The 36 Group

Andrew Copeland

Andrew is a highly respected leading Junior who has dealt with allegations of serious, organised and high profile crime. He prosecutes and defends in equal measure. Andrew has extensive experience in homicide offences as a led Junior and drug, serious violence and fraud offences as a leading Junior. He has gained a sound understanding of scientific evidence namely, DNA, computers and mobile telephone analysis coupled with a wealth of experience in the forensic presentation of the same. He is recognised as a specialist in rape and difficult sexual offences. More recently Andrew’s practice has centred on financial crime and he specialises in Money Service Business fraud, VAT fraud, insurance fraud, advance fee fraud, mortgage fraud, high value benefit fraud and money laundering together with the associated confiscation procedures.

Ishfaq Ahmed

Ishfaq Ahmed has been practising at the Commercial and Admiralty Bar since October 2000 representing and advising in a wide range of commercial, shipping and employment litigation and arbitration. Ishfaq is a Member of the Commercial Bar Association, the London Shipping Law Centre, the Employment Law Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Employment Lawyers Association, the Industrial Law Society, the Institute of Employment Rights, YSIAC and of Lincoln’s Inn. He is fluent in Urdu, has a working knowledge of French and is able to read and understand some Arabic and Persian script. Ishfaq was admitted to the Register of Practitioners of the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts in 2014 and has appeared before the Dubai World Tribunal. Ishfaq is Head of 36 Stone.

Sandra Akinbolu

Position Sandra is a skilful and experienced advocate, specialising in Immigration, Asylum, Nationality and Public law. Ranked as a Leading Junior by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, she is approachable, knowledgeable and committed to the interests of her clients. Immigration, Asylum and Human Rights. Sandra advises on all aspects of public and private immigration work. She appears regularly in the Tribunal and Appeal courts, providing careful and professional representation in asylum, deportation, European and family cases. She also advises and represents on matters involving business immigration and nationality applications. Sandra is an experienced and popular trainer in this jurisdiction, providing expert seminars for HJT Training, MBL, and Law Friends. She is also the lead reviewer for Advocate, the Bar’s leading provider of pro bono work. Public Sandra has a busy judicial review practice, advising and appearing in immigration and asylum challenges, challenges involving British citizenship, age assessments, trafficking claims, unlawful detention, sponsor licences, housing and support claims, amongst others. Sandra is a regular speaker at the HJT Judicial Review conference. Direct Access Sandra is Direct Access qualified, and accepts instructions in all areas of immigration, nationality and administrative law. Easily accessible and clear in her instructions, Sandra provides advice and representation to both individuals and organisations as appropriate. She is a compassionate and professional advocate for those negotiating the legal system. Vulnerable clients Sandra is committed to ensuring that vulnerable clients have a fair opportunity to have their voice heard. She is empathetic, good with young people and works with UKGLIG, ILPA, ATLEU and various law centres to promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable in society. Recent cases Superior Courts in UK R (SWP) v SSHD [2023] EWCA Civ 439- Court of Appeal dismissed appeal against exclusion of Tier 2 PBS migrant spouse from Destitution Domestic Violence Concession (‘DDVC’), but also refused Secretary of State’s application to file late evidence on appeal, applying Ladd v Marshall [1954] EWCA Civ 1; [1954] 1 WLR 1489, and reiterating public law defendant’s ‘duty of candour and cooperation with the court’ it being ‘important that the defendant public authority should set out an accurate factual position to the court’. Procedural rigour ‘applies as much to defendant public authorities as it does to claimants.’ Forrester v SSHD [2018] EWCA Civ 2653 – Court of Appeal allowed an appeal, reinstating the decision of the FTT allowing an appeal against deportation. ‘Very compelling circumstances’ can be met in circumstances where the family life and private life are particularly strong ‘and these constituted very compelling circumstances, sufficiently compelling to outweigh the very strong presumption in favour of deporting someone with a four year sentence.’

Juliet Allen

Juliet has over 20 years experience at the Bar and has specialised for many years now in financial remedies upon divorce and relationship breakdown. She brings significant experience at all stages of proceedings from strategic pre-proceedings advice and early neutral evaluation to interim applications for financial provision or to preserve the resources, through to multi-day final hearings and appeals including in the Court of Appeal. Juliet’s practice includes cases involving complex business arrangements, unusual trust structures, analysis of business accounts, farming cases and cases in which there are issues of non-disclosure or dissipation of assets, with a particular interest in disputes as to business valuations and cases in which third party property interests arise in financial remedy. Notable cases LE v EL (Costs) [2025] EWFC 534 (B) LE v EL [2024] EWFC 481 (B) McClean v McClean & Ors [2023] EWHC 1735 (Fam) – Juliet represented the husband led again by King’s Counsel before Roberts J in this successful appeal of a first instance financial remedy decision in a case which centred on findings of non-disclosure and procedural unfairness LF v DF (Financial Remedy: Appeal: Costs Debts in a Needs Case) [2021] EWFC B50. Another successful appeal in a financial remedy case concerning the assessment of Needs Moher v Moher [2019] EWCA Civ 1482, [2020] 1 FLR 225: Juliet represented the husband initially on her own and subsequently led by King’s Counsel in this seminal Court of Appeal decision concerning (inter alia) the principles regarding drawing adverse inferences from non-disclosure S v S – long marriage case involving substantial business assets and other shareholdings which proved difficult to value due to the volatile nature of the sector, likely to exceed £40m. B v B – Juliet represented a very high net worth husband with a controlling interest in a series of family companies and trusts holding a substantial commercial property portfolio. The primary issue concerned the effect of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements on the outcome after a short-medium length marriage.

Marisa Allman

Marisa specialises in complex private law children and financial remedies cases, particularly international cases and those involving multiple businesses, family trusts, and third-party interests, including Schedule 1 and applications. Marisa is a qualified arbitrator (finance) and also offers her services as a neutral evaluator at Private FDRs. Her international expertise extends to issues of cross border personal status – marriage, divorce, gender, parenthood or parental responsibility and international adoption. She also represents parties in child abduction cases. She has particular experience in jurisdictional disputes, and regularly advises where there are competing jurisdictions. Marisa has provided expert evidence as to English family law to overseas courts in a number of cases. She is a fellow of the IAFL. She has additionally developed a niche practice in fertility law, donor conceived children, and surrogacy and is co-author of “Children and Same Sex Families: A Legal Handbook” aimed at family lawyers, professionals and people in same sex relationships (published by Jordan Publishing in March 2012). She regularly acts in High Court matters concerning recognition of parental status. A tenacious advocate when she needs to be, Marisa is known for her clear advice, attention to details and creative, pro-active approach to negotiating settlement. Clients particularly welcome her calm and collected approach.

Adrian Amer

In continual criminal practice since 1984. Has conducted all types of cases (except terrorism) of all types of seriousness, both prosecuting and defending, and leading junior counsel. Murder, rape, child sex cases, fraud, cybercrime and other serious criminal cases. Including all types of violence, fraud, drugs, money laundering, sexual and all indictable cases.

Ravi Aswani KC

Ravi Aswani is a commercial dispute resolution barrister. He has a broad practice which covers a range of areas including in particular shipping and international trade, banking and finance, commodities, construction, energy, insurance and re-insurance, and various international consortia and joint venture agreements. As well as litigation in the English courts (primarily the Commercial Court), Ravi has an extensive international arbitration practice. He has been instructed in arbitrations seated in several jurisdictions, both ad hoc arbitrations (in particular under LMAA rules and UNCITRAL rules) as well as institutional arbitrations (in particular ICC, LCIA and SIAC). Recent arbitrations he has been instructed on have been seated in Kosovo, Mauritius, New York, Qatar and Singapore, as well as in England. Increasingly, Ravi is instructed in arbitrations arising out of contracts governed by a law other than English law. Recent arbitrations he has been instructed on have involved consideration of Ghanaian law, Malaysian law and Singaporean law, as well as English law. Ravi has extensive experience of hybrid and remote hearings across a range of platforms, including across multiple time zones and asynchronous hearings. A considerable proportion of Ravi’s work involves him being instructed without a leader against KCs, SCs and SAs in various jurisdictions. He has significant experience of acting without a leader against senior silks, as well as of acting as co-counsel with foreign lawyers from both civil law and common law jurisdictions. Recent representative arbitrations include: related GAFTA arbitrations (English law, English seat), and related Commercial Court proceedings, arising out of a prohibition on export imposed by the Government of India to preserve domestic food security, an SIAC arbitration (Singapore seat, Singapore law) relating to the purchase of a large quantity of iron ore, an LMAA arbitration arising out of a long term high value freight forwarding contract (English seat, English law); an LCIA arbitration arising out of the resignation of the former CEO of a multinational business; an UNCITRAL arbitration arising out of a mining joint venture (Kosovo seat, English law); an LMAA arbitration (English seat, English law) raising questions of illegality under a foreign law; an ICC arbitration (English seat, Ghanaian law) arising out of contracts for the construction of hospitals; an SIAC arbitration (Singapore seat, Malaysian law) arising out of the moving to a new position of a large jack up oil rig; an LCIA arbitration (English seat, English law) arising out of alleged breach of loan facility agreement and ancillary guarantee; and two substantial and very high profile LOF arbitrations arising out fires on very large container ships. Recent representative litigation includes multi-million dollar litigation in the Commercial Court on behalf of charterers in claims for alleged long-term failures to service charterparty obligations. Ravi has a broad domestic and international client base and has developed particular links across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, as well as throughout the UK and Europe. Ravi is regularly instructed to provide expert evidence on English law for use in foreign courts and arbitral tribunals. He frequently speaks at conferences on subjects arising out of his practice areas, both in the UK and abroad. Ravi additionally has a growing arbitrator and mediator practice. In recent years he has received several arbitrator nominations / appointments in both institutional arbitrations (LCIA and ICC) as well as ad hoc arbitrations (primarily LMAA). He is a CEDR accredited mediator, a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is a member of the ICC Global Commission on Arbitration and ADR, representing the UK. Ravi has sat as a deputy district judge in the County Court since 2013 in general civil matters, and in 2020 received an authorisation to hear specialist chancery / bankruptcy and insolvency matters. An early adopter of social media for business purposes, Ravi has a large following within the dispute resolution community (and beyond) on LinkedIn. Ravi has a longstanding interest in matters of equality, diversity (especially intersectional), inclusion and belonging, and has over the years attended numerous cross-sector and cross-discipline advanced training events and seminars on these topics, observing considerable changes in thinking and practice over that time. Ravi also has a keen interest in mentoring and assisting the next generation of practitioners. He has participated in mentoring programmes run by Young ICCA (2018-2022), UCL (2019-2024) and others, sat in many moots, and is a Chambers' pupil supervisor. He is also often sought out informally for mentorship and career guidance by aspiring / junior practitioners. He has sat on the E&D Committee in Chambers for over 20 years.

Jane Bacon

Jane specialises in all cases relating to children in both public law and private law. Her practice focus is in complex care, adoption and private law proceedings, commonly where there is alleged non accidental injury (subdural haemorrhage, fractures, burns, factitious disorder) or sexual abuse. Jane is able to use her skill and knowledge as a former nurse and midwife to very good effect in taking clients and witnesses through these difficult cases. She represents local authorities, children, parents and other family members. Jane is experienced in international relocation cases and the jurisdictional issues that arise. Jane has over 10 years of experience in medical regulation sitting as a Chairwoman at the General Medical Council in cases against doctors of alleged professional misconduct.

David Ball

David specialises in immigration, extradition and human rights work. He is an experienced advocate, successful before the European Court of Human Rights and courts and tribunals at every level. He is recognised as an International Expert by the Council of Europe. He is ranked as a leading junior in both Immigration and Extradition.

Adiba Bassam

Adiba is a family barrister accepting instructions in private and public children law and international family law. Adiba has a multicultural background having been educated in Finland, as a result of which she speaks six languages (English, Finnish, Bengali, Swedish, Hindi and Turkish) and is able to cater to a wide range of clients and cultures. Adiba has a deeper understanding of especially the South-Asian culture and the impact of the same on cases and has delivered seminars on the topic. Adiba is frequently instructed in such cases achieving excellent results for clients. Adiba has represented clients successfully in multi-day final hearings and fact-finding hearings in both public and private children law. Adiba has represented many client’s in fact-finding hearings where they have been accused of tens of allegations, and managed to ensure not a single finding was made and in turn achieved findings against the other party of parental alienation. Adiba contributes to the Family Law Journal and other legal journals/texts regularly and is always available to present seminars on topical issues.

James Bide-Thomas

James is a highly sought-after advocate who commands the respect of his opponents and the judiciary by razor-sharp forensic skills which are presented to the jury with a calm, thoughtful and compelling style of advocacy. James has especial expertise in prosecuting Encrochat cases which involve possession of significant amounts of firearms and hundreds of kilos of drugs. He is also instructed to prosecute serious organised crime cases involving the supply of drugs, firearms and resultant criminal offences. In addition, James prosecutes and defends in cases of homicide, large-scale multi million pound frauds, money laundering, blackmail, armed robbery, rape, and other serious criminal offences. He is regularly instructed in homicides where the accused is a child. He is currently instructed for the defence in a case where a child killed his mother and for the prosecution in a case where a child killed his father. James has especial expertise in questioning children and vulnerable witnesses in the most serious and complex cases. In addition, James is instructed in homicide cases which have a background of organised crime and drugs. He is currently instructed to prosecute a manslaughter where a KC is defending which involves complex issues of causation, novus actus interveniens. He has successfully defended a person accused of false imprisonment and throwing boiling water on his prisoner and a person who was accused of seriously injuring his child. James is a Grade 4 Prosecutor, is on the RASSO list and, until its abolition, was a member of the Attorney General’s Panel of prosecuting advocates. He continues to act for other Government departments. He has extensive experience of cybercrime. In addition to his general criminal practice, James has expertise in defending businesses on smoke-free legislation. He represents local authorities and appellants in appeals against refusals to grant licensing applications and in taxi licensing appeals. He deals with Trading Standards cases and helps local authorities with rogue traders. He also deals in housing cases and inquests. James regularly appears in the Court of Appeal, he judicially reviews Crown Court decisions and assesses PII for social services and local authorities. CPS Panel appointments General Crime Level 4 RASSO Level 4

Elizabeth Blackburn KC

Elizabeth Blackburn QC has been in practice at the Admiralty/Commercial Bar since 1980 and took silk in 1998. She is recommended as a top-tier leading shipping silk in all the main directories. She is also a registered practitioner in the ADGM Court of Abu Dhabi and in the DIFC Court in Dubai. In addition to her commercial work, she is one of the most experienced KCs at the Bar in the field of large-scale casualty work and regularly advises on and acts in high profile maritime cases. Most recently she has been heavily involved as Leading Counsel in the major EVER GIVEN incident in the Suez Canal. After the successful outcome of an important preliminary issue in the Admiralty Court in March 2023, the case is now due for hearing in the Court of Appeal in February 2024. Her professional standing as an experienced commercial arbitrator has been recognised globally with membership of all the main commercial panels worldwide including the HKIAC, AIAC, SIAC, SHIAC, BVI IAC, LCIA Europe and the SCMA. She is also a Member of the Baltic Exchange and a supporting member of the LMAA. She has acted as Chairman and sole Arbitrator in ICC commercial arbitrations, including not only international trade disputes and shipbuilding contracts, but also supply contractual disputes in the energy sector. She has been a LOF Salvage Arbitrator since 2009.

