifer Swan - Pump Court Chambers 'Jennifer is tenacious, quick-thinking and persuasive. A strong advocate who provides realistic advice.'
Ranked: Tier 1
David JostyPump Court Chambers 'David is a talented barrister with a keen eye for detail, especially when dealing with complex medical cases. A clear, concise and authoritative advocate.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Victoria EllisPump Court Chambers 'A robust negotiator with an extremely pragmatic and practical approach to resolving cases. She is calm and collected and excellent with clients.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Corinne Iten – Pump Court Chambers 'She knows every side of a care case, which means her advice is helpful and precise. She communicates well with clients who feel confident in her calm and reassuring approach.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew GrimePump Court ChambersAndrew is a calm but strong and incisive advocate with great attention to detail. He has a perfect combination of tenacity and authority. He has exceptional communication skills with all types of clients.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Helen Brander  - Pump Court Chambers 'She is very thorough in her preparation.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Charlotte StreetPump Court Chambers 'A highly persuasive advocate with a fierce intellect, who is able to maintain grace under fire. She is a commercially astute, strategic negotiator, who demonstrates an empathetic and sensitive manner with clients.'
Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Edward BoydellPump Court Chambers 'Edward is very astute and has an incisive mind. His attention to detail is phenomenal. He is silk material.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Jennifer LeePump Court Chambers 'Jennifer is a very dynamic operator, and a fierce and outstanding advocate. In court she is robust and will fight to the bitter end for her clients. Nothing fazes her.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Geoffrey Kelly  - Pump Court Chambers 'Geoffrey is razor-sharp, precise and has a brilliant head for figures. He is charming but direct, and his advice is always reassuringly accurate. He has the ear of the judge.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Tara LyonsPump Court Chambers 'Tara is dynamic, bright and cuts to the chase. A formidable and skilled advocate beyond her year of call with a talent for fostering a good working relationship with instructing solicitors. She is professional, dedicated and focused.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2
Annie WardPump Court Chambers 'Annie is thoroughly prepared and gets straight to the point. She understands and easily identifies the crucial elements of a case. A very impressive advocate.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Imogen Robins – Pump Court Chambers 'Imogen is very client-focused and able to deal with difficult and demanding clients in a firm but friendly way. She provides firm advice and prepares thoroughly.'
Ranked: Tier 3
John Chapman  - Pump Court Chambers 'He is very user-friendly. On his feet he is calm and switched-on, and has an admirable amalgam of boundless charm and politeness and devastating cross-examination and submissions.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Helen Brander  - Pump Court Chambers 'A very approachable barrister.'
Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

Set

A user-friendly set.’

Pump Court is a fantastic set of chambers.’

Pump Court has a strong family team.’

Very friendly and approachable set.’

Excellent strength in depth.’

Clerking

Sean Gentleman and James Collier are a joy to work with.’

Western Circuit > Employment Tier 2

Pump Court Chambers is ‘strong in the employment law field‘, and houses a team which maintains a presence in Winchester and London. Heather Platt garners praise for her ‘commercial pragmatism and technical knowledge‘; she successfully represented the claimant in Richards v Brocade Communications UK, a long-running unfair dismissal case. Daniella Gilbert has established strength in handling cases involving whistleblowing, discrimination, unfair dismissal, restrictive covenants and TUPE matters. Naomi Gyane is ‘an expert in her field‘ and is sought after for her expertise in handling discrimination, harassment and victimisation claims. Tim Dracass has a strong ability to get to the crux of issues in complicated cases‘. In July 2021 Gary Self was appointed a judge of the Employment Tribunals.

Leading Juniors

Heather PlattPump Court Chambers 'Heather exudes calmness and confidence, which sets clients at ease. An excellent cross-examiner with a commercial and pragmatic approach.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Daniella GilbertPump Court Chambers 'Daniella is an excellent advocate who commands the room. She is superb in cross-examination, tenacious on the details and her advice is clear, concise and tactically-driven.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Naomi Gyane - Pump Court Chambers 'Naomi consistently demonstrates an impressively high level of specialist technical knowledge. She is extremely sharp, and puts clients at ease whilst being quick-thinking and robust.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Tim Dracass - Pump Court Chambers 'Tim is an extremely robust advocate. He has in-depth knowledge of complex areas of employment law and offers practical and commercial solutions. He is calm and measured before the Tribunal.'
Ranked: Tier 2

Testimonials

Set

An excellent set with talented and bright counsel.’

Attentive and pro-active with experience in all areas of employment law.’

Great depth of experience and knowledge in its members.’

Pump Court Chambers is a great set. The level and expertise of barristers is second to none and the strength in depth is remarkable.’

Clerking

Jonathan Cue is extremely helpful and responsive.’

Strong clerking team who always make themselves available.’

South Eastern Circuit > Family and children law Tier 3

Pump Court Chambers' office in Canterbury (following its absorption of Stour Chambers in April 2023) is a ‘very experienced set’ that is ‘well known and respected in all courts’. The team is experienced in handling complex multi-day cases and matters of matrimonial and family finance. Simon Johnson specialises in childcare proceedings and is ‘well known for his strong advocacy skills’ and ‘providing detailed and insightful statements’. Adam Clegg has more than two decades experience in family law. Elizabeth Spence is experienced in handling cases involving high-value or complex asset structures, allegations of financial misconduct, and inherited assets. Stuart Snow is ‘an extremely well prepared and thorough advocate who has a good rapport with clients’.

Leading Juniors: Child Law (Public and Private)

Simon Johnson - Pump Court Chambers ‘Simon is professional. He has a good academic brain and is up to date on current case law. Simon is thoroughly prepared, always punctual and unflappable, and is very good at communicating pre-and post-hearing, including outside office hours.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Adam Clegg –Pump Court Chambers ‘Adam is a good advocate, presenting the client’s case with gravity, yet with humour and kindness. Adam has the ability to be concise yet cover all aspects of the evidence.’ 
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Elizabeth Spence – Pump Court Chambers ‘Elizabeth has attention to detail. She can quickly turn around the instructions, and confirm outcomes comprehensively. Clients are impressed with her knowledge and succinct advice.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

Set 

‘The set is very experienced, well known and respected in local courts.’ 

‘Chambers offer a range of highly regarded counsel at junior and senior levels.’ 

‘Chambers provides good support and help. It offers training programmes. There is a good selection of counsel who can step in if required.’ 

‘Stour Chambers is a highly professional set. It provides the right representation to the client whenever possible and always pleases clients and those instructing them.’ 

‘The Chambers is very approachable and friendly. It is always quick to respond to emails and will endeavour to juggle diaries if possible.’ 

‘Extremely strong family set. Good availability/choice of counsel. Training courses are well-presented and a good way to keep up to date with current law and any changes.’ 

‘The chambers is very good at providing counsel, even at short notice. The barristers are skilled and punctual.’ 

Work highlights

    Western Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)

    Leading Juniors

    Richard Tutt – Pump Court Chambers 'Richard has the ear of the judiciary. He fights his corner with charm and intelligence. Always well prepared and very hard working.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Mark Ruffell - Pump Court Chambers 'A strong, charismatic advocate who has a great courtroom presence. Mark has acute attention to detail and can swiftly see the heart of a matter, which fills clients with confidence.'
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Western Circuit > Commercial litigation

    Western Circuit > Personal injury

    Leading Juniors

    Adam GaddPump Court Chambers 'He is a highly impressive advocate with a tremendous court presence and mastery of the papers. His skills of organisation are impressive, as are his analytical abilities, particularly of complex, expert evidence. His judgement is impeccable and his inter-personal skills are very good.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Wales and Chester Circuit > Chancery, probate, and tax

    Leading Juniors

    Julian Reed – Pump Court ChambersHe has a natural manner with clients which makes him very approachable, and puts clients at ease in working with him. Julian has an eye for detail and makes succinct points. A barrister with a very good work ethic.’
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Wales and Chester Circuit > Family and children law

    Leading Juniors: Divorce and Financial Remedy

    Julian Reed – Pump Court ChambersJulian provides detailed analysis of the background of disputes, and gives very thorough advice on the next steps. The balance of his thorough and detailed analysis of the case, and his approachable manner, gives him qualities that few barristers can readily offer.’
    Ranked: Tier 2