Georgina Blower

Georgina specialises in criminal justice and public inquiries and routinely advises on sensitive, high-profile cases. She is a diligent and effective advocate who combines sound judgement with meticulous preparation. Georgina is an accredited advocacy trainer for Lincoln’s Inn. She has been elected twice by members of Lincoln’s Inn to the Bar Representation Committee between 2017-2022. She currently sits on the editorial and policy board for the monthly journal of the Bar, Counsel Magazine. Georgina has been commissioned by the Bar Standards Board to write and mark examination questions for the Bar Professional Training Course. She has previously acted as an examination marker for King’s College London. Georgina graduated from the University of Keele with a first class law degree and continued this success on the LL.M. at the University of Cambridge, where she was assistant editor of the Cambridge Student Law Review. Georgina has received awards for academic and legal excellence, including the Professor Michael Akehurst Award, granted to one academically outstanding student a year. She was awarded the Sir Thomas More Bursary and Sir Walter Wigglesworth Scholarship by Lincoln’s Inn. While at Cambridge University, Georgina was a researcher for the Cambridge Pro Bono Project, assisting UN Special Rapporteur, Professor Heyns, on his first thematic report for the UN Human Rights Council concerning the right to life in the context of policing assemblies. Georgina was a member of the Texas Defender Service panel at Cambridge University and conducted constitutional law research for several death row appeals, including in the US Supreme Court. During the summer of 2011, she undertook an internship with the Texas Defender Service in Austin, Texas, assisting attorneys defending capital cases. Prior to commencing pupillage, Georgina worked as a research assistant in the criminal law team at the Law Commission of England and Wales, assisting on reform to the law on insanity and automatism and contempt of court. She also gained in-house commercial experience whilst working as a legal assistant for Porsche Cars Great Britain Limited. Georgina has volunteered for Big Voice London, Liberty, Free Representation Unit and Toynbee Hall. Before coming to the Bar, Georgina participated extensively in mooting competitions nationally and internationally, culminating in her winning the Inter-Inn Mooting Competition 2009 (for Lincoln’s Inn) and coaching the Lincoln’s Inn team to the World Championships of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2010 in Washington DC, USA. She has been invited to judge the UK national rounds of the Jessup Competition on many occasions. Work undertaken: General Crime: Georgina prosecutes and defends in serious criminal cases, ranging from white collar crime to violent and sexual offences. She is a Grade 3 CPS prosecutor. Georgina has particular experience dealing with vulnerable defendants and witnesses and those with mental health issues, including with the assistance of an intermediary, and has undertaken specialist vulnerable witness training. Financial Crime: She has been instructed in a number of Serious Fraud Office investigations, including as disclosure counsel in a multi-handed multimillion-pound conspiracy to defraud investigation and as legal professional privilege counsel, jointly selected and instructed by Rolls-Royce, in an international bribery investigation. Public Inquiries: Georgina has significant experience acting in sensitive and complex public inquiries, where there is a great deal of public scrutiny, having been instructed as junior junior in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, as junior counsel for a key core participant in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and as senior junior counsel to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. She is experienced in advising on high-profile and voluminous disclosure and redaction exercises, including concerning sensitive and secret documents. Georgina is fully trained in the disclosure software Relativity and Autonomy. Other Work: Georgina is instructed in parole board and adjudication hearings. She has assisted on various advisory projects internationally, including advising on a multimillion-pound breach of contract case in Gibraltar; advising the Gibraltarian government on the investigation of child abuse allegations and providing guidance for use in the training of police officers, social workers and lawyers; and advising on plea, evidence and sentence for a high-profile false accounting case in Gibraltar. Georgina accepts instructions on behalf of the government, public bodies and individuals.

Andrzej Bojarski KC

Barrister specialising in family work, head of family finance law at 36 Family. Also a prominent arbitrator, neutral evaluator and mediator. Practice specialised in financial relief, including financial aspects of relationship breakdown outside marriage, such as trusts of land claims, and also general property law and inheritance disputes. Many substantial asset ancillary relief cases undertaken, including businesses, trusts and farming cases. Also instructed in proceedings involving intervening parties in relation to companies, trusts and complex property arrangements, including cryptocurrencies. Frequently instructed by solicitors where the case has some unusual or complex features requiring thorough scrutiny and legal argument. Author of a well-regarded textbook on ancillary relief practice, and regularly lectures on the topic in England and outside the jurisdiction. Andrzej is also the consul ting editor to Halsbury’s Laws of England 6th edition (Matrimonial and Civil Partnership volumes).

Caroline Bray

Caroline Bray works in the Midlands and exclusively in the Crime Team. Her practice focuses mainly on serious sexual offences and serious violent offences but her versatility and willingness to adapt means Caroline is often called upon for work in all areas of criminal law. Caroline is a Grade 3 prosecutor and is on the Rape Panel. Caroline has a particular skill in dealing with vulnerable witnesses and defendants and is well liked for her easy approach and demeanour. Work undertaken: All crime including appeals Serious sexual offences Serious violent offences Homicide and related offences Domestic violence Modern Slavery

James Bruce

James is an advocate who distills complex and overlapping evidence into an easy-to-digest narrative. His grasp of strategy allows him to focus on the most important points, and make them with force. He has developed a busy practice prosecuting for the CPS Complex Casework Units, as well as taking on Defence work of increasing seriousness. He brings this experience to Regulatory cases, from cases pre-charge through to sentence. Of particular interest are cases involving abuse of trust and serious violence. James has developed skill in putting traumatised witnesses – including defendants – at ease so as to get their evidence across more powerfully. James defends cases in the Courts Martial, covering a range of offences from desertion to ill-treating subordinates. He has appeared in Bulford, Catterick, Colchester, and Portsmouth Military Court Centres (when the latter two were operational) as well as the Court Martial Appeal Court. Key areas of expertise: Murder & Complex Crime General Crime Regulatory Court Martial

Rebecca Butler

Rebecca has a focused private family practice and receives instructions to attend hearings, write opinions and undertake drafting in financial remedies, private children, Family Law Act and Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act cases. Prior to joining 36 Bedford Row, Rebecca gained broad experience as a legal assistant in commercial litigation with Quinn Emanuel and later as a paralegal in private criminal prosecution. Rebecca is proactive in undertaking pro-bono legal work and has done so at Toynbee Hall, Legal Aid Practitioners Group, and AMICUS. She is a member of the Bar Pro Bono Unit.

Christopher Carr

Chris Carr specialises in financial disputes when relationships end, whether through divorce or separation. His cases will typically involve complex financial and legal issues, and those which require excellent client care and witness handling skills. He is generally instructed in cases in which there are substantial assets and income, complex company structures, partnerships, trusts, hidden assets and income, parties with a high profile, or an international dimension. Chris lectures on family finance to fellow barristers and solicitors, and is a contributing author to the Practical Law Company website on family law. Chris is a member of the Family Law Bar Association and Resolution. Specialist in Financial remedies Cohabitation claims Schedule 1 Children Act applications

Sabuhi Chaudhry

Sabuhi specialises in both financial remedy and private law children work. For Financial remedy, Sabuhi undertakes a broad spectrum of work dealing with finances on marital breakdown including issues concerning employed, self-employed and family businesses; cases involving a foreign element; debt; pre and post marital accruals and separation agreements; children with special needs and/or adults with medical needs and the impact of the same on finances. Sabuhi also deal with contested divorce or Nullity cases For Private Law Children cases, Sabuhi’s practice includes issues concerning serious domestic violence and complex fact finding cases; mental health; child special needs; cases concerning religious or cultural element; applications for internal and external relocation.

Amy Childs

Amy is a public law practitioner specialising in immigration law. She has a wide ranging practice acting in judicialreview challenges and appeals including at Court of Appeal level. Amy has particular expertise in working with vulnerable clients such as those with disabilities, minors, victims oftorture, victims of trafficking and claimants with no capacity. She is known for her ability to put her clients at easeand for her thorough and prompt advice, including at early stages of litigation. Amy has a specialist interest and experience in cases which have a cross-over with family law including adoption.Amy recently appeared for the Appellant in Uddin v SSHD [2020] EWCA Civ 338 (led by Gordon Lee) where theCourt of Appeal ruled that cases involving foster families do not attract a special rule for the purposes of Article8(1) assessment and clarified the correct approach to assessment of family life for young people who had turned18. This was a successful appeal against determination of the Upper Tribunal which found the foster relationshipto be a “commercial arrangement” and therefore grounds for discounting emotional attachments. Amy is regularly instructed in complex deportation and international protection claims, including acting forminors. She has an expertise in international protection claims involving cessation and revocation of status. Amy regularly advises and acts in judicial reviews in a variety of claims, including those raising issues ofremedies and has a particular interest in cases raising procedural unfairness. Prior to coming to the bar, Amy worked for the British Red Cross as a coordinator and on tracing refugee families. She also worked for Sutovic and Hartigan solicitors assisting with immigration and human rights cases includingat the Supreme Court level. Amy is committed to supporting legal charities and volunteers offering legal advice at UK Lesbian and GayImmigration Group and Migrants Organise.

James Collins

James Collins specialises in all the practice areas of chambers, in particular public and administrative law and immigration and human rights law. He is regularly instructed in many of the cutting edge challenges in this area and has been involved in a series of seminal cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords and more recently the Supreme Court. A full list of representative lead cases published in the Law Reports is available but recent lead cases include: Secretary of State for the Home Department v Baiai at al [2008] 3 WLR 549 (House of Lords); Ahmed Mahad & Others v Entry Clearance Officer [2010] 1 WLR 48 (Supreme Court); HH & Others v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2010] Imm AR 563 (Court of Appeal) James Collins is preferred counsel for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. More recently James successfully represented the Claimant in Mehmet Ebcin v SSHD [2011] Imm AR 552 the first case to come before the High Court on the issue as to whether an application to revoke an automatic Deportation Order made in accordance with the UK Borders Act 2007 generates a right of appeal under section 82(2)(k) of the Nationality and Immigration Act 2002; James also appeared in AAO v Entry Clearance Officer [2011] EWCA Civ 840 a case before the Court of Appeal where there was no previous authority, either in Strasbourg or the United Kingdom, in which a dependent parent argued she had a right pursuant to Article 8 ECHR to join an adult daughter in the United Kingdom; James also successfully represented the Claimant in Ali Polat v SSHD [2011] EWHC 3445 Admin the first case where the High Court considered how the exclusion clauses of the 1951 Refugee Convention applied to an applicant to a discretionary policy of the Secretary of State In 2012 James was instructed on a pro bono basis by Liberty to represent a Palestinian family and in three different ‘Country Guidance’ cases in the Upper Tribunal in relation to Albania, Azerbaijan and Ethiopia. Decisions in two of those have now been handed down [2012] UKUT 00348 (IAC) EH (Blood Feuds) Albania and [2013] UKUT 00046 (IAC) SL (Unmarried mother with mixed race child) Azerbaijan. James is presently instructed in a series of Court of Appeal matters including a challenge to the current interpretation of the Court of Appeal decision in Kugathas v SSHD [2003] EWCA Civ 31 and a challenge as to whether the Upper Tribunal can depart from extant country guidance in respect of Somalia.

Fenella Cooil

Fenella Cooil is a specialist children law barrister. She is regularly instructed in complex private children cases including those with allegations of domestic violence and parental alienation. Fenella is also instructed to advise and represent parties in internal and international relocation cases and Hague and Non-Hague convention child abduction cases. Fenella acts for local authorities, parents and children’s guardians in proceedings involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, non-accidental injury and chronic neglect. She represents vulnerable clients with drug/alcohol addiction, mental health disorders and learning difficulties and has experience in cross examining experts including paediatricians, psychologists and psychiatrists. Fenella has a pragmatic and straight-talking approach; she is described by her clients as empathetic, tenacious and incisive.

Jonathan Cox

Jonathan is a Grade 4 prosecutor. He is almost exclusively instructed by the Crown as leading counsel, or junior alone, in cases involving very serious organised criminality. He has particular experience and expertise in the prosecution of large scale, multi-defendant cases. He regularly appears in cases as leading counsel or junior counsel alone whilst prosecuting cases in which defendants are represented by Queen’s Counsel. Jonathan is meticulous in his preparation and highly regarded for the command that he demonstrates over every aspect of his cases. He is regularly instructed at the very early stages of investigations (frequently pre-charge) and prosecutions to provide guidance to both the Police and Crown Prosecution Service. He works extremely well as part of the prosecution team in each of his cases. He has a keen tactical approach to his work, regularly devising strategies to optimise his cases and ensure that they proceed as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is a combination that allows Jonathan to deploy the prosecution case in a potent and compelling manner. Jonathan has a particular interest in cases involving the organised supply of controlled drugs, firearms and examination of significant quantities of mobile telephone evidence. He has established a strong reputation for his ability to deal with cases based primarily on circumstantial evidence. However, Jonathan is also often briefed in cases involving homicide, serious non-lethal violence, serious driving offences involving fatalities and high value/complex dishonesty offences. Jonathan is also frequently instructed in substantial POCA proceedings. His commitment to and ability within those matters is demonstrated by his regularly securing hidden assets orders against defendants. Such is the standard of Jonathan's work and dedication that he demonstrates to each of his cases. He has received formal commendations from various Police Forces, throughout the United Kingdom, recognising his efforts on a number of prosecutions. Jonathan’s skill and ability to present his cases has been further recognised by his being asked to provide professional training on the giving of Evidence and Court Presentation to Regional Policing Teams and to give a lectures and presentations on behalf of Chorus analytical software.

Philippa Daniels

Barrister at 36 Bedford Row practising across the full range of chancery and chancery commercial litigation, drafting and advisory work. Her practice includes real property litigation (easements, co-ownership, restrictive covenants, land registration, adverse possession, boundary disputes, conveyancing, mortgages) as well as landlord and tenant (residential and commercial). She also has experience acting and advising in company and partnership disputes and personal and corporate insolvency including directors disqualification proceedings as well as trusts and estates together with associated professional negligence. Notable cases include: Edginton v Sekhon [2012] EWCA Civ 1812 (costs of a discontinued counterclaim); Quaintance v Tandan ChD Unreported, 24 July 2012 (change of common intention in jointly owned property); Ibuna v Arroyo [2012] EWHC 428 (Ch); [2012] WTLR 827 (Grant of letters of administration to the partner and daughter of a deceased Filipino politician); RMS Properties v Singh [2012] EWCA Civ 533 (Adverse possession – judge made errors in analysis of the evidence); Bowling & Co v Edehomo [2011] EWHC 393 (Ch); [2011] 1 WLR. 2217; [2011] PNLR 18; [2011] 2 EGLR 45; [2011] 21 EG 96; [2011] 10 EG 106 (CS); [2011] NPC 27 (Accrual of limitation period runs from date of exchange of contracts rather than completion).

Jamie De Burgos

Jamie is a barrister dealing with cases involving medical, including psychiatric, and scientific evidence of special interest, and where there may be sensitive issues. Criminal law, especially sex/child abuse cases, fraud and general crime, eg R v CAZ (1990) (child evidence). Family law both children (public and private law) and financial aspects and international child law eg Belton v Belton (1987). Court of Protection work including right to life and care issues and mental health and adult care law including judicial review. Notable recent cases include: Re JT, Thurrock Borough Council v T High Court (Family Division) 7 February 2011; HH Judge Cahill QC sitting as a High Court Judge. Public law (care proceedings) in which a highly disturbed child was out of control of her adoptive parents. Unusual background; international features are an adoption of a Brazilian child in Brazil by German parents, who were resident in England at the relevant time for proceedings. The court was faced with expert paediatric evidence that the child was several years older than originally believed from the evidence of the birth certificate. (2) Re M, St A’s Hospital v M and others. Court of Protection, Mostyn J 28 September 2010. Appeared for local authority who provided social work mental health care to a patient who was mentally ill. The patient was refusing a diagnostic biopsy or further treatment for suspected myeloid leukaemia and was likely to die within weeks without treatment. He was adjudged incapable within the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Official solicitor intervened on behalf of patient. Hospital where patient currently held under Mental Health Acts sought a declaration that it was lawful not to treat him. High Court judge (sitting in Court of Protection) heard evidence and legal argument, and granted declaration sought. TG and AH v North Somerset Council QBD (Admin Court) Laws LJ, July 1, 2011. Appeared for local authority which successfully resisted a judicial review of the quantum of payments and method of delivery of payments and services to severely disabled and mentally incapable young adults.