    London Bar > Inquests and inquiries

    Leading Juniors

    Paul MertensPump Court Chambers  ‘Paul has a fantastic manner – calm and approachable but incredibly clever. He is an absolute star for inquiries and there is nothing he cannot assist with. Clients find him thorough and approachable – a top junior in this area. He is excellent. ’
    Ranked: Tier 3

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

    Leading Juniors

    Catherine EllisPump Court Chambers ‘Catherine is an experienced and understated counsel who gives everything to the cases she is working. She is detail orientated and capable of working under extreme pressure in complex matters.’
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Family and children law

    Pump Court Chambers ‘offers superb strength in depth in family law‘ and has ‘real talent at all levels of seniority‘. Penny Howe KC, who heads the public and private children law teams, is ‘a robust cross-examiner‘ and counts serious cases of fabricated and induced illness, violent and sexual abuse among her areas of expertise. Caroline Hartley is regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, serious injuries, salt poisoning and physical and emotional abuse. The ‘very articulate and intelligentEdward Boydell leads the family finance team, and is sought after for his experience in handling high-net-worth financial remedy cases.

    Rising Stars: Child Law (Public and Private)

    Cordelia Williams  - Pump Court Chambers 'A ferocious advocate and a tenacious fighter. She exudes confidence and always makes clients feel she is fighting their corner.'
    Ranked: Tier 1

    Leading Silks: Child Law (Public and Private)

    Leslie Samuels KC - Pump Court Chambers 'One of the top silks in children work, particularly in international cases. He is a first class advocate and very persuasive in court.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Penny Howe KC - Pump Court Chambers 'Penny has a wealth of specialist knowledge that she carries with such ease that she beguiles opponents and judges alike with her skilful advocacy. She fights for her clients with a highly persuasive combination of passion, insight and realism.'
    Ranked: Tier 1

    Leading Silks: Divorce and Financial Remedy

    Leslie Samuels KC - Pump Court Chambers 'He is extremely intelligent, very calm and considered, and tactically sound.'
    Ranked: Tier 1

    Leading Juniors: Child Law (Public and Private)

    Caroline Hartley – Pump Court Chambers 'Caroline gives pragmatic and practical advice. She has impeccable attention to detail, as well as a good strategic view of the bigger picture.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Jennifer Swan - Pump Court Chambers 'Jennifer is tenacious, quick-thinking and persuasive. A strong advocate who provides realistic advice.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    David JostyPump Court Chambers 'David is a talented barrister with a keen eye for detail, especially when dealing with complex medical cases. A clear, concise and authoritative advocate.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Victoria EllisPump Court Chambers 'A robust negotiator with an extremely pragmatic and practical approach to resolving cases. She is calm and collected and excellent with clients.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Corinne Iten – Pump Court Chambers 'She knows every side of a care case, which means her advice is helpful and precise. She communicates well with clients who feel confident in her calm and reassuring approach.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Andrew GrimePump Court ChambersAndrew is a calm but strong and incisive advocate with great attention to detail. He has a perfect combination of tenacity and authority. He has exceptional communication skills with all types of clients.’
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Helen Brander  - Pump Court Chambers 'She is very thorough in her preparation.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Charlotte StreetPump Court Chambers 'A highly persuasive advocate with a fierce intellect, who is able to maintain grace under fire. She is a commercially astute, strategic negotiator, who demonstrates an empathetic and sensitive manner with clients.'
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Leading Juniors: Divorce and Financial Remedy

    Edward BoydellPump Court Chambers 'Edward is very astute and has an incisive mind. His attention to detail is phenomenal. He is silk material.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Jennifer LeePump Court Chambers 'Jennifer is a very dynamic operator, and a fierce and outstanding advocate. In court she is robust and will fight to the bitter end for her clients. Nothing fazes her.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Geoffrey Kelly  - Pump Court Chambers 'Geoffrey is razor-sharp, precise and has a brilliant head for figures. He is charming but direct, and his advice is always reassuringly accurate. He has the ear of the judge.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Tara LyonsPump Court Chambers 'Tara is dynamic, bright and cuts to the chase. A formidable and skilled advocate beyond her year of call with a talent for fostering a good working relationship with instructing solicitors. She is professional, dedicated and focused.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Annie WardPump Court Chambers 'Annie is thoroughly prepared and gets straight to the point. She understands and easily identifies the crucial elements of a case. A very impressive advocate.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Imogen Robins – Pump Court Chambers 'Imogen is very client-focused and able to deal with difficult and demanding clients in a firm but friendly way. She provides firm advice and prepares thoroughly.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    John Chapman  - Pump Court Chambers 'He is very user-friendly. On his feet he is calm and switched-on, and has an admirable amalgam of boundless charm and politeness and devastating cross-examination and submissions.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Helen Brander  - Pump Court Chambers 'A very approachable barrister.'
    Ranked: Tier 3

    Testimonials

    Set

    A user-friendly set.’

    Pump Court is a fantastic set of chambers.’

    Pump Court has a strong family team.’

    Very friendly and approachable set.’

    Excellent strength in depth.’

    Clerking

    Sean Gentleman and James Collier are a joy to work with.’

    Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)

    At Pump Court Chambers in Winchester, the ‘very strong crime team‘ is led by the ‘robustJames Newton-Price KC, who is noted for his strength in handling cases of serious sexual offences, multi-handed fraud and homicide. Sarah Jones KC led Ellie Fargin in prosecuting a man who was received a life sentence for child destruction and grievous bodily harm after attacking his girlfriend, who subsequently suffered a miscarriage. The ‘very conscientiousPeter Asteris  prosecutes and defends in cases of complex sexual offences, and is sought after for his expertise in representing vulnerable clients. Multi-handed drugs and fraud conspiracies have been prominent in Mark Ruffell‘s recent caseload. In November 2021 Rebecca Fairbairn  joined from Drystone Chambers.

    Leading Silks

    Sarah Jones KC - Pump Court Chambers 'A fearless advocate whose natural and powerful advocacy is supported by hard work and attention to detail. She consistently demonstrates sound judgement, determination and natural ability.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    James Newton-Price KC – Pump Court Chambers 'James has assiduous attention to detail. He builds good rapport with clients and judges, and has a good court room manner.'
    Ranked: Tier 1

    Leading Juniors

    Peter Asteris - Pump Court Chambers 'Peter is a charismatic, highly skilled jury advocate. He has natural flair and inspires confidence in both instructing solicitors and lay clients.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Rebecca Fairbairn  - Pump Court Chambers 'Dedicated, determined and resourceful. She keeps a very cool head however complex the case, and her clear, down to earth style of jury advocacy is highly persuasive. Truly silk class.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Mark Ruffell - Pump Court Chambers 'Mark is incredibly industrious. He is a fierce cross-examiner yet exudes a style which juries warm to.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Tim Akers - Pump Court Chambers 'A methodical junior and a good trial advocate. He is measured and always in control.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Tom WilkinsPump Court Chambers 'Tom is diligent and has a friendly approach. Clients feel at ease in his presence, and they know he will fight their corner in court.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Ellie Fargin - Pump Court Chambers 'Ellie is excellent with clients. She is a powerful and effective advocate who shows a personal and human side to every case.'
    Ranked: Tier 3

    Testimonials

    Set

    A well-established set with an excellent reputation.’

    All members are outstanding advocates and liked by both clients and judges.’

    A strong set.’

    A strong criminal team.’

    Clerking

    The clerks at Pump Court Chambers are helpful and adaptable. Ben Harfield and James May always pull out the stops when it comes to listing and making sure all last minute matters are covered.’

    The clerking team are friendly and approachable.’

    Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)

    Leading Juniors

    Richard Tutt – Pump Court Chambers 'Richard has the ear of the judiciary. He fights his corner with charm and intelligence. Always well prepared and very hard working.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Mark Ruffell - Pump Court Chambers 'A strong, charismatic advocate who has a great courtroom presence. Mark has acute attention to detail and can swiftly see the heart of a matter, which fills clients with confidence.'
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Employment

    Pump Court Chambers is ‘strong in the employment law field‘, and houses a team which maintains a presence in Winchester and London. Heather Platt garners praise for her ‘commercial pragmatism and technical knowledge‘; she successfully represented the claimant in Richards v Brocade Communications UK, a long-running unfair dismissal case. Daniella Gilbert has established strength in handling cases involving whistleblowing, discrimination, unfair dismissal, restrictive covenants and TUPE matters. Naomi Gyane is ‘an expert in her field‘ and is sought after for her expertise in handling discrimination, harassment and victimisation claims. Tim Dracass has a strong ability to get to the crux of issues in complicated cases‘. In July 2021 Gary Self was appointed a judge of the Employment Tribunals.