Charles Debattista

Charles Debattista practises as a barrister and as an arbitrator in high-value international commercial disputes. Apart from representing parties in disputes at all levels of the English Courts and arbitral tribunals, he is also regularly engaged to provide expert opinions on English law abroad on areas of his expertise. Charles attracts instructions and appointments in all aspects of dry shipping disputes, international sales of commodities and other goods, letters of credit and bank guarantees, energy, ship management, and super-yacht disputes and more general international commercial contract matters.

Doran Doeh

Qualified in England as both a barrister and a solicitor, Doran has over 40 years of legal experience in London and Moscow, including complex cross-border transactions as well as disputes. In April 2019, he returned to London to practice as an arbitrator at 36 Stone. He has worked extensively in the energy sector and in M&A, banking and finance, commodities and shipping. His diversity of background enables him to accept a wide range of arbitral appointments. For example, he has recently held one in a dispute between oil traders concerning two transactions between them and another in a dispute between a lender and a customer over enforcement of a loan in default.

Christopher Donnellan KC

Christopher Donnellan KC has extensive experience in defending and prosecuting serious crime including murder, manslaughter, and death by driving. He has particular expertise in health and safety cases involving death in the workplace and transport industry. He co-authored the response of the Bar to the Corporate Manslaughter Bill, and gave evidence to the House of Commons Committee. Described as having “an excellent brain and bedside manner”. He has acted in complex, high profile cases of child abuse and historical sexual offences. He also has extensive experience in fraud, corruption, money laundering and confiscation. Christopher is also Joint Head of the 36 Group.

Samantha Dunn

Samantha is an experienced and established family law practitioner that has specialised in children act proceedings both public law and private law. She provides frank and sensitive advice enabling clients to make informed decisions throughout the duration of their case. She will go above and beyond to provide exceptional service. She is regarded as a tenacious and persuasive advocate. Samantha will represent Local Authorities, parents, guardians and other interested parties / intervenors. She has experience dealing with cases involving the following issues:- Serious non-accidental injuries (fractures, baby shakes, infant death and bruising); Sexual abuse (including familial abuse and rape); Fabricated and or induced illnesses; Female Genital Mutilation; Deprivation of Liberty; Chronic neglect, emotional and psychological abuse; Drug and Alcohol abuse (she is experienced working with cases allocated to FDAC); Adults or children whom have learning difficulties or disabilities; Domestic Violence / Domestic Abuse (including honour-based abuse); Adoption; Special Guardianship; Child Arrangement disputes including intractable contact disputes and alienation. Samantha is qualified to accept instructions on a Direct Access basis.

Joanne Ecob

Joanne Ecob MCIArb specialises in all aspects of the law relating to children and has extensive experience of the more complex and high profile private and public law proceedings. She works across the full spectrum of cases in the Family Court, the High Court and the Appellate Courts. Joanne has a particular interest in private law cases involving educational issues and in cases involving complex medical issues. She is known for her calm, reassuring and sensitive approach in cases of seemingly intractable disputes over arrangements for children following the separation of parents. She frequently acts in cases involving intermediaries and children with and without capacity and she is experienced in both domestic and international cases . In international matters she has considerable High Court experience in abduction and relocation cases involving Hague and Non Hague countries. Joanne is a qualified children scheme Arbitrator and has conducted a number of Arbitrations concerning a range of issues concerning arrangements for children.

Beheshteh Engineer

Beheshteh joined both the 36 Crime and 36 Extradition teams as of March 2021, having completed a six-month secondment at the CPS Extradition Unit and prior to that, having practised in crime at the Independent Bar. Beheshteh is continuing to develop her criminal practice, prosecuting and defending in a range of criminal matters before the magistrates’ court, youth court and Crown Court. A recent prosecution included an adult charged with public order offences where the case had a long procedural history; the defend ant was ultimately convicted after trial. Beheshteh has successfully defended youth clients for an array of offences, including joint enterprise robberies. Beheshteh also undertakes appeals to the Crown Court and recently obtained a 10-month reduction in sentence for a youth client. Beheshteh has frequently dealt with cases with a modern slavery element. Beheshteh continues to build upon the experience she gained while on secondment at the CPS Extradition Unit. Whilst at the Unit, Beheshteh litigated Part 1 cases at first instance and in the High Court (judgments pending). She has experience conducting both preliminary and full extradition hearings. She is alive to the key challenges to extradition including the complexities which have arisen in the aftermath of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. Prior to coming to the Bar, Beheshteh volunteered with justice charities including the Communities Empowerment Network (CEN) and the Howard League for Penal Reform. Beheshteh was also a Director of Vocalise and taught prisoners at HMP Wormwood Scrubs and HMP Holloway. Beheshteh maintains a twitter account dedicated to legal news and is committed to increasing opportunity and diversity at the Bar. She co-edits www.pupillageandhowtogetit.com. Areas of experience: Extradition Serious & Complex Crime Financial Crime

Gwynfor Evans

Gwynfor Evans specialises in financial remedies (MCA 1973 and CA 1989 Schedule 1), trusts of land (TLATA), proprietary estoppel, and probate / inheritance disputes. His financial remedy work often involves international dimensions, companies, partnerships and third parties. Gwynfor’s background in IT (particularly database design and programming) enables him to present complex financial matters in a simple way using modern technology. He has a pedantic eye for detail, and an ability to present complicated arguments about e.g. pension sharing or the structuring of Schedule 1 / TLATA claims, in an orderly and simple fashion. Gwynfor is down-to-earth and approachable with clients, whilst being precise, thorough and tenacious with opponents. Gwynfor has a knack for achieving excellent results whilst maintaining a good humour at trial, and for finding creative solutions, where appropriate, in negotiated outcomes. Gwynfor sits as a Deputy District Judge on the South Eastern Circuit (civil and family) and also offers pFDRs in financial remedy disputes / early neutral evaluation (ENE) in TLATA disputes.

Moeiz Farhan

Broad commercial and International arbitration practice. Before joining 36 Stone, Moeiz worked for several years as an associate in the world-leading disputes practices of Gibson Dunn and King & Spalding, and completed pupillage at Atkin Chambers.

Claire Fraser

Claire is an experienced, robust and determined advocate practicing exclusively in criminal law. Her practice covers all aspects of criminal offences including murder, fraud, serious sexual offences, drugs and serious violent offences. Claire has extensive expertise in the areas of serious violence, sexual offences and in complex and sensitive cases. Claire is known for being approachable with excellent client care and for her scrupulous case preparation. Claire has appeared on behalf of the defence as junior counsel alone in cases of attempted murder. Claire is often instructed in cases involving expert witnesses and young and/or vulnerable witnesses/defendants and has substantial experience of cases involving intermediaries.

Eric Fripp

Eric Fripp has appeared in many leading cases concerning refugees, immigration, nationality, and human rights. His practice extends across a wide spectrum covering these areas and he is noted for his thoroughness and skill as an advocate and for the breadth of his supporting interests in international affairs, legal and political philosophy, and history. In addition he is recognised internationally as a particular authority on nationality and statelessness and their interaction with the Refugee Convention 1951 and other protective instruments. He has a particular commitment to good analysis of relevant factual matters and the clear exposition of complex legal issues. Areas of Experience: Human Rights Immigration International International Human Rights Law Nationality and Asylum Public Law Eric is Joint Head of 36 Public and Human Rights.

Kate Grieve

Kate Grieve is a children’s law specialist. She is very astute and to the point, knowing how to manoeuvre through the trickiest and most intractable cases with utmost tact. Very good with clients, she’s approachable, understanding and generous with her time. Her innate emotional intelligence puts clients at ease straight away. She is a robust advocate, firm in her approach. Kate maintains excellent relationships throughout cases and ensures that there is a co-working relationship between counsel and solicitor. Once involved in a case she goes above and beyond, and, as a consequence, is admired by clients, solicitors and judges alike.

Michael Haggar

Michael primarily practises in criminal law and extradition. Michael appears most frequently in the Crown Court, where he both defends and prosecutes. He has been instructed in several cases involving allegations of serious crime, including murder, s. 18 GBH with intent, and conspiracy to supply large quantities of Class A drugs. Michael regularly appears in the High Court, on judicial review cases and extradition appeals. He has appeared in the Court of Appeal, where he successfully overturned a conviction on the grounds that the trial judge’s conduct deprived the defendant of a fair trial (R v Myers [2018] EWCA Crim 2191). That was a case where the judge, during the defendant’s trial, threatened to send the defendant’s fourteen-year-old daughter - who was not accused of any crime – down to the cells. Michael has been instructed in several cases raising human rights issues. He appeared successfully in a High Court terrorism-related case (Re M, 2019). The Court was asked to determine whether the Article 6 ECHR right not to self-incriminate should bar disclosure of confidential material from family law proceedings to the police. Michael aims to promote the legal norms that underpin sustainable development. He acts as a consultant for Protimos, an NGO that works to build the rule of law across Africa. Protimos conducts litigation on behalf of indigenous communities displaced from their land or deprived of their rights under domestic and international law. It also works proactively with private industry and investors. As part of his work at Protimos, Michael has made written and oral representations to the World Bank on behalf of communities in Lesotho comprising over 10,000 people (the World Bank is a major funder of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project).

John Hallissey

John is a criminal law specialist whose practice is focussed upon serious and organised crime. He is a grade 4 prosecutor, a grade 4 member of the Serious Crime Group Panel. John’s cases typically involve a significant amount of telephone and surveillance evidence or significant amounts of financial documentation. In recent years John’s practice has seen a bias toward large-scale drug operations, firearms offending, people trafficking/modern slavery and homicide John prosecutes for local and regional Trading Standards Services, typically being engaged at an early, often pre-charge, stage of the proceedings to advise on the best strategy from the outset. A natural advocate, John is forceful and persuasive in front of a jury and has an ability to cut straight to the point of a case.

Dominic Happé

Dominic Happé’s practice focuses on all aspects of international trade, particularly shipping (both dry and wet) and commodities, as well as ship sale and purchase and shipbuilding. He acts in arbitration, in the Commercial Court and in the Court of Appeal. He has wide experience in interlocutory applications, particularly anti-suit injunctions. He advises on all aspects of his practice, including the drafting of large scale commodity, mining and mineral exploitation contracts. Dominic is particularly experienced in assisting in devising and co-ordinating an effective strategy over multiple jurisdictions. Cases of interest include: OMV v Vector [2014] Lloyd’s Rep. Plus 31 – dispute over recovery of customs penalties paid the opposing party had been engaged in the circumvention of EU anti-dumping penalties and the origin of the goods was concealed; The ‘Bulk Chile’ [2012] 2 Lloyds Rep 594 – the first case to consider the interrelationship between a notices/rights of lien and notices/rights of interception of freight; Christian D [2011] ILPr 38: anti-suit injunctions; whether or not a declaratory arbitration award is enforceable; Easybiz Investments v Sinograin & Anor ‘The Biz’ [2011] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 688: cargo claim, breach of arbitration agreement; Novasen v Alimenta [2011] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 390: commodities; FOSFA Appeal; The “Kallang” No. 2 [2009] 1 Lloyd’s Rep.124; The “Duden” [2009] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 145: anti-suit injunction; scope of arbitration agreement and anti-suit relief in the context of arrest proceedings; Samsun Logix v Oceantrade [2008] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 450: shipping; nature of lien over sub-hire; interrelation of lien and arbitration award.

Lisa Hardy

Practice Areas: Crime – Serious organized crime, homicide, serious injury to children, motor homicide, drugs and firearms, and serious violence. Lisa has developed detailed knowledge of complex pathology and medical evidence in cases of child homicide and serious injury. Lisa has a busy, diverse practice across England. She is well-known for presenting cases clearly and compellingly, with forensic precision. Lisa is tenacious in court, often able to alter judicial opinion. She is a persuasive jury advocate, commended for guiding vulnerable witnesses through evidence in chief and cross-examining them without alienating the jury. With exceptional client care skills, Lisa builds trust easily, enabling clients to share concerns and participate effectively in the trial process. Her clients know they receive her full attention and best skills at all times. Lisa has a particular interest in cases involving mental health issues and has expertise in neurodiverse conditions and assisting those with protected characteristics. Lisa is an advocacy trainer for pupils and new practitioners on the Midland Circuit and Co-Chair of the Midland Circuit Social Mobility Committee. She is heavily engaged in the Midland Circuit ED Committee and Women’s Forum and works with local universities to encourage pathways to the Bar. Lisa also serves as an Independent Legal Chair for Paddle UK.

George Harley

Children Act work is focused to private children case, in particular parental alienation matters or where there is a breakdown down in contact in light of implacable hostility from one parent, and the manipulation of children in such disputes is often a challenge to overcome. Financial remedies work is focused on high net cases with an international element. Often, World Wide Freezing Orders are a necessary application being made before the High Court . In particular, cases where assets have been dissipated prior to divorce proceedings and an add back needs to be established. Also, Schedule 1 cases in respects of a child’s financial needs. A nuanced area of George’s practice is void/voidable and non-marriage cases, often requiring expert evidence as to cultural practises which can be fascinating.

Sally Hobson

Sally is a senior criminal practitioner with a practice consisting predominantly of complex criminal matters. She is sought-after due to her substantial experience of difficult and serious sexual offence cases involving both contemporary and historic allegations and is excellent in dealing with defendants and witnesses with mental health issues and other vulnerabilities. Although sensitive to the needs of the vulnerable, she has been described as ‘highly skilled’ in her cross-examination of witnesses. Due to the serious nature of Sally’s practice she is instructed to appear at Court Centres throughout the country and has extensive experience of homicide, rape and serious sexual allegations, fraud and money laundering, and large scale drug conspiracies. Sally is frequently instructed in difficult cases due to her consultative approach and knowledge of expert witnesses. She is able to advise at an early stage of the proceedings as to the suitability of a particular expert. In addition to her criminal practice, Sally appears at adjudications and parole hearings within the prison system. She is also able to advise at an early stage as to judicial review of a refusal to grant parole.

Guy Holland

Guy acts as counsel and mediator specialising in claims relating to trusts of land and inheritance disputes. Guy’s experience lies in claims concerning the creation, ownership, transfer or protection of property rights or rights over property following the breakdown in relationships between cohabitees, family members and those involved in joint enterprise. Much of Guy’s practice is made up of work relating to TOLATA 1996, beneficial and resulting trusts, proprietary estoppel, undue influence and real estate fraud. Whilst most of Guy’s work is civil litigation Guy is frequently required to act on behalf of interveners in Financial Remedy cases involving trust of land disputes and high value Schedule 1 Children Act matters. Guy has the skills and experience necessary to deal with cases concerned with challenges to the validity of a will, undue influence as well as disputes relating to the proper administration of an estate. Guy frequently acts in claims made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Nadeem Holland

Nadeem’s practice focuses on cases of financial wrongdoing, serious organised crime and homicide. Nadeem is highly sought after by both defence solicitors and prosecution agencies. Nadeem is ranked as a leading junior in the 2022 Edition of the Legal 500.

Andrew Howarth

Prior to being called to the Bar Andrew worked in international banking in the city. A member of the Criminal Bar Association and both the Midland and South Eastern Circuits and practising widely on both circuits. A practice divided equally between prosecution and defence work, including prosecuting and defending in serious sexual offences, child abuse, murder and serious offences of violence. Recent experience also includes confiscation and offences arising from company insolvency.

Paul Infield

Barrister, arbitrator and mediator. Leading counsel in Birch v. Birch in the Court of Appeal ([2015] EWCA Civ 833, [2016] 2 FLR 467) and junior counsel in that case in the Supreme Court ([2017] UKSC 53, [2018] 1 All ER 108, [2017] 1 WLR 2959, [2017] 2 FLR 1031) Publications: The Law of Harassment and Stalking (Co-author) (Butterworths, 2000)

Roxanne Iqbal-Clare

Roxanne Iqbal-Clare (formerly Roxanne Aisthorpe) accepts instructions for both the defence and the Crown across a full range of criminal matters. Roxanne has a particular interest in serious organised crime and financial crime. To this end, she has amassed valuable experience in large white collar investigations as well as developing a burgeoning practice in advising corporate clients in criminal and pseudo–criminal proceedings. After finishing the Bar Vocational Course, Roxanne worked in Japan and spent a period of time working for an international law firm, Kojima Law, in Tokyo. Prior to coming to the Bar, Roxanne worked for the Home Office dealing with asylum applications and cases of human trafficking, this included interviewing applicants, making decisions and advocacy at the Immigration Tribunal. This grounding in immigration law is invaluable when dealing with criminal cases with an immigration dimension or clients who have immigration issues. Work undertaken: General crime Corporate/White Collar Crime Forfeiture & confiscation Regulatory Prison Adjudication and Parole Reviews Private Prosecution Judicial Review Immigration (including business/corporate)

Lara Izzard-Hobbs

Lara is a children law specialist. Many of her cases involve significant disputed allegations of psychological, physical and sexual harm. From early in her practice Lara has dealt with complex issues such as capacity, contested expert evidence and concurrent criminal proceedings. Lara has appeared unled in the High Court as well as being led in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. She acted as junior counsel for the successful appellants in each of Re H-W (children) (No 2) [2022] UKSC 17 and IG (Child Abduction Habitual Residence Article 13b) [2021] EWCA Civ 1123. Lara has particular knowledge of law and procedure in respect of vulnerable parties and witnesses, and is sought out for seminars on the topic. She is noted by solicitors for her thorough preparation and client care.

Henry James

Henry James has a busy practice. In recent years his caseload has included murders, arsons, large scale drugs conspiracies, frauds, conspiracy to commit bankruptcy offences, serious assaults. In 2004 he was instructed in the landmark historic sexual assault case of R v Smolinski. Since then he has maintained a successful record both as a prosecutor and defence advocate in allegations of contemporary and historic abuse. Outside of court he has advised extensively on Sexual Offender Prevention Orders (now Sex Harm Prevention Orders). He has also been instructed to provide pre-charge advices in a large number of complex sexual cases. He is a level 3 rape accredited prosecutor. Never content simply to accept the decision of first instance, Henry has a long and successful record of challenging sentences and convictions in the Court of Appeal. As well as dealing with his own cases, he has also been instructed to advise on a significant number of cold cases - successfully pursuing numerous out of time appeals against both determinate and indeterminate sentences.

Raphael Jesurum

Raphael practises in asylum, immigration and nationality law. He appears regularly in the Upper Tribunal, the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal. Raphael accepts instructions from law firms and members of the public ("direct access"). He has been praised by instructing solicitors as dedicated and willing to go the extra mile for clients. His advocacy has been described as "exemplary". Raphael's main interest is strategic litigation: working in partnership with solicitors to identify new legal points, training caseworkers to spot them, and advising early in order to test the issues on appeal. The aim is to build cases with overwhelmingly strong evidence, and develop arguments to test and change the law. An example is the successful campaign to secure settlement rights for the children of Gurkha veterans: working closely with Howe & Co. Solicitors, Raphael developed a case preparation template based on causation and historic injustice, and developed the arguments (adopted by the other parties) which were accepted by the Court of Appeal in R (Gurung) v SSHD [2013] 1 WLR 2546. The Upper Tribunal then developed the case law further, recognising that historic injustice will "normally require" a decision in an appellant's favour (Ghising and others (Ghurkhas/ BOCs- historic wrong- weight) [2013] UKUT 567 (IAC)). As a result, the Home Office modified its policy. Before coming to the bar, Raphael was a successful broadcaster and foreign correspondent, working for the BBC and other international news outlets. He reported on the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, the Albanian uprising in 1997 and separatist violence in Macedonia.

Charlotte Jewell

Charlotte has been practising in family law since 1999. She specialises solely in financial remedy matters and has significant experience at first and appellate court level. She is thoroughly adept at cases involving complexities such as foreign elements, seemingly intractable disputes, third party interests, asset tracing, forensic accountancy and interlinked company structures. She has a successful niche practice in drafting and advising on pre and post nuptial agreements and has lectured frequently on this topic. Charlotte is known for her down to earth, firm manner which instils confidence in clients and for her thorough determination to achieve the best for them, either at court or in negotiation.

Derek Johashen

An experienced and senior criminal defence advocate who has been involved in many of the most serious of cases involving murder, manslaughter, gang-related crime, large drugs conspiracies, rape and serious sexual offences. Derek has successfully taken cases to the Court of Appeal: recently where he has argued fresh evidence is such that original conviction should be re-opened and the appellant was acquitted, and others where very long sentences have been reduced significantly. Derek is a cross qualified solicitor and barrister. He was a solicitor from the late 1980s. From 2005 to 2015 he was the senior partner of one of the largest criminal defence practices in the country. He has been appearing in all courts including Magistrates’ Courts, County Courts, ever since 1990 and appeared full time in the Crown Court since 2007 as a Solicitor Advocate. In 2017 he transferred to the independent bar.

Ami Jones

Ami conducts all aspects of Crown Court work and accepts instructions for both the defence and the Crown across a full range of criminal matters. Ami has appeared as a led junior for both the Crown and the defence in multi-defendant trials and is frequently instructed as a disclosure junior and has a burgeoning practice in this area. Ami is regularly instructed on behalf of the London Fire Brigade to prosecute offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005. Although not forming the bulk of her work, Ami can be, and is, instructed to cover C2 disclosure applications on behalf of the police, extradition hearings, domestic violence protection hearings and consumer law cases. Ami is developing her Crown Court practice, both defending and prosecuting.

Hannah Jones

Hannah specialises in matrimonial finance proceedings. She has experience in all aspects of financial remedy proceedings and also specialises in claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act. Hannah’s practice has a particular focus on high-value cases, with high-profile and high net-worth clients who require the best representation and excellent client care. Her cases typically involve valuable business assets and complex financial, and jurisdictional, issues. Hannah is a founding and only barrister member of ‘Family Law Live’). This incredibly successful initiative was shortlisted for ‘Family Law Commentator of the Year’ for 2 years’ running at the Family Law Awards. Hannah was also shortlisted for ‘Young Barrister of the Year’ at the 2017 Family Law Awards. Specialist in: All aspects of financial remedies Schedule 1 Children Act applications Notable Cases: K v S (appeal against registration of an order of a Member State) [2019] EWFC B43

Mark Jones

Mark’s practice encompasses a wide range of commercial litigation and arbitration. He acts in arbitrations both in London and abroad, and appears regularly in the English Courts, including the specialist Commercial Court, Admiralty Court and the Court of Appeal. His commercial practice has a particular focus on all matters relating to shipping and international trade. His expertise extends to all corners of the shipping industry, from charterparties and bills of lading to salvage, from cargo claims to collisions, from ship finance to performance guarantees, and from marine insurance to general average. He has a particular specialism in shipbuilding disputes and cases arising out of contracts for the sale and purchase of second hand tonnage, and the related finance, security and guarantee contractual arrangements. Mark also has experience of various interlocutory applications, including applications for urgent injunctive relief (such as freezing orders) both in the context of domestic litigation and also in support of foreign proceedings and arbitrations. Mark also provides expert evidence on English maritime and commercial law for use in foreign proceedings.

Hannah Justiva

Hannah has a busy practice specialising in financial remedies. She represents clients in complex cases involving a variety of legal and evidential issues. Such issues regularly include dealing with non-disclosure of assets, public service pension schemes, matrimonial and non-matrimonial property, and company valuations. Hannah is ranked as a ‘Rising Star’ for Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy in the Legal 500. She is described as having ‘fierce, knowledgeable and insightful’ advocacy, as well as being ‘communicative’ and ‘client-focused.’ Alongside her day-to-day practice, Hannah maintains an academic interest in financial remedies and enjoys presenting both private seminars to law firms and online webinars for wider audiences. Recent topics have included enforcement in financial remedy proceedings, key and emerging issues concerning costs, and dealing with pensions upon divorce.

Michael Mather Lees KC

Michael is a highly experienced and exceptional advocate renowned for his eloquent and persuasive advocacy. His calm and measured approach, combined with his pragmatic and strategic advice has led him to be consistently listed as a ’leading Silk’ in the legal 500 directory. His practice includes defending and prosecuting in the most serious and complex of criminal cases, including murder, fraud, serious sexual offences, with a particular expertise in dealing with cases involving the analysis and understanding of complex medical evidence. Given his background in Clinical negligence and personal Injury matters, Michael Mather -Lees is skilled in interpreting complex medical evidence, which often gives him an advantage over his opponent . He has extensive experience in ‘baby shaking cases’ and is a well known expert in this field, often invited to comment by the media on high profile cases. He has achieved successful verdicts in his last 8 trials during 2024-2025, being 6 murders, a serious sexual abuse and an industrial scale drugs production, demonstrating his reliability as a dedicated and hard working Silk. In addition, he has undertaken a substantial amount of regulatory work, as well acting in Courts Martial.

Samuel Skinner KC

Samuel Skinner KC appears in very significant and complex cases. He is one of only a few silks appointed in both criminal and civil law. Recognised as ‘a star in the making’ and ‘one of the best junior barristers at the Bar’ (Legal 500), he is known for his knowledgeable, focussed, and succinct approach. Criminal Law: Samuel’s criminal law practice encompasses four main areas: Murder and very serious violence: Handling cases involving children, firearms, multiple defendants, police officers, and military personnel. Serious organised crime: Expertise in cases related to drugs, modern slavery, firearms, and Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA) matters. Financial and business crime: Specialising in complex fraud cases brought by the SFO, HMRC, or the Insolvency Service. Also: cybercrime, asset recovery, and search warrants. Samuel advises both the Crown and companies on industrial espionage or sabotage cases. Sexual offences: Representing clients in cases involving children, vulnerable adults, and historical allegations. Samuel’s experience ensures sensitive handling of cases that can damage families, careers, and reputations. When prosecuting, Samuel often works pre-charge and received a Chief Crown Prosecutor’s Commendation in 2019 for his outstanding victim care. Prosecuting authorities also ask him to advise on sensitive investigations, including the prosecution of police officers and high-profile cases. When defending, Samuel seeks to achieve the best results for his clients (in England and internationally) with the least publicity; an approach commended by his instructing solicitors and clients, most of whom value their privacy extremely. Samuel has previously been called upon to defend senior lawyers facing criminal allegations. Often in the past, Samuel’s analysis of a case has enabled him to identify weaknesses which have led to it being dropped pre-charge, or dismissed at trial, or stayed as an abuse of process. (E.g. R v X – where Samuel’s written representations led the CPS to drop fraud charges against a HNW individual; R v Warner – murder – case dismissed against Samuel’s client at half time; R v Brown “the Secret Defendant”– fraud – case against Samuel’s client dropped after he put forward an abuse of process argument) Whether prosecuting or defending, when Samuel’s cases progress to trial he uses his considerable experience to present a clear account to the jury, making it easy for them to follow and interpret highly complex facts, often involving very difficult scientific or financial evidence.

Arthur Kendrick

Arthur accepts instructions both prosecuting and defending. He deals with serious and complex criminal matters, having been instructed as junior alone in cases involving multi-million pound banking fraud, human trafficking and serious violence. He has also been instructed as a led junior in cases of homicide, conspiracy to supply large quantities of class A drugs, conspiracy to launder in excess of £40m, VAT Fraud and firearms. Arthur has particular experience prosecuting and defending highly technical fraud cases brought by specialist prosecuting authorities including the Insolvency Service, HMRC and Local Authorities. Arthur accepts instructions under the Public Access Scheme.

Chloe Kenvin

Chloe’s practice encompasses matrimonial finance, private law children proceedings and disputes between cohabitants. She has experience in complex financial remedy proceedings involving issues such as non-disclosure, third-party property, companies, trusts, and non-matrimonial property. She has a particular interest in nuptial agreements and has lectured on the recent developments in this area of the law. She welcomes instructions in TOLATA and Schedule 1 cases. Chloe regularly acts in private law children cases including those involving allegations of abuse, alleged parental alienation, and/or relocation disputes. Before coming to the Bar she spent time working in anti money-laundering compliance at Goldman Sachs.

Martin Kingerley KC

Martin Kingerley specialises in all aspects of the law relating to children and particularly in those cases which are factually complex and high-profile. His practice encompasses both public and private law proceedings. Martin’s expertise extends to proceedings which concern assisted conception, surrogacy and other aspects of the HFEA 2008. Martin also acts in cases involving vulnerable adults within the Court of Protection. Martin is recognised as a Leading Silk in Family and Children Law due to a combination of specialist knowledge in his field, excellent judgment, tactical acumen and a measured approach. His skills are much sought after by a wide variety of clients. Prior to being called to the Bar, Martin worked in a residential setting with adults with learning difficulties and psychiatric illnesses

Alexander Knight

Alexander Knight specialises in matrimonial finance, cohabitee disputes and private law children matters. He is frequently instructed on complex factual and legal matters, requiring intellectual rigour, sound judgement and clear advice. Alexander has already earned praise for his skilful and impressive advocacy, and manages all of his cases with an exceptionally high standard of client care.

Sarah Knight

Sarah is a senior criminal practitioner instructed to prosecute and defend and practises exclusively in crime. She is highly regarded for her work and is committed to preparing every case diligently and with the utmost care. She is a grade 4 prosecutor and is on the CPS approved specialist list to prosecute rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO). She is repeatedly instructed to act as leading counsel. Sarah is frequently instructed at an early stage in an investigation (often pre-charge) to provide guidance to the Police and the CPS in case preparation. She is a highly regarded part of the prosecution team and is known for her meticulous preparation. She is hard working and committed. Sarah is routinely instructed in difficult and serious sexual offences cases involving contemporary and historic allegations. She is well respected for her sensitivity dealing with witnesses and defendants with mental health issues other vulnerabilities. A significant volume of Sarah’s work in this area of expertise has involved professionals (eg social workers, teachers, foster carers and religious leaders) accused of serious sexual offences. She is very experienced in dealing with complex disclosure matters in cases of this kind. Sarah practices predominantly in Nottingham, but also across the East Midlands. Work Undertaken Murder Manslaughter Death by Dangerous or Careless Driving Rape and Serious Sexual Offences both contemporary and historic Child Cruelty Serious Violent Offences

Niki Langridge

Niki specialises exclusively in family work, her practice being almost entirely financial remedies. Her practice generally covers high income and asset cases and matters that contain complex legal or factual issues, often with an international dimension. She also has experience of cases concerning issues as to validity of marriage and divorce, especially where there is an international element. She has developed significant experience and expertise in negotiating and drafting pre-nuptial agreements. She also ‘sits’ as a private judge conducting private FDRs Her preparation is meticulous with great attention to detail, but she is also able to provide sound commercial and pragmatic solutions. She is regarded as having excellent judgment and clients feel instantly comfortable and confident with her. Most of her work reaches resolution by settlement following negotiation but in court she is highly persuasive and can be tenacious when necessary.

Lauren Lanson

Lauren’s practice is predominantly focused on family finance, inclusive of applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act. She has experience in dealing with all manner of financial remedy applications, including complex cases with an international element and cases where a robust approach is necessary.

Theo Lester

Immigration, international protection, and public law Theo has represented immigration and asylum clients in both the First-Tier and Upper Tribunals. Prior to coming to the Bar Theo had already gained extensive experience in the immigration and asylum fields,having worked at the leading specialist firm Luqmani Thompson & Partners as a Law Society-accredited SeniorCaseworker. In that role he had personal conduct of numerous asylum claims, specialising in particular in UASC(unaccompanied asylum seeking child) cases. This included working with victims of trafficking and victims oftorture, in tandem with organisations such as Freedom from Torture. During his time at Luqmani Thompson, Theo also assisted the senior partners on a wide range of immigration andpublic law matters including at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court level (e.g. WA (Pakistan) v SSHD [2019]EWCA Civ 302), conducting legal and country research as well as other casework tasks, and working on complexcriminal deport matters as well as on public law actions such as injunctive relief applications (stays on removal). Additionally as part of his own caseload Theo advised and represented private clients making human rights basedapplications, and had conduct of Tribunal appeals. Theo's first practical contact with the area of immigration law was during his legal studies, when as a volunteer forHaringey Migrant Support Centre he assisted (in a non-advisory capacity) clients of the Centre on a wide range ofimmigration and related matters, and worked on the preparation of cases including pro bono appeals. Through hispro bono immigration work he also had contact with many prominent NGOs in the immigration sector such asMigrants Organise and Coram Childrens Centre. He continues to pursue his passion for pro bono work as a barrister, representing immigration clients at bailhearings with Bail for Immigration Detainees and taking on cases through Advocate. Pro bono background Theo is a passionate pro bono advocate. Beyond his immigration experience and current pro bono activities (seeabove), prior to commencing independent practice he gained pro bono experience in a wide variety of areas,including representing numerous clients as a Free Representation Unit volunteer in employment and socialsecurity matters, drafting case documents, helping negotiate settlements (including, in one case, to a value of£30,000), and representing clients in the Employment and Social Security Tribunals from 2015 to 2019.Additionally from 2015-16 he assisted the National Centre for Domestic Violence on numerous County Courtinjunction matters.

Khadija Leuenberger

Khadija specialises in commercial litigation and international arbitration across areas including banking and finance, sanctions, international trade, commodities, energy, oil and gas. Recent experience includes working on complex derivatives trading and margin call disputes and a multi-million-dollar dispute relating to swap transactions affected by Russian sanctions. Khadija is also experienced in handling regulatory and financial services work, investigations, corporate governance and ESG compliance matters. Khadija is familiar with all major international arbitration rules including the LCIA, ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, SIAC, HKIAC and the Swiss Arbitration Rules. She is a registered practitioner with the DIFC Courts in Dubai. Prior to joining 36 Stone Khadija was Senior Legal Counsel at Credit Suisse in Zurich specialising in cross-border legal and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on the UK and Middle Eastern markets. She also worked on high-profile cross-border FCA and HMRC investigations for the bank. In a previous role, Khadija was Counsel at a major law firm in Dubai where her practice focused on commercial litigation, international arbitration and all dispute-related work before the DIFC Courts. Khadija has extensive international experience working with foreign lawyers, in-house counsel, experts and professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds, in all aspects of dispute resolution and in an advisory capacity. Khadija also has a background in international human rights law and is able to advise on all aspects of business and human rights. She is involved in a number of initiatives seeking to advance equality, diversity and inclusion at the Bar.

John Lloyd-Jones KC

John Lloyd–Jones KC is a trial strategist, dedicated to the forensic analysis of evidence and passionate about the in-court examination of witnesses. He is one of the most highly experienced, in–demand specialist Criminal Barristers defending and prosecuting on the Midland and South Eastern Circuits in high profile and multi-handed cases, including fraud, murder, cybercrime, fatal accidents and conspiracy. Recent & ongoing cases R v UF (2026 Aylesbury) Murder. Prosecuting Defendant alleged to have been involved in fatal group revenge attack on young man in 2007. R v CM & others (2026 Cambridge) Murder / Manslaughter. Defending young Defendant prosecuted for killing victim by drowning him in nearby river. R v MS & others (2026 Northampton) Attempted Murder. Defendant convicted of attempted murder for trying to shoot child. Multiple shots fired at victim, during daytime in a public park. One shot hit victim but gun then jammed when offender tried repeatedly to shoot victim in the head. Offender then stabbed and kicked the victim before running away. R v MP & others (2026 Cambridge) Murder. Defending. Defendant charged, with others, with murdering elderly Polish man in his own home and then setting fire to the body and the house. R v AGC & other respondents (2026 Court of Appeal) Making submissions on behalf of 13 Respondents at Prosecution’s application to appeal Judge’s decision, at a preparatory hearing, to stay counts of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence (s.14(1) Sexual Offences Act 2023) for abuse of process (commission of the offences had been improperly instigated by two Police operations which amounted to entrapment) - [2026] EWCA Crim 220. R v Paul Knight (2026 Northampton) Murder. Defending. Defendant (good character) strangled his wife in family home while two young daughters slept downstairs. The couple were in the process of separating. Defendant had developed paranoia and obsession with pornography arising from cocaine addiction. After killing, he made unsuccessful attempts to kill himself. On day of trial, changing plea from guilty to Manslaughter (loss of control) to guilty to Murder. R v Ace Hill & others (2025 Northampton) Murder, Robbery & Aggravated Burglary. Defending (D1) 18-year old alleged to have been involved in nighttime spree of armed violence culminating in zombie-knife murder of a man in a local park. Securing acquittal on Aggravated Burglary and Robbery charges. Defendant (and D3) pleaded guilty to Murder – despite having both given evidence (cut-throat) – in sixth week of trial. Minimum term - 21 years. R v Daniel Cook (2025 Leicester) Murder / Manslaughter. Prosecuting mentally ill (paranoid schizophrenic) son who had brutally stabbed to death his elderly mother, first in the family home and then in a nearby residential street. Court received evidence from three psychiatrists as to Diminished Responsibility and sentence. “Hybrid” order imposed (s.45A Mental Health Act 1983). R v Zeglovs (2025 Lincoln) Murder. Prosecuting Latvian man who murdered his best friend by stabbing him in the throat with a broken bottle. Issue as to whether Defendant was having an epileptic episode at the time. R v McLaggan (2025 Lincoln) Murder. Prosecuting female Defendant for stabbing to death her ex-girlfriend after consuming drink and drugs. R v Faraji (2025 Leicester) Administering a destructive/noxious thing & Arson with intent to endanger life x 3: After a stand-off with the Police on the top floor of an occupied block of flats, the Defendant threw petrol onto a Police Officer. During a multi-phased incident, the Defendant threw more petrol onto numerous attending Firefighters which he then ignited, intending to endanger their lives and the lives of others. R v Singh (2024 Leicester) Murder. Defending man of good character accused of murdering (smothering) his elderly mother and then digging a shallow grave in which to hide her body. His defences at trial were total denial, alternatively diminished responsibility (delusional disorder) supported by oral evidence from three psychiatrists. Successfully arguing, on appeal, for reduction of minimum term from 31 years to 25 years (Singh [2025] EWCA Crim 1520). R v JG & others (2024 Reading) Murder & Attempted Murder. Prosecuting four Defendants (including 17-year old main offender) for machete murder and attempted murder of two 17-year old boys involved in rival county lines class A drugs operation in High Wycombe. Further allegation of s.18 Wounding with Intent (improvised weapon used against fellow inmate whilst main offender remanded in custody at HMP Bullingdon). Main offender convicted of Conspiracy to Rob, Murder, Attempted Murder and s.18. Other offenders convicted of Conspiracy to Rob, one of Manslaughter and a fifth Defendant for Assisting an Offender and drugs offences. R v KDB (2024 Nottingham) Murder. Prosecuting the Christmas Day knife murder trial of a 29-year old man by a 17-year old youth with whom he had had a minor disagreement in a nearby underpass. The stabbing had occurred in public near a busy road junction in Nottingham. R v Newman (2024 Derby) Murder, s.18 & Attempted s.18. Newman, in revenge, drove a 3-tonne van into a crowd of people enjoying a Christmas night out in Ilkeston town square in 2023. He killed one man and injured two others. Convicted after 3-week trial. R v Brown (2024 Luton) Murder. Prosecuting. Defendant convicted of Murder having beaten to death a sex worker in his own flat. After murdering the Deceased, the Defendant then hid her body - in his flat and then in his car - for 5 days before taking her to a quiet country lane where he set fire to her to destroy the body. R v Basson (2024 Leicester) Murder & firearms offences. Prosecuting 2-week trial before Mr Justice Martin Spencer. Defendant was convicted of Murder: Having fatally shot his girlfriend in the head at close range (with an illegally held semi-automatic handgun) he then falsely claimed accident. OP Holyhead (2023 Nottingham) Murder. Successfully prosecuting four Defendants for stabbing to death a man on day release from prison. The murder, which took place on a busy city centre street at night, was planned and targeted. R v Clark (2023 Leicester) Manslaughter. Defending 20 year old Defendant of good character accused of killing an older man who, in drink and for no reason, had approached him on a city centre street late at night. Death resulted, effectively, from freak injury sustained when Deceased went to the floor. R v MS & others (2023 Derby) Murder and s.18. Securing acquittal of young Kurdish asylum seeker alleged to have been involved, with four co-accused, in town centre fight with six other armed males. One man was killed and another seriously injured. The incident had arisen from a long-standing feud between the operators of two rival barber shops. R v Phillips (2023 Northampton) Manslaughter: Defending 19-year-old man charged with killing another young man in an impromptu fight in the street in broad daylight. R v Karbauskas (2022 Lincoln) Murder. Prosecuting Lithuanian Defendant for stabbing to death a member of his family with a large knife. Issue at trial was identity of the killer; main Prosecution evidence came from five ‘lay-listeners’ (relatives and associates of both the Defendant and the Deceased) who recognised their voices from a Nest audio recording that captured the events of the killing. R v Sergiu Boianjiu (2022 Northampton) Rape & Attempted Murder. Defending Moldovan man (previous conviction for Murder in Moldova) charged with ambushing young woman as she walked home from club in early hours of morning; brutally assaulting her; dragging her down an alleyway, raping her and then trying (unsuccessfully) to beat and stamp her to death. R v Ben-Zur (2021 Bristol) Money Laundering. Prosecuting (for CPS International Justice & Organised Crime Division, Birmingham Office) extradited Defendant for historic (2010-2014) laundering of proceeds - as banker and book-keeper - of cannabis importation operations. Coded ledgers revealed transactions involving 8,500 kilos of cannabis worth £9.3m. OP Haxey (2020 Nottingham) Murder. Prosecuting seven Defendants for their involvement in revenge machete murder of vulnerable drug addict during attempt to regain control of his flat that had been seized by rival Class A drug dealing gang. OP Spruce (2020 Blackfriars & Inner London) Money Laundering. Prosecuting (for West Midlands CPS Complex Casework Unit) multi-handed conspiracy to export stolen cloned Range Rovers and Mercedes to Southern Africa and Far East. R v Gamble (2018 Leicester / Central Criminal Court) Cybercrime. Instructed by CPS International Justice & Organised Crime Division, London. Prosecuting Defendant (15/16 years old at the time) for hacking (‘social engineering’) into computers and communication accounts of Director of CIA, Deputy Director of FBI, Secretary of Homeland Security and other high-ranking US government and intelligence officials. Defendant was founding member of online collective “Crackas with Attitude”. He also gained unauthorised access to US Department of Justice and law enforcement networks.

Gavin Lyon

Gavin Lyon is a family finance specialist with an established and successful practice throughout London, the Midlands and the South East. He has appeared in the family courts at all levels to the Court of Appeal and is available to represent and advise clients in all matters of financial remedy on divorce and separation, including under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Meredith Major

Meredith has established a strong reputation as an expert children law barrister. She is regularly instructed in high profile and serious public law (care) cases, for local authorities, parents, children (whether through Children’s Guardians or directly) and for family members. These cases often involve long fact-finding hearings dealing with allegations of serious injury and death, sexual abuse and ‘honour’-based violence. Meredith regularly appears in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. She also has a very strong practice in private law children cases, which often involve serious allegations of domestic or other abuse, alienating behaviours and complicated international and jurisdictional issues.

Ben Mansfield

Ben specialises in children cases and undertakes complex public and private cases. These frequently include lengthy fact finding hearings involving serious allegations of abuse such as; FI/PP, sexual abuse, poisoning, serious and critical injuries, contested medical evidence, international relocation and placement, Hague and Non-Hague international cases. Ben instills confidence in his clients with his calm and focused approach.

Nadia Mansfield

Nadia is a member of the family team, specialising in public law work. She is also a member of the modern families team. Known for her ‘skilfully presented submissions’ (LJ Sedley LCC v B [2008] EWCA Civ 1216) she regularly represents children, parents and local authorities across the breadth of the family court, with expertise in cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injuries, chronic neglect and forced marriage. Nadia is highly regarded for her calm and pragmatic approach and careful, thorough preparation. These skills make her counsel of choice in complex cases, and she regularly acts in fact finding hearings requiring forensic cross-examination of experts.

Hannah Markham KC

HHannah is a formidable silk renowned for her role in leading and appellate cases, often those that tackle ground-breaking areas of law. Since taking silk Hannah has balanced complex private law cases, international children law cases and appellate work with the most serious of public law (care) cases. She is also renowned for law defining cases in the area of ‘Modern Families’. Private law cases involve those with the most serious of issues, domestic abuse, alienation and emotional abuse; physical abuse including sexual and those with international and complicated relocation (both internal and external) arguments. Known for her work in cases involving serious allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional harm, she is also highly regarded in her work in medical cases: non accidental injury, shaken baby syndrome and cases involving mental health issues. She impresses with her good reasoning both in and outside court and is said to have the ‘ear’ of the court. Hannah’s work also focuses on judicial review issues both within family law cases and as free-standing issues, notably her recent challenges against the Government in respect of transgender parental right issues, surrogacy cases and in respect of diplomatic immunity and the interplay with child protection. Her approach to clients is noted as being highly personable, warm, open minded and thorough; be they lay or professional clients. Her attention to detail and management of case papers is standout. Hannah is recognised as a skilled advocate in questioning vulnerable parties and children in both private and public law cases.

Nicholas Marsh

Nico has a busy practice specialising in matrimonial finance proceedings. His work includes all aspects of financial remedies proceedings as well as claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, TLATA 1996 and FLA 1996. He has successfully represented clients before every level of tribunal up to and including the High Court and at every stage of proceedings from pre-issue advice and round table settlement meetings to final hearings and beyond into enforcement, variation, and appeals, as well as outside the court process in private FDRs and arbitrations Prior to coming to the bar, Nico completed a masters degree in Chinese Law, where he placed first in his cohort and he also received funding from the Fung Scholarship to work at a Chinese university.

Preetika Mathur

Preetika defends and prosecutes in the Crown Court, Youth Court and Magistrates Court. Her practice covers the full spectrum of criminal cases. She is also building a practice in extradition law and crime related public law. Preetika is a confident and versatile trial advocate. Prior to joining the 36 Group, Preetika completed a crime pupillage at 25 Bedford Row and also practised across discrimination law at Doughty Street Chambers. As a result, she is equally comfortable and proficient at trial advocacy (whether a case turning on witness credibility or voluminous documentary evidence), submissions advocacy and legally complex civil pleadings/written advocacy. Preetika has an excellent record in cases with challenging odds and before difficult benches – including succeeding in a case against a Band 1 Silk. She is known for her client care, attention to detail and leaving no stone unturned as a fearless defence advocate. Preetika’s background prior to the bar is in gender justice and human rights activism (domestically and internationally). She was part of the committee that reformed Indian criminal law following the Delhi gang rape in 2012. She subsequently worked with UN Women HQ and the Government of India on implementation of these reforms. Her international law experience includes: - Part of the Karadžić defence team at the ICTY (appeal arguments in relation to failure to reopen defence case to remedy prosecution disclosure violations). - Office of the UN Secretary General at UNHQ (assisted multilateral processes in UN General Assembly and Security Council; speech writing; report writing). - Consultant for UNICEF on rights of children within Myanmar’s criminal justice system. - Advising international NGOs in relation to international human rights mechanisms. Preetika also previously set up a vulnerable witnesses training project for law schools in India along with the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales. Preetika has a particular interest in cases at the intersection of crime, cyber law, human rights and international law. She has worked on landmark constitutional litigation around the world at this crossover. This includes working with the former Solicitor General of India on a challenge to the world’s most intrusive surveillance and biometric database (Privacy/Aadhar case). Preetika also worked on: - The case which decriminalised same-sex relations in India (Navtej Singh Johar v Union of India). - Intervening in a challenge to the deportation of 40,000 Rohingya Refugees in India (Mohammed Salimullah v Union of India). - A $550 million arbitration arising out of the sale of adulterated medicines in the US (heard in Singapore). - The Vijay Mallya extradition case.

Nicola McIntosh

Nicola has a strong reputation in all areas of family law. She demonstrates a high level of client care, has excellent attention to detail and is very pragmatic in her approach. Nicola has completed the Vulnerable Witness Training provided by the FLBA. She takes time to build her rapport with lay clients to ensure that they understand the issues, are able to follow the court process effectively and provide best evidence and case to the court. Nicola has effectively cross examined experts. Nicola receives instructions in public and private law complex cases including adoption proceedings. In private law Nicola has vast experience in representing parties which involve emotional, physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, parental alienation, drug and alcohol abuse, removal from the jurisdiction and internal relocation in England and Wales. Nicola has acted for 16.4 guardians. Nicola has been led by silks in a wrath of complex cases. Nicola is Direct Access registered. Notable cases Coventry City Council v Mother (BB) & Ors EWHC 1284 (Fam)(26 May 2023) Acted for Mother through the Official Solicitor. Parents were US citizens. Mother’s capacity fluctuated. Expert evidence from psychiatrists re capacity and expert regarding registration of orders in foreign court. Child returned to US to live with family member. Both parents opposed move. Re A & B (2022) EWFC 44 Acted for paternal aunt on a pro bono basis. Two children, one living with foster carers and one to be approved to care for by the aunt. The aunt had two parenting assessments by different local authorities, one positive and one negative. The foster carers wished to adopt one of the children who had only known that placement and family. Whether adoption was only option, would a special guardianship order suffice, should siblings be placed together and contact should they be placed in separate households. A Local Authority v MM & Ors (2020) EWFC 65 (07 October 2020) Acted for mother in NAI. Long running care proceedings involving Romanian nationals The father applied to transfer the case under article 15 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 nineteen months after the care proceedings had commenced. The application was dismissed

Nicola Moore

Nicola is a tenacious advocate with a wealth of experience across all levels of civil and criminal courts in the UK and overseas territories. She worked for the Attorney General in Cayman having conduct of the Guns, Gangs and Serious Crime portfolio and went on to be appointed Attorney General of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. She is a senior junior with gravamen and appears in cases unled where her opponent is leading counsel. She is practical and straightforward in her approach and is adept at dealing with unfamiliar areas at short notice. Nicola, whilst a skilled criminal practitioner, also has substantial experience in, and accepts instructions in: Courts-martial/ Boards of inquiry / military advice – she held a commission in the RAF Inquests – she has acted for families of the deceased and other interested parties Public Inquiries – she has experience in public inquiries in three jurisdictions Nicola is a Grade 4 prosecution panel advocate with rape panel membership. She has more than two decades of experience both prosecuting and defending dealing with the most serious and sensitive cases involving sexual offending against children and adults and those who lack capacity. She also has recent experience in county lines and slavery work including those who traffic cross border for prostitution and children trafficked within the UK for sexual exploitation. She is a facilitator for the Bar Council’s training of advocates in vulnerable witness advocacy. Nicola has prosecuted and defended cases of murder unled. She has experience in bribery and corruption matters multi-jurisdictionally. In addition to criminal work Nicola has experience and welcomes instructions in coronial law to appear at inquests where she has acted for the family of the deceased. She has experience in police disciplinary tribunals where officers have been charged with serious misconduct amounting to breaches of international law. She has also been involved in three public inquiries representing core participants and witnesses. Nicola is adept at dealing with any case involving complex computer technical evidence and accepts instructions in cyber-crime. She is instructed by the SFO to deal with LPP matters. She is one of only a handful of dual qualified English Barrister/ Jersey Advocates and as such she may also appear as an advocate in the Royal Court of Jersey. Work undertaken: Homicide and fatal violence Trafficking Gang and firearm offending Serious sexual offending Cyber crime and internet child sexual offences Inquests Courts-martial Civil aspects of sexual crime

Satya Mouland

Satya is a commercial barrister working in international arbitration and commercial litigation. She is frequently led in high-value commercial disputes and regularly appears as sole counsel in the High Court and County Courts. Her commercial practice is broad, encompassing fraud, insolvency, banking, insurance and reinsurance and shipping and commodities, among the areas listed in her profile. Satya’s experience in international commercial arbitration spans LCIA, ICC, GAFTA, FOSFA, SIAC and LMAA. She has particular expertise in enforcement, jurisdiction, conflicts of laws and state immunity, having authored the book, “Enforcement Jurisdiction in International Law and Arbitration” (Kluwer, 2026). Exemplary of recent work, Satya has been led on a high-value salvage arbitration and drafted a 100-page freezing injunction application in a multi-jurisdictional context. Satya is currently seconded part time to the Competition and Markets Authority. Notable cases A salvage arbitration: Instructed alongside Vasanti Selvaratnam KC and Ravi Aswani in a multi-million-pound salvage arbitration arising out of a ship sinking off Sri Lanka alleged to have caused extensive environmental damage. An LCIA arbitration: A dispute concerning the shipment of coal and allegations of repudiatory breach of contract (led). Eletson Gas LLC v A Limited & Ors [2025] EWHC 1855 (Comm). While on secondment to Floyd Zadkovich, Satya assisted with applications for court in relation to this dispute which concerned ownership of Eletson Gas LLC and who was entitled to appoint an arbitrator on behalf of the company. The court resolved the dispute in the client’s favour, clarifying important points of law in relation to issue estoppel. Gable Insurance AG v Dewsall & Ors [2025] EWCA Civ 884. Independently executing search and seizure orders and drafting documents for court in this multi-million-pound fraud claim relating to misappropriation of funds. A GAFTA arbitration: Drafting statements of case on the impact of a laytime/demurrage clause concerning import bans and a failure to load.

Colin Ong KC

Queen’s Counsel at 36 Stone; Counsel at Eldan Law LLP (Singapore); Senior Partner, Dr Colin Ong Legal Services (Brunei) Dr. Colin Ong is a leading international arbitrator and lead counsel who has broad experience in diverse areas (including banking/energy disputes/information technology/infrastructure/intellectual property/investor-state disputes and shipping). Extensive commercial arbitration and court experience. Extensive experience as presiding or co-arbitrator in civil law and common law jurisdictions in areas of practice including: construction; insurance disputes; intellectual property; mining and minerals disputes; Considerable experience as counsel in acting against and also for governments; state owned enterprises; multinationals in resolving complex large quantum disputes. Arbitrator and/or acted as counsel in arbitrations including AAA, BANI, CIETAC, ICC, KCAB, KLRCA, LCIA, LMAA, SIAC, SCMA, TAI, UNCITRAL, and WIPO rules

Nathan Palmer

Nathan is a criminal law specialist whose practice covers the full range of serious criminal offences. He is a grade 3 prosecutor who has prosecuted and defended as a leading junior. He is regularly instructed in cases of fraud, money laundering, drugs’ offences, homicide and serious sexual offences. He has also prosecuted and defended trading standards cases and has lectured on the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the company law. Nathan has the ability to manage cases involving large numbers of witnesses, exhibits and unused material. He can present complex issues with clarity and force. He is also vastly experience in advising on difficult cases. Instructing solicitors praise his detailed and practical advice. He is a persuasive, unflappable and effective advocate. Work undertaken: Serious and Complex Crime Consumer Law

Kakoly Pande

Kakoly has built a busy practice in the fields of criminal law, public and administrative law, human rights and regulatory law. With a background in international law and fluency in several languages, Kakoly is regularly instructed to advise and assist government departments in discrete and complex areas of litigation. As C Panel Counsel to the SFO and a Grade 2 Prosecutor, Kakoly is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend in cases ranging across the spectrum from violence, drugs and sexual offences to fraud, asset forfeiture, corruption and bribery. Kakoly has also been instructed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in respect of fitness to practice cases including health, conduct and competence. Her knowledge of medical sciences makes her adept and quick to grasp material of a scientific nature.

Tom Parker

Tom defends and prosecutes across the spectrum of criminal law. He is regularly instructed in matters of high-value fraud, organised crime, and serious violence. He is listed as a Leading Junior in Fraud (Legal 500, 2026). His attention to detail and confidence in court makes him a sought-after junior in complex trials, having appeared in cases ranging from corporate blackmail to attempted murder to terrorism. Tom has particular expertise in fraud, cybercrime, and proceeds of crime. He has undertaken secondments with the Serious Fraud Office and HMRC and has since been instructed in civil confiscation proceedings, including in contested, high-value account forfeiture orders. Tom has experience defending high net-worth individuals; his recent clients have included the founder of a medical recruitment company, senior solicitors, and the headteacher of a private school. In addition to crime, Tom accepts instructions in the areas of regulatory law, trading standards, and professional discipline. He is regularly instructed by local authorities in matters of consumer protection, health and safety, and animal welfare. Tom is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public and businesses under the Direct Access scheme.

Adam Pearson

Adam Pearson practises in consumer and criminal law. His practice is increasingly focused on cases involving criminal breaches of consumer protection legislation. He has particular experience and expertise in Trading Standards prosecutions and other regulatory offences and is regularly instructed on behalf of local authorities, companies and private individuals in respect of such matters. Adam is a contributing editor to Consumer and Trading Standards: Law and Practice (4th Ed, Jordans 2015), with responsibility for the law relating to food safety and labelling. His general criminal law practice, covers all aspects of criminal practice for both prosecution and defence. His practice spans the full spectrum of criminal work, including murder, offences of violence up to and including section 18, drugs supply, dishonesty, fraud and proceeds of crime. He is a CPS Grade 3 prosecutor on the Midland and South Eastern Circuits. Direct Public Access qualified. Work undertaken: Consumer and Trading Standards Crime Fraud

Jamsheed Peeroo

Barrister specialising in international arbitration with expertise in conflicts of laws and jurisdictions, commercial law and international trade, “offshore” corporate and trusts disputes, infrastructure, and investment law. Notable recent cases: Counsel in ongoing LCIA arbitration of a multi-million USD shareholder subscription dispute involving a concession to operate and maintain oil and gas infrastructure in an African port; Counsel in ongoing ICC arbitration in a commercial dispute involving a bank guarantee and the sale and shipment of commodities under CFR terms; President of an ICC Arbitral Tribunal in multi-million dollar London-seated arbitration of a dispute relating to an international licensing contract in the IT and telecommunications sector; Counsel in an ongoing appeal before the Privy Council after having successfully resisted an application to set-aside a MARC international award before the Supreme Court of Mauritius; Counsel successfully representing a leading insurance company and an airport handling provider in an international dispute arising out of services provided in France to a national airline; Counsel successfully obtaining ex parte interim measures in aid of LCIA arbitration Counsel successfully representing an operator in a multi-million euro international arbitration involving the fisheries sector under the LCIA-MIAC Rules; Counsel successfully representing an international investor seeking recovery of investments and assets from a complex corporate and trusts structure related to the “Paradise Papers”; Counsel for a leading international group in the hotel and tourism sector in successful applications for interim measures and for the enforcement of an ICC Award rendered in Paris; Co-counsel in an ongoing MARC arbitration over an international dispute under a consultation contract pertaining to the procurement of services in an African country; Counsel successfully representing a sovereign fund with investments in several African countries on a corporate governance dispute and, separately, on resisting enforcement proceedings of an ICC Arbitral Award made in Paris Recognition “African Arbitrator of the Year” and “Best Case Counsel Team” shortlists at Africa Arbitration Awards 2020, 8th East African International Arbitration Conference

Paul Prior

Paul is a renowned jury advocate whose exceptional knowledge of the law has earned him the nickname “Mr. Archbold.” Paul is regularly instructed as a Leading Junior in cases involving homicide, organised crime gangs who deal in drugs and firearms, serious sexual offending, fraud and POCA. He prosecutes and defends in equal measure. and has undertaken numerous cases where his opponent is a KC. In addition to his homicide practice, Paul has a particular interest in Health and Safety Law and associated regulatory offences. He successfully defended a shop keeper who had sold ketamine which caused hospitalisation of consumers and successfully defended a man who was alleged to be providing customers with horse meat and passing it off as lamb. Paul has expertise in the prosecution and defence of serious and historic sexual offences and was recently instructed as Junior Counsel to prosecute in the case of a multiple rapist and blackmailer who received a life sentence upon conviction. Paul was instructed to prosecute the first s28 case in the pilot scheme at Kingston Crown Court.

Mary Prior KC

Mary is the Silk of choice for high-profile, HNW, clients accused of serious sexual offences where a conviction would destroy their personal and professional lives. Her clients include Doctors, Headteachers, Priests, Company Directors, Sports Professionals and HNW individuals. She has an excellent success rate, even where the evidence appears overwhelming. She is a formidable advocate whose skilled cross-examination fundamentally undermines the opposition case. Early intervention is an especial skill. Pre-arrest and pre-charge advice for those who suspect that they will be accused of criminal and regulatory offences is a significant area of Mary’s work which, for obvious reasons, remains confidential. Client care is second to none. Mary has conducted internal sensitive investigations for companies and organisations where there is a criminal or regulatory risk due to allegations of fraud, dishonesty, sexual offending, racism, bullying and whole-scale abuse of staff. Confidentiality is key. Mary has outstanding expertise in high-profile homicide cases which involve the torture and killing of children. She has expertise in complex medical cases where impactful questioning of medical practitioners is required. Her cross-examination of expert witnesses can completely change the evidential landscape. Mary is also instructed in murders committed by children and the vulnerable. She has significant expertise in cases where the accused has mental health disorders. She prosecutes and defends these cases in equal measure. Mary deals with those accused of leading roles in the international supply of firearms, drugs and counterfeit goods in organised crime groups and international gangs. Mary is instructed in multi-handed child trafficking, sex trafficking, abuse of children and adults where the case involves questioning children, those with learning and physical disabilities and the most vulnerable. Her people skills ensure that the questioning is devastatingly effective. Mary is a jury advocate. She takes hugely complex facts and presents them in a clear and concise way so that juries can understand the evidence. She gains the trust of the most vulnerable witnesses and defendants and enables them to be heard. She is often instructed in difficult and challenging cases, sometimes described as hopeless cases. She has an extremely high success rate in her cases. Mary is a sought after lecturer for advocacy and trial strategy. She regularly lectures to Solicitors, to the CPS, police, local authorities and to other agencies.

Lucy Reed KC

Lucy is a children law specialist and has practised in family law throughout her professional career. Her practice spans all areas of children work at trial and on appeal. Lucy is regularly instructed in complex private law children matters, including high conflict intractable private law disputes, cases involving serious allegations of domestic or sexual abuse or coercive and controlling behaviour, leave to remove cases, abduction and non-agency adoption. Lucy has a particular area of expertise in cases involving ‘transparency’ issues, such as transparency orders, reporting restrictions, and media applications in both public and private law fields. In public law children cases Lucy acts for parents, children, local authorities and extended family and the media. Lucy’s caseload involves cases featuring suspected non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, neglect and domestic abuse, where there are parental mental health, learning disability or capacity issues, concerns around substance abuse and addiction, and involving children with disabilities and complex educational or medical needs. Lucy’s instructions also encompass cases involving suspected trafficking, county lines and gang involvement, honour violence, FGM/c and suspected fabricated or induced illness. Lucy is skilled and experienced in conducting the cross examination of vulnerable witnesses including children, and has completed the FLBA Advocacy and the Vulnerable training (and is an accredited facilitator of the same). Lucy is instructed in a range of post-care proceedings matters, such as applications for discharge of care or placement orders, leave to oppose adoption orders and complex adoption order applications or other contested adoptions. Lucy’s practice includes matters with international aspects, including abduction, leave to remove, cross border families and international adoption.

Eve Robinson

Instructed at all stages of proceedings in both private and public law children matters, Eve undertakes work on behalf of all parties, be that parent, child or Local Authority. She also has experience with ancillary applications including non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Eve has been a full member of 36 Family since December 2021, having joined in April 2021 as a probationary tenant.

Rebecca Rothwell

Rebecca Rothwell practices exclusively within Chambers’ family team, specialising in matrimonial finance, cohabitee disputes and private children’s matters. She has successfully represented clients in the Magistrates Court, County Court and High Court. She has direct experience of cases in which financial conduct and non-disclosure are in issue and where jurisdiction is disputed. Her Children Act practice is varied and includes contact disputes, leave to remove applications and the engagement of Brussels II. Her practice includes all Financial remedies: Trusts (on/off shore) Company/business assets Foreign property Non-matrimonial property Third party ownership Freezing injunctions Property disputes involving cohabitees

Matthew Rowcliffe

Matthew is an experienced junior who both prosecutes and defends in criminal and regulatory/consumer law cases. In crime, Matthew’s practice covers, particularly, cases involving sexual offences, large-scale drug supply and production, serious violence (including firearms matters) and fraud. Within regulatory and consumer law, Matthew’s practice includes trading standards, licensing and planning law cases. Matthew is known as a persuasive and tenacious barrister whose effective court advocacy is underpinned by meticulous preparation. He is accustomed to dealing with cases involving a substantial volume of evidence, requiring careful management and analysis and is often instructed in matters turning on complex issues of law, fact or both. Matthew also frequently deals with particularly sensitive cases such as matters involving alleged domestic abuse, driving offences where catastrophic injury has resulted, cases involving a mental-health dimension and matters requiring the careful questioning of vulnerable witnesses. Matthew was recently praised by the Court for his approach in prosecuting the difficult case of R v Nay – widely reported in the media (e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36396341). Matthew is committed to providing excellent client care. He seeks to provide advice, at an early stage, in a clear, straightforward and down-to-earth way. In consumer and regulatory areas; Matthew is known for his practical and commercial approach. Work undertaken: General Crime Fraud Forfeiture & Confiscation

Marc Samuels

Marc Samuels specialises in matrimonial finance. His practice covers all aspects of financial remedy proceedings, as well as claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Marc has noted expertise in cryptocurrency law and litigation featuring cryptoassets, companies, and trusts. He is co-author of ‘Cryptocurrency in Matrimonial Finance’ with Dean Armstrong KC (Bloomsbury Professional) (2022). Marc also authored ‘Commercial Contracts for UK Companies: Formation to Exit’ (Bloomsbury Professional) (2021). Marc Samuels is a popular speaker on matrimonial finance law and overlapping legal issues involving emerging technologies. Outside of court, he represents clients in all forms of ADR, including arbitrations and Private FDRs. Marc is a member of Lexis Nexis PSL’s panel of experts (Family Law). Prior to joining 36 Family, Marc Samuels practised at New York law firms Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where Marc formerly trained as a solicitor.

Katya Saudek

Katya Saudek is an experienced, effective, and determined advocate, known for her thorough preparation and attention to detail. Katya’s practice encompasses all aspects of serious crime, including murder, manslaughter, serious violence, modern day slavery, drugs and firearms, and fraud. She has a particular specialism in defending serious sexual offences, including historic, inter-generational offences, with multiple Complainants, and is skilled at dealing with vulnerable or young witnesses and defendants, including those with learning disabilities and mental health disorders. She also occasionally undertakes serious cases in the Youth Court. She is known for her excellent client care and approachable manner. Katya has been instructed alone and as a led junior in cases of murder and attempted murder, and has also been instructed as leading prosecution counsel in drugs and firearms. She is a Grade 4 CPS Advocate, and was appointed as a Recorder (Crime) in 2024.

Vasanti Selvaratnam KC

Vasanti Selvaratnam KC is one of the leading shipping, commodities and international arbitration silks at the English Bar. Ranked as a Star Individual for Shipping & Commodities in Chambers UK 2026, she has been recognised by the leading legal directories for more than 25 years. Among the youngest women appointed King’s Counsel and one of the first Silks from an Asian background, she combines a market-leading counsel practice with a substantial international arbitrator practice. Vasanti’s counsel practice spans international commercial litigation and arbitration, with particular strengths in shipping, commodities, energy, banking and finance, infrastructure, sanctions, shareholder disputes and civil fraud. She is regularly instructed in disputes involving jurisdictional conflicts, foreign governing laws and urgent interim relief, including freezing injunctions and anti-suit injunctions. Clients value her ability to master technically complex disputes, distil large volumes of evidence and develop clear strategic solutions in high-stakes proceedings. Alongside her counsel practice, Vasanti is regularly appointed as sole arbitrator, chair and co-arbitrator in high-value international commercial arbitrations across a broad range of industry sectors. Her appointments span multiple arbitral seats and frequently involve the application of foreign laws, including those of India, Singapore, the UAE, Iraq, South Africa and Russia.

Kishore Sharma

Kish represents clients in international and domestic commercial litigation and arbitration, and advises on transactional business legal issues, of the highest difficulty, complexity and value. His expertise spans carriage by sea and storage of bulk and containerised goods, insurance (marine, non-marine and reinsurance), commodities, international trade, banking (including negotiable instruments and security for lending), commercial fraud, proprietary constructive trust / tracing actions and corporate insolvency. Kish seeks to understand, protect and serve his clients’ interests and needs as practically and cost-effectively as possible. In Court or the arbitration room, he is dedicated to providing the highest standards of advocacy on their behalf. Notable cases Anti-suit / anti-enforcement injunction application under s. 37(1) Senior Courts Act 1981 and for interim order preserving assets under s. 44 Arbitration Act 1996 in a complex multi-partite shipping dispute: E-Star Shipping and Trading Co Ltd v. Delta Corp Shipping Ltd (the “ESHIPS PROGRESS”) [2023] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 595 Validity and effect of “holding certificate” for an intended CIF sale and purchase of approximately US$ 43 million worth of copper electrodes Application of “necessary or proper party” gateway for service out of the jurisdiction to claims on cheques for US$ 7 million given by Singaporean drawer as security for the price of bulk cargoes of steam coal due under CFR / CIF contracts: HC Trading Malta Ltd v KI (International) Ltd and ors. [2022] EWHC 1387 (Comm) Whether judgment in default of acknowledgment of service available in an in personam collision claim, where the Clamant had not filed a collision statement of case: Tecoil Shipping Ltd v Neptune EHF and others (the “POSEIDON”) (No. 2) [2021] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 429 Claims under marine open covers in respect of quantities of stored metals, arising out of the “lock down” by Chinese authorities at Qingdao and Penglai ports (approximately US$ 405 million)

Rajiv Sharma

Rajiv specialises in Immigration, Asylum and Administrative Law with a particular emphasis on Human Rights. Rajiv regularly appears before both tiers of the Tribunal system as well as the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal. Rajiv also undertakes work on a direct-access basis.

Nadia Silver

Nadia Silver's expertise is in the prosecution of serious organised crime, homicide, serious violence, and fraud. She also undertakes regulatory work, in particular prosecutions on behalf of local authority trading standards departments, in cases ranging from fraudulent trading to the sale of counterfeit goods. She is a CPS Grade 4 Prosecutor. Nadia Silver's expertise is in the prosecution of serious organised crime, homicide, serious violence, and fraud. She also undertakes regulatory work, in particular prosecutions on behalf of local authority trading standards departments, in cases ranging from fraudulent trading to the sale of counterfeit goods. She appears both as junior and leading counsel in the cases of the utmost factual and technical complexity. She is a CPS Grade 4 Prosecutor. Recent notable cases include: Operation Debating (Birmingham CC - 2023 - ongoing): a case arising from Operation Venetic, the NCA investigation into the use of the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform by serious organised crime groups. Nadia is instructed by the Serious Organised Economic and International Directorate of the CPS as leading counsel in this prosecution of five defendants charged with a conspiracy to import approximately 140 Kg of cocaine into the West Midlands from the Netherlands. Operation Riddle (Northampton CC - 2023): Nadia was instructed by the East Midlands Complex Casework Unit as sole counsel, in this prosecution of a large group defendants charged with a Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs. The case concerned the activities of a Leicester-based organised crime group and involved the analysis and presentation of complex telephone evidence, covert surveillance and evidence from undercover police officers. The case resulted in 15 convictions. R v Nindi (Notthingham CC - 2022): Nadia was instructed at an early stage to advise as to the appropriate charging in this unusual case which involved the death of a woman who had consented to undergo a traditional Zimbabwean medical practice conducted by the defendant which involved the consumption of tobacco powder. The defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful act manslaughter. Operation Poetry (Northampton CC 2021): Nadia was instructed by the East Midlands Complex Casework Unit as leading counsel, in a series of three linked prosecutions of separate county-lines drug trafficking conspiracies in Northampton. Each arose from a single, highly resourced investigation, which deployed undercover officers over a period of months to investigate the activities of organised crime groups based in London and Birmingham. Each case involved the coercion of young and vulnerable individuals by those higher up in the criminal hierarchy.

John Simmons

John has been practising serious crime for over 20 years. Both as an independent member of the Bar and as the manager of an in-house Crown Court team he has an approachable but persuasive style. He spent many years in the airline industry before choosing to read law and coming to the Bar. He has a no nonsense approach coupled with an easy style particularly liked by juries. When defending his successful acquittals in even the most serious cases have given rise to a respected reputation amongst professional and lay clients. His sensitive handling of cases involving children, the vulnerable and persons with mental health difficulties has garnered repeated praise from Judges. Work undertaken: Homicide and crimes of violence Drugs trafficking including “County Lines” Serious sexual offences Fraud and financial crime Firearms offences Courts Martial

Bethany Smith

Bethany’s practice involves a range of commercial matters, particularly civil fraud and asset tracing, as well as contract and debt claims. Bethany also has expertise in shipping, including charterparty, sale contracts and cargo disputes. Prior to joining 36 Stone Bethany practised in New York as a litigation attorney with a global firm, where she was involved in defending consumer class actions alleging misrepresentation. Bethany subsequently returned to the UK where she practised as a solicitor, eventually moving in-house to work for a leading European transport company. Since joining 36 Stone Bethany has worked on high-value litigation involving the recovery of assets by way of injunctive relief. Bethany has also worked on multiple arbitration proceedings, particularly dry shipping cases subject to LMAA Terms. She regularly appears as sole counsel in civil applications, consumer and contract claims, insolvency proceedings, and financial disputes arising in residential tenancies. Notable cases LMAA arbitration: led in a high-value LMAA arbitration arising in the context of a debt claimed under an oil rig construction and sale contract. LCIA arbitration: assisted with an LCIA arbitration involving complex questions of jurisdiction, sanctions, breach of contract and quantum in the context of financial derivative products. Asset freezing: led in successfully securing a freezing injunction in the High Court in support of a high-value debt recovery claim grounded in undervalue transactions across jurisdictions. Hudock et al v. LG Electronics U.S.A Inc. et al: acted in defence of consumer class action proceedings alleging misrepresentation of home electronics in the United States.

Georgina Swinglehurst

Georgina Swinglehurst is a specialist family law barrister who acts in all areas of private family law, particularly financial remedy proceedings, private children disputes, international family law issues including child relocation, cohabitation disputes, and applications under the FLA 1996 (domestic violence). Georgina was nominated for ‘Family Law Young Barrister of the Year’ at the most recent Family Law Awards in 2025. She has also been recognised as a “Rising Star (Tier 1)” in the Legal 500 for both financial remedy and children matters, as well as “Up and Coming” in Chambers and Partners for matrimonial finances. Georgina joined 36 Family in June 2026, having previously practiced on the Western Circuit, where she continues to have a strong practice. Prior to undertaking pupillage, Georgina worked at a leading London law firm in Mayfair, specialising in financial remedies and private children law for ultra-high net worth clients. These cases often involved complex financial structures, international aspects, pre-nuptial agreements, or large asset claims under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act. Notable cases Georgina Swinglehurst acted for the applicant wife in the case of P v P (Inheritance at the end of a long marriage) [2026] EWFC 209. Judgment can be viewed here. Georgina was instructed in the case of WX v HX [2023] EWFC 279 in the pre-trail and committal hearing before the reported decision. Georgina assisted in the case of Hudson v Hathway [2022] EWCA Civ 1648 during her pupillage, under the supervision of Zoë Saunders. Acted for the respondent in a case with assets of c.£12mil where the applicant sought to cease joint lives spousal maintenance. Secured a lump sum award for her client. Successfully represented the applicant in the High Court to be able to visit Colombia to see her family with the children. Successfully represented the respondent in a complex multi-day private children fact finding, with no findings made against her client of sexual assault or harm to the child.

Dan Tan

Dan Tan is the principal of Dan Tan Law, a boutique law firm based in New York, San Francisco, and Singapore, that has been repeatedly ranked amongst the top 100 of all arbitration practices in the world (Global Arbitration Review 100, 2012 to 2025). Benchmark Litigation recommends the firm for litigation in California, for International Arbitration nationally in the United States, and named it the Euromoney Inaugural “International Arbitration Firm of the Year (US West)”. Dan is an associate member of 36 Group (formerly Stone Chambers), a commercial barristers chambers in London. Dan has over two decades of international arbitration and litigation experience at some of the largest international law firms. He previously practiced with Latham & Watkins and O’Melveny & Myers in New York representing clients in high-value international disputes. Dan’s practice focuses on international litigation and arbitration. He has acted in litigation matters in courts all over the world, and in arbitrations under various institutional rules (including ICC, LCIA, AAA, Swiss Rules, BANI, SIAC) seated in major arbitration venues (New York, California, London, Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Indonesia, Brazil, and Singapore). These cases involve disputes stemming from joint venture and partnership agreements, distributor and supply agreements, IP agreements, license agreements, share purchase and option agreements, construction and oil & gas contracts. He has sat as arbitrator (chair, sole, party-appointed, and emergency arbitrator) in more than 50 international arbitrations. Chambers commends his “experience sitting as arbitrator in complex disputes”.

Rhys Taylor

Rhys specialises in financial remedies. He is a leading expert and an experienced advocate in financial remedies and related areas of law. Rhys has extensive experience in dealing with complex and high value financial remedy claims. He has expertise in dealing with cases involving non-disclosure, complex or novel assets, commercial assets, partnerships, valuation issues, liquidity issues, competing property or commercial claims by third parties, pensions and enforcement. He has extensive experience of constructive trust and estoppel type claim claims, particularly in the farming context. Many of Rhys’ cases involve complex questions relating to the involvement of third parties and how their property or commercial rights relate to the parties’ financial remedy claim. Many of his cases have an international dimension with assets or parties located in several jurisdictions. Rhys has a much sought after expertise concerning pensions on divorce, having been a founder member of the Pension Advisory Group. He also a co-author of the leading textbook in the area, Pensions on Divorce: A Practitioner’s Handbook (Class Legal, 4th edition, Hess, Taylor, Rainer and Galbraith). Rhys’s philosophy is to seek a consensual solution to problems in the first instance. If so instructed, he will go the extra mile in seeking out a resolution which works for his clients. Many of Rhys’ cases settle at a private FDR. There are some cases, however, which require a contested determination and where settlement options have been exhausted. Rhys is very experienced in dealing with the dynamics of a fully contested hearing, whether conducted before an arbitrator or judge in court. Rhys is a seasoned family arbitrator having delivered numerous awards involving long and complex hearings. Rhys is a mediator and also a much sought after Private FDR evaluator. As a member of the Family Procedure Rule Committee, he was instrumental in the 2024 amendments introduced to the Family Procedure Rules, Part 3 and Part 28 in respect of Non-Court Dispute Resolution and the revised Financial Remedies Pre-Action Protocol. Away from his advocacy and private tribunal work, Rhys’ knowledge and expertise in the law is reflected by his involvement as a contributing editor to the Family Court Practice (“The Red Book”). He is also the Editor and Vice-Chair of the Financial Remedies Journal, which is an essential resource for his sector of the profession. He writes and lectures widely, including to the Judicial College. Rhys is a Recorder and authorised to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge. Reported cases Dobson v Griffey [2018] EWHC 1117 (Ch) Goodyear v Goodyear (deceased) [2022] EWFC 96 (B)

Paula Thomas

Regarded as a specialist, family and children barrister. Paula is an extremely approachable Barrister, specialising in Public and Private Law cases and in particular, those in which complex allegations or issues. She has acted for Applicant Local Authorities, Parents, Cafcass, in complex care proceedings such as fabricated induced illness cases or in cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and non–accidental injury and is a particularly sensitive advocate for vulnerable clients. In private Law, undertaken cases with multi-jurisdictional aspects in particular relocation matters, intractable disputes, and domestic violence matters. Paula has had many successes representing clients with learning disabilities. Paula is an approved direct access family barrister regularly accepting instructions directly from the public without the need for a solicitor, acting under the Bar’s public access rules. Prior to coming to the Bar, Paula worked for the Legal Aid Agency for 9 years, working in conjunction with the SRA and police dealing with fraud investigations. Notable cases: W (A Child) [2016] EWCA Civ 804

Mary Thomson

Mary is a Chartered Arbitrator and Mediator. Besides being a barrister in England & Wales and Hong Kong, she is a former solicitor who specialised in high court litigation, including the Court of Final Appeal, arbitration and mediation. Mary’s extensive experience spans the financial, insurance, transport, energy, commodities and manufacturing sectors. Mary has conducted domestic and international arbitrations including HKIAC, ICC, SIAC, SCMA, LMAA, CIETAC and LOF arbitrations and has been appointed arbitrator since 1996 including pursuant to ‘commercial men’ clauses. She is on the panel of arbitrators of various regional and global arbitration centres and also a number of mediator panels. She regularly sits as arbitrator in London, Hong Kong and Singapore and has successfully mediated large international commercial disputes.

Kate Tompkins

Kate is a specialist children law barrister and mediator with a wealth of experience in complex private and public law proceedings. Kate is consistently ranked in Band 1 of Chambers & Partners where her strengths of excellent forensic skill combined with pragmatism and empathy are recognised. Kate is also joint head of 36 Family.

Rachel Toney

36 Stone Special Advocate Rachel’s commercial practice includes all aspects of international trade, shipping and maritime work (including a wide variety of bills of lading/charterparty disputes, indemnity claims, Agency Agreement disputes, contamination and cargo claims; Admiralty claims, primarily collisions/allisions including jurisdictional and procedural issues, contracts for the sale and carriage of goods together with insurance and re-insurance) with a particular emphasis on shipbuilding and superyachts, having been instructed in many of the high value new-build disputes involving the world’s largest superyachts. Rachel was instructed in the recent high-profile “test” case of Hamida Begum v Maran (UK) Limited in which a spotlight was shone on the disreputable practice of dismantling large ships on the beaches of economically developing nations. The Court of Appeal ruled that a shipping company in London selling a vessel to South Asia could owe a duty of care to shipbreaking workers in Bangladesh. Experienced in mediation as well as arbitration. Rachel’s commercial practice includes conflict of laws/jurisdictional issues, international and domestic disputes, international trade, construction disputes, agency disputes, contracts for the sale and carriage of goods, insurance and re-insurance. Uniquely qualified market leader in the field of employment and personal injury related shipping matters. As Special Advocate, Rachel is regularly instructed in nationally and internationally high profile, sensitive, national security cases including cases involving the FCDO, the NCA, the Home Office and the Security Services. Cases include consideration of all aspects of HMG’s implementation of counter-terrorism measures, multi-party private law claims and Judicial Reviews in the Appellate Courts and deprivation/deportation/exclusion appeals before the Special Immigration Appeals Tribunal. Since developing this specialist area of her practice, Rachel has appeared in many of the leading cases in this field. She is also instructed in cases before SVAP (Security Vetting Appeals Panel). Shortlisted for Legal 500 UK Bar Shipping Junior of the Year 2022.

William Tyler KC

William Tyler KC is a specialist family law Silk appearing throughout the country in the most high profile or complicated private and public law children cases with a particular emphasis on cases raising difficult international issues. William is Joint Head of the 36 Group. William has huge experience of cases in the Court of Appeal and the UK Supreme Court. Notable cases include: Re S (Parental Alienation: Cult) [2020] EWCA Civ 568, Court of Appeal, McCombe, Eleanor King & Peter Jackson LJJ Re D (A Child) (Appeal Out of Time) [2020] EWHC 1167 (Fam), High Court, Francis J Re A Local Authority v The Mother & Ors [2020] EWHC 1233 (Fam), High Court, Williams J Re C (Children) (Covid-19: Representation) [2020 EWCA Civ 734, Court of Appeal, Peter Jackson, Eleanor King and Asplin LJJ Re M (Children) [2019] EWCA Civ 1364, [2019] 4 WLR 115, Court of Appeal, McFarlane P, Simon & Davies LJJ Re H (A Minor: Hair-Strand Testing) [2017] EWFC 64, [2017] 4 WLR 179, [2018] 1 FLR 762, Jackson J Re H (A Minor) v Northants. County Council & The Legal Aid Agency [2017] EWHC 282 (Fam), [2018] 1 WLR 5912, [2018] 1 FLR 499, Keehan J Re B (A Child) [2018] EWCA Civ 20, [2018] 2 FLR 1, Court of Appeal: Sir James Munby P, Davis & Underhill LJJ Northants. County Council & AW v The Lord Chancellor (via The Legal Aid Agency) [2018] EWHC 1628 (Fam), [2019] 1 FLR 169 Francis J Re F (A Child: Placement Order: Proportionality) [2018] EWCA Civ 2761, [2019] 1 FLR 779, Court of Appeal: Longmore, Jackson & Asplin LJJ Re M (Children) (Disclosure to Police) [2019] EWCA Civ 1364, McFarlane P, Simon & Davies LJJ Re G (Interim Care Order) [2011] EWCA Civ 745 [2011] 2 FLR 95, Court of Appeal: Sir Nicholas Wall P, Rix LJ Sutton v Gray and Others (No 1) [2012] EWHC 2604 (Fam), [2013] FLR 833, Hogg J Sutton v Gray and Others (No 2) [2012] EWHC 2763 (Fam), [2013] FLR 914, Hogg J Re TG (A Child) [2013] EWCA (Civ) 5, [2013] 1 FLR 1250, Court of Appeal: Sir James Munby P, Aikens LJ & Hedley J Re M (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 388, Court of Appeal: Sullivan & Rafferty LJJ, Ryder J Re W (A Child) [2013] EWCA Civ 662, Court of Appeal: Thorpe, Hallett & Elias LJJ Re DF and GF (Children) (Placement Order or Special Guardianship Order) [2013] EWHC 2607 (Fam), Pauffley J Re E (Brussels II Revised: Vienna Convention: Reporting Restrictions) [2014] EWHC 6 (Fam), [2014] 1 WLR 2670, [2014] 2 FLR 151, Sir James Munby P Re R (Children: Temporary Leave to Remove from the Jurisdiction) [2014] 2 FLR 1402, HHJ Bellamy London Borough of Haringey v Musa [2014] EWHC 2883 (Fam), Newton J Re X (A Child) [2014] EWHC 1871 (Fam), Sir James Munby P Re S (A Child) [2015] UKSC 20, [2015] 1 WLR 1631, [2015] FLR 208, Supreme Court: Baroness Hale, Lords Kerr, Wilson, Hughes & Toulson M v LA [2015] EWHC 2082 (Fam), Hayden J Re B (A Child) (Habitual Residence) (Inherent Jurisdiction)[2015] EWCA Civ 886, [2016] 2 WLR 487, Court of Appeal: Sir James Munby P, Black & Underhill LJJ Re A (Fact-finding) [2015] EWFC 68 (Fam), Russell J Aidiniantz v Aidiniantz [2015] EWCOP 65, [2015] COPLR 643, Jackson J Re T (A Child) (Early Permanency Placement) [2015] EWCA Civ 983, [2017] 1 FLR 330, Court of Appeal: Sir James Munby P, Black & Bean LJJ Re N (Children) (Adoption: Jurisdiction) [2015] EWCA Civ 1112, [2016] 1 All ER 1086, [2016] 1 FLR 621, Court of Appeal: Sir James Munby P, Black LJ & Sir Richard Aikens X County Council v AB & CD [2015] EWFC 98, Keehan J Re B (A Child) [2016] UKSC 4, [2016] 2 WLR 557, [2017] 1 All ER 899, [2016] 1 FLR 561, Supreme Court: Baroness Hale, Lords Clarke, Wilson, Sumption & Toulson Re N (Children) (Brussels II Revised: Article 15) [2016] UKSC 15, [2016] 2 WLR 1103, [2016] 1 FLR 1082, Supreme Court: Baroness Hale, Lords Neuberger, Wilson, Kerr & Carnwath Re RA (Baby Relinquished for Adoption: Case Management)[2016] EWFC 25, [2017] 1 FLR 1610, Cobb J Re E (A Child) [2016] EWCA Civ 473, [2017] 1 FLR 1675, [2016] Crim LR 649, Court of Appeal: McFarlane, Macur & Gloster LJJ Re K (Children) [2016] EWHC 1606 (Fam), Hayden J Re U (Children: Residence Order) [2016] EWCA Civ 1332, [2017] 4 WLR 1, [2017] Med LR 37, (2017) 153 BMLR 152, Court of Appeal: McFarlane & Lindblom LJJ, Henderson J Re JS (Disposal of Body) [2016] EWHC 2859 (Fam), Peter Jackson J Re W (A Child) (Secure Accommodation Order) [2016] EWCA Civ 804, [2016] 4 WLR 159, Court of Appeal: Moore Bick & Macur LJJ East Sussex County Council v SV, TG and AG [2017] EWHC 536 (Fam), MacDonald J Re M (A Child) [2017] EWFC B79, HHJ Booth

Hena Vissian

Hena is reputed to be a tenacious advocate, who takes a sensitive yet robust approach whilst being mindful, down to earth and child-focused with clients. Hena is well respected by those who instruct her and the court alike. Hena is well known for her forensic analysis and thorough preparation of cases. She has extensive experience cross-examining experts, professional and other witnesses assisted by her early career at the Criminal Bar where she regularly appeared in trials concerning rape, sexual assault and historical sexual abuse. She represents parents, children’s guardians, competent children and intervenors alike with particular expertise in: Sexual abuse including rape and familial abuse Non-accidental /inflicted injury Cases involving individuals with learning difficulties (and the use of Intermediaries) Cases involving cultural conflict Hena is experienced and regularly accepts instructions in matters involving: Non-accidental injury Sexual abuse (including familial abuse and rape) Fabricated and/or induced illness Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Deprivation of liberty Chronic neglect and abuse Domestic violence Cultural conflict Forced marriage and honour based violence Drug and Alcohol misuse Clients with learning difficulties and disabilities Clients with mental health difficulties Hearing impaired families Concurrent criminal proceedings

Rachel Watkins

Rachel Watkins is a family law specialist with extensive experience in complex public and private law proceeding with expertise spanning a wide range of child related matters including those involving: Non accidental injury Sexual abuse / incest Cultural conflict Mental health Vulnerable parties Deprivation of liberty Modern day slavery Chronic neglect Child arrangement orders Changing of a child’s name or school Removal from the jurisdiction Domestic abuse Concurrent criminal proceedings Rachel is regularly instructed by local authorities and on behalf of parents, children, protected parties, interveners and children requiring separate representation. Rachel also accepts instructions on a Public Access basis.

Kelly Webb

Kelly practises in Private Children Act and International Children Act cases. Kelly also practises in Abduction cases. Kelly has been recognised in cases for her meticulous approach to both advocacy and Written documents. Kelly was commended by a High Court Judge in an International Relocation case for her conduct in a case (she was instructed hours before the hearing commenced and was able to conduct the case meticulously and to a high standard). Kelly practises at a high level in Private Law Children cases. She has become a specialist in the last 3 years in parental alienation and high conflict cases and has given lectures in this area throughout the country. These cases require robust advocacy with a focus on ensuring a parent has a direct consistent relationship with their child often after months/years of another parent refusing contact. Kelly has had numerous cases of allegations made by children against a parent and is extremely able to forensically examine the issues in these complex cases. Kelly has repeatedly secured a long term Order for Shared Care in cases where previous Orders have been flouted and a parent previously reduced to only indirect contact. Kelly regularly practises in International Children Act cases where one Party seeks to relocate to Hague and Non Hague countries or to Return to this Jurisdiction. Further Kelly practises in Abduction cases and recently persuaded a court in an abduction case not to Order Summary Return on the basis of Welfare of the children. Kelly initially practised in Criminal Law particularly sex crimes cases. Kelly also practised in complex Public Law proceedings for many years with detailed medical evidence and where Fact Finding Hearings were required. These years of advocacy experience Kelly now brings to Private and International cases meaning her ability to cross examine the other side or draft persuasive Written Submissions are of the highest standard. Kelly recently gave a lecture on Parental Alienation which was described as “excellent” in terms of what should be expected when instructed in a case : the identification and resolution by the advocate. "Kelly Webb's down-to-earth, sensible approach ensures even the most difficult cases run smoothly. A spirited advocate who fights tirelessly for the right outcome, she is known for her perceptiveness around welfare issues." Chambers and Partners 2023 ""Kelly Webb's down-to-earth, sensible approach ensures even the most difficult cases run smoothly. A spirited advocate who fights tirelessly for the right outcome, she is known for her perceptiveness around welfare issues."" Chambers and Partners 2022 ""She will fight tooth and nail to get to where things need to be."" Chambers and Partners 2022 "Is calm, considered and empathetic but equally robust when required. Clients trust her and know that in very difficult circumstances, she is on their side." Legal 500 - 2021 "Excellent at thinking on her feet and handling clients in difficult situations." Legal 500 2020 "Fights a case like it is her own" Legal 500, 2018 Notable Cases Jv HvOrs [2022] EWHC 862 (Fam) REPORTED Application under the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 for an order pursuant to Article 12 of Hague Convention directing the summary return of five children, aged between 14 and 7, to Germany. Application made by Mother who remained in Germany with the two younger children. GAL supported the Application and Local Authority. Opposed by the father until Day 1 of the Hearing. The father removed the children from Germany in July 2021. On arrival the father claimed asylum, naming the children as dependants. The asylum claims sought not to return to Iraq. The children had arrived by channel crossing. LA v Parents Case involved two parents from Pakistan. M was in this Jurisdiction and represented by OS as lacked capacity. F was resident in Pakistan. LA sought transfer of proceedings to Pakistan supported by parents. Kelly argued for the children that there was no effective current Protocol with Pakistan, children habitually resident here and welfare mitigated against transfer. Section 9 Judge highlighted no effective Protocol Transfer Application withdrawn F v M Relocation to Australia: M had made a second Application to relocate the Parties 7 year old son to Australia. First Application unsuccessful. Second Application Section 7 Report supported Relocation. F was extremely distressed at prospect his child would move to Australia. Kelly successfully persuaded the court to adjourn the case producing a forensic Position Statement about missing evidence including PNC check of Ms new boyfriend whom she planned to live with. Judge adjourned commenting that Ms solicitors would be wise to use Kelly Webb’s Position Statement as a guide to what evidence was required. After the case was adjourned M abandoned her Application and F is now enjoying a stable regular relationship with his son. F v M Private Law the became Public Law F spent 18 months defending Allegations from a M whom refused to promote any contact despite repeated court Orders and a Committal Hearing by a Circuit Judge that resulted in her being ordered to undertake unpaid work due to breaches of court orders. M failed to undertake this work. M had left the family home without notice to F and then basically hid the child from professionals 4-day Fact Finding Listed: M failed to attend. Allegations dismissed Case transferred to High Court. M then went on the run and despite numerous court Orders/tip staff involvement and 3 separate police forces the child could not be found. Kelly persuaded a District Judge after full legal and factual Submissions to dismiss Ms Allegations in full. This is a rare