    Leading Juniors

    Heather PlattPump Court Chambers 'Heather exudes calmness and confidence, which sets clients at ease. An excellent cross-examiner with a commercial and pragmatic approach.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Daniella GilbertPump Court Chambers 'Daniella is an excellent advocate who commands the room. She is superb in cross-examination, tenacious on the details and her advice is clear, concise and tactically-driven.'
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Naomi Gyane - Pump Court Chambers 'Naomi consistently demonstrates an impressively high level of specialist technical knowledge. She is extremely sharp, and puts clients at ease whilst being quick-thinking and robust.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Tim Dracass - Pump Court Chambers 'Tim is an extremely robust advocate. He has in-depth knowledge of complex areas of employment law and offers practical and commercial solutions. He is calm and measured before the Tribunal.'
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Testimonials

    Set

    An excellent set with talented and bright counsel.’

    Attentive and pro-active with experience in all areas of employment law.’

    Great depth of experience and knowledge in its members.’

    Pump Court Chambers is a great set. The level and expertise of barristers is second to none and the strength in depth is remarkable.’

    Clerking

    Jonathan Cue is extremely helpful and responsive.’

    Strong clerking team who always make themselves available.’

    Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Commercial litigation

    Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Personal injury

    Leading Juniors

    Adam GaddPump Court Chambers 'He is a highly impressive advocate with a tremendous court presence and mastery of the papers. His skills of organisation are impressive, as are his analytical abilities, particularly of complex, expert evidence. His judgement is impeccable and his inter-personal skills are very good.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Regional Bar > Wales and Chester Circuit > Chancery, probate, and tax

    Leading Juniors

    Julian Reed – Pump Court ChambersHe has a natural manner with clients which makes him very approachable, and puts clients at ease in working with him. Julian has an eye for detail and makes succinct points. A barrister with a very good work ethic.’
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Regional Bar > Wales and Chester Circuit > Family and children law

    Leading Juniors: Divorce and Financial Remedy

    Julian Reed – Pump Court ChambersJulian provides detailed analysis of the background of disputes, and gives very thorough advice on the next steps. The balance of his thorough and detailed analysis of the case, and his approachable manner, gives him qualities that few barristers can readily offer.’
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Established 75 years ago, Pump Court Chambers is a large and well-established common law set specialising in family, civil, criminal and international law, as well as forms of non-court dispute resolution such as commercial arbitration, family arbitration, mediation and private FDRs.

    The set: Chambers has 104 barristers, including seven silks, based across its three offices in London, Winchester and Swindon. Each centre is staffed by an experienced clerking team which is known for providing a consistently high service. Although based in London and on the Western Circuit, the work done by the set’s barristers extends throughout the UK and abroad. Members of chambers appear in all levels of courts and offer the highest quality advocacy and advisory services. Many sit as part-time judges in a variety of courts and tribunals, and it has a proud record of having provided numerous accomplished and highly respected judges to the Circuit Bench and other senior judicial posts.

    The set is highly regarded by its peers for the depth of its expertise across the full range of contentious legal services. Clients believe that what really sets chambers apart is its attitude to client service – barristers have an unstuffy approach, a ‘can do’ attitude and the ability to give clear advice that makes sense. Chambers is committed to professional excellence and always works to the highest ethical standards.

    Types of work undertaken
    Civil: The team, made up of over 40 practising members including two silks continues to growth in strength. Chambers has particular expertise in all areas of business and commercial, employment, inheritance, property, personal injury and clinical negligence, professional negligence, regulatory and transport law.

    The team also undertakes a large amount of professional negligence work, with a number of practitioners acting as legal assessors and representatives for the General Medical Council and other professional bodies.

    Family: With over 60 members including three KCs, Pump Court Chambers has one of the largest specialist family law teams at the Bar. The team practises in four main areas: family finance, court of protection, children public law and children private law. To meet the growing need for a non-court-based resolution service for family finance cases, the team also provides services in family arbitration, mediation and private FDRs. The family finance team undertakes a wide spectrum of work, from complex high-net-worth ‘big money’ cases to actions with more modest assets and incomes. The private children law team specialises in residence and contact disputes and applications for permission to remove children from the jurisdiction. The team also has extensive experience in dealing with child abduction cases with international dimensions and matters involving serious domestic and sexual abuse. In public law it advises and represents local authorities, parents and guardians in all areas of children work, including applications for care and supervision orders, applications for placement and adoption orders, applications under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, and disputes where local authorities have been joined as parties to applications for judicial review.

    International: Oba Nsugbe KC, SAN is widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s and Nigeria’s leading barristers and commercial arbitrators. He has a broad international practice with a particular interest in Africa. He is qualified as a barrister and a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He advises the Nigerian federal government, several state governments and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, as well as having appeared as an expert witness in several UK cases involving Nigerian law. In addition, he routinely works in other overseas jurisdictions such as Germany, the Cayman Islands, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe. He is frequently involved in multi-jurisdictional cases. Anthony Akiwumi is admitted as an attorney of the Cayman Islands and has practised in this jurisdiction since 1997. He has an excellent command of the issues arising in the context of an increasingly regulated offshore environment. In 2002 Anthony was part of the team that successfully represented the Cayman Islands in its presentations to the OECD/FATF, resulting ultimately in the removal of the Cayman Islands from the list of non-co-operating jurisdictions. Jason Nickless enjoys cases with an international flavour and has advised clients both on- and offshore. He has been called to the Bar in the British Virgin Islands and appeared there before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, where he was involved in two appeals dealing with the interrelationship between insolvency rules and arbitration clauses. He has dealt with a number of cases involving African mobile telephone companies. He regularly advises on conflict of law matters both inside and outside the EC jurisdictions. Naima Asif has spent significant time in Pakistan gaining experience in cases involving forced/child marriage, domestic/honour based violence, stranded spouse, international child abduction and Islamic law. Naima is regularly instructed to provide expert advice on Pakistani law and Islamic law.

    Regulatory: Our regulatory and disciplinary barristers represents businesses and professionals in disputes over their adherence to or application of the standards and rules that govern and guide their operation.

    These disputes often run in parallel with proceedings involving commercial, employment or criminal litigation. Our regulatory and disciplinary team are adept at handling these complex, multi-dimensional cases to ensure that our clients receive the best-possible representation on each aspect of the dispute.

    Businesses and professions are more closely regulated than ever before and failure – or even the suggestion of a failure – to comply with the relevant regulations and standards can have very significant, even career-ending, financial and reputational consequences. So, it is vital when proceedings are initiated against a business or professional that they access expert representation as quickly as possible, especially where matters progress to a tribunal.

    Criminal: Pump Court Chambers’ criminal advocates enjoy an outstanding reputation. Over the last 20 years more than 15 of the group have become circuit judges. In the same period 15 members of chambers have been appointed as King’s Counsel. From these solid foundations chambers has developed into one of the most modern and forward-thinking sets. The team is made up of four silks and 22 junior tenants.

    Alternative dispute resolution: Chambers offers a range of services to assist parties to resolve their issues in a modern, focused and cost-effective manner. These services include commercial arbitration, civil and family mediation, family arbitration under the IFLA scheme and private FDRs.

    DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
    Senior Clerk Tony Atkinst.atkins@pumpcourtchambers.com0207 427 7080
    Senior Criminal Clerk Tony Georget.george@pumpcourtchambers.com01962 833202
    Senior Civil Clerk Jonathan Cuej.cue@pumpcourtchambers.com020 7353 0711
    Senior Family Clerk Sean Gentlemans.gentleman@pumpcourtchambers.com0207 427 7084
    First Family Junior / Family ADR Clerk James Collierj.collier@pumpcourtchambers.com0207 427 7082
    Senior Employment / First Civil Junior Clerk Dean Cunniffd.cunniff@pumpcourtchambers.com0207 427 7086
    Regulatory & Civil Clerk Tom Woodt.wood@pumpcourtchambers.com0207 353 0711
    PhotoNamePositionProfile
    Mark Ablett photoMr Mark AblettMark Ablett has a specialist practice in family law, appearing at all…
    Naima Asif photoMs Naima AsifNaima specialises in children law, public law and human rights. She has…
    Siân Beaven photoMs Siân BeavenSiân is a specialist criminal practitioner. She has developed a practice prosecuting…
    Amy Berry photoMs Amy BerryAmy is a probate and property specialist on the Western Circuit. Her…
    Edward Boydell photoMr Edward BoydellEdward Boydell is highly experienced in all aspects of family law but…
    Samara Brackley photoMs Samara BrackleySamara is a specialist family practitioner. She accepts instructions across the full…
    Helen Brander photoMs Helen BranderHelen Brander has extensive experience in all aspects of family law and…
    Catherine Breslin photoMs Catherine BreslinCatherine has considerable expertise in complex and challenging matrimonial finance work. She…
    John Chapman photoMr John ChapmanJohn’s specialises in resolving financial disputes upon the breakdown of relationships.  He…
    Jesse Cook photoMr Jesse CookJesse Cook is known for his personable, down to earth style and…
    Mark Dubbery photoMr Mark DubberyInheritance, wills and probate, real property particularly constructive and resulting trusts, undue…
    Catherine Ellis photoMs Catherine EllisCatherine has a wealth of experience in both public and private law…
    Victoria Ellis photoMs Victoria EllisVictoria Ellis’s practice encompasses all aspects of family law and the overlapping…
    Antonia Ford photoMs Antonia FordAntonia Ford draws from over 18 years of experience as a lawyer,…
    Claire Fox photoMs Claire FoxClaire is a family practitioner with a particular specialism in public law…
    Adam Gadd photoMr Adam GaddAdam Gadd has a common law background and undertakes a wide range…
    Justin Gau photoMr Justin GauJustin Gau has practiced in Ecclesiastical law for many years. He is…
    Daniela Gilbert photoMs Daniela GilbertDaniella Gilbert is an experienced practitioner specialising in employment law and commercial…
    Andrew Grime photoMr Andrew GrimeAndrew specialises in family law, trusts of land, inheritance, wills and probate,…
    Naomi Gyane photoMs Naomi GyaneNaomi is a dual practitioner specialising in Employment law and Criminal law.…
    Kevin Haven photoMr Kevin HavenPreviously a solicitor and partner in a central London firm, Kevin subsequently…
    Henry Hawkesworth photoMr Henry HawkesworthHenry joined Pump Court after a period of tenancy in a leading…
    Maria Henty photoMs Maria HentyMaria Henty is building a practice in all areas of family law,…
    Penny Howe photoMs Penny HowePenny Howe QC acts in all aspects of the law relating to…
    Naznin Islam photoMs Naznin IslamNaznin specialises in public and private children law proceedings. She has particular…
    Stephen Jones photoMr Stephen JonesSpecialist practitioner in property law. Some recent significant cases: Lankester & Son…
    Geoffrey Kelly photoMr Geoffrey KellyGeoffrey specialises in all areas of family finance litigation. He appears regularly…
    John Ker-Reid photoMr John Ker-ReidChild AbductionChildren Law Public & Private
    Helen Khan photoMs Helen KhanChild AbductionChildren Law (Private)Children Law (Public)Court of ProtectionDomestic Violence
    Simon Lane photoMr Simon LaneSimon Lane is a property and estates barrister and mediator, with a…
    Jennifer Lee photoMs Jennifer LeeJennifer is a specialist family law practitioner. She has a thriving practice…
    Alejandra Llorente Tascon photoMs Alejandra Llorente TasconAlejandra Llorente Tascon is a specialist Criminal practitioner. She has a busy…
    Tara Lyons photoMs Tara LyonsBarrister specialising in matrimonial finance, financial provision for child, claims by cohabitees,…
    Ezra Macdonald photoDr Ezra MacdonaldEzra MacDonald has a broad civil practice, with particular expertise in employment,…
    Paul Mertens photoMr Paul MertensPaul Mertens has a busy practice, encompassing civil, family and public law. …
    Lucy Morrell photoMs Lucy MorrellLucy is a specialist criminal barrister. She undertakes all areas of criminal…
    Conor Mullan photoMr Conor MullanConor Mullan’s practice focuses on two main areas; Civil and Criminal law,…
    James Newton-Price photoMr James Newton-PriceJames Newton-Price QC has a busy practice with particular experience in cases…
    Oba Nsugbe photoMr Oba NsugbeWidely acknowledged as one of the UK’s and Nigeria’s leading barristers, he…
    Stephanie Painter photoMs Stephanie PainterStephanie Painter is developing a mixed common law practice, accepting instructions across…
    Margaret Pine-Coffin photoMs Margaret Pine-CoffinChild AbductionChildren Law (Private)Children Law (Public)Court of ProtectionDomestic Violence
    Heather Platt photoMs Heather PlattDuring over a decade at the Bar, Heather has built an impressive…
    Lucy Plumpton photoMs Lucy PlumptonLucy Plumpton enjoys a busy practice across the spectrum of Chambers’ work,…
    Ricky Powell photoMr Ricky PowellRicky Powell has broad common law experience across numerous practice areas. He…
    Julian Reed photoMr Julian ReedJulian Reed practices in the areas of family and civil law, specialising…
    Timothy Salisbury photoMr Timothy SalisburyTimothy Salisbury has a civil and commercial practice encompassing commercial litigation, personal…
    Leslie Samuels photoMr Leslie SamuelsChildren public law: Leslie undertakes complex and high-profile public law children cases…
    Alice Scott photoMs Alice ScottAlice Scott joined Chambers in October 2019 following the successful completion of…
    Neelo Shravat photoMr Neelo ShravatNeelo Shravat is an experienced child law barrister. He specialises in acting…
    Leonorah Smith photoMs Leonorah Smitheonorah Smith is a family practitioner, who specialises in Children Act matters…
    Charlotte Street photoMs Charlotte StreetIn family law Charlotte enjoys a broad practice encompassing all aspects of…
    Jennifer Swan photoMiss Jennifer SwanShe specialises in all aspects of children law with particular emphasis on…
    Hugh Travers photoMr Hugh TraversChild AbductionChildren Law (Private)Direct AccessFamily Finance
    Richard Tutt photoMr Richard Tutt
    Cordelia Williams photoMs Cordelia WilliamsCordelia is a specialist family practitioner with a particular interest in financial…
    Chinese (Mandarin and dialects)
    Hindu
    Urdu
    French
    German
    Italian
    Portuguese
    Spanish
    and various Nigerian languages

    CLIENT: Partner, UK Law Firm
    TESTIMONIAL: “I have be instructing Pump Court ever since I qualified in 2005 and I continue to do so now in my capacity as Head of the Family Team. It is fair to say that they are my go to Chambers and first choice for the majority of my cases. In addition, I have encouraged new members in the department to instruct Pump Court given their positive experiences, they continue to do so without my encouragement”.


    CLIENT: Partner, UK Law Firm
    TESTIMONIAL: What stands out about Pump Court Chambers is the ability to offer consistently, and at the right price, the right barrister for the right job, whether that is a half day final hearing dealing with a child arrangements dispute, or a complex financial dispute, or a complex financial case involving overseas assets, family trusts, farming assets and whatever else. For a large team such as ours, it is essential that our breadth and diversity of experience is reflected in chambers and it is.


    CLIENT: Partner, UK Law Firm
    TESTIMONIAL: We have almost exclusively used them since 2001, both at other practices and at my current firm. At the time I took over a matter from another firm and the client wished to retain the same Counsel who was at Pump Court Chambers. I was instantly impressed with the service of the clerks, and the client focused approach that was different from the regional set that we were using.


    CLIENT: Partner, UK Law Firm
    TESTIMONIAL: The Clerks’ service is excellent. The team are led by example by Tony Atkins the Senior Clerk who has taken the foundations of great client service and developed this to the next level since he has been in charge. Tony is loyal and supportive of his instructing solicitors. He will do whatever he can to make counsel available or to resolve any minor issues. His approach is commercial and innovative to the running of a barrister’s set as he never takes solicitors instructions for granted. He appreciates that solicitors have a choice of sets and that Pump court must remain competitive on service and fees.


    CLIENT: Partner, UK Law Firm
    TESTIMONIAL: My own experiences of Pump Court Chambers have ensured that I have recommended them to my own team and also to other areas of the Firm. In building and developing that relationship, Tony (the Senior Clerk) has been instrumental in supporting networking opportunities between us with members of his clerking team and Counsel, showing the value that they place on their instructing Solicitors and nurturing that relationship further, with more instructions from Solicitors within other areas of the Firm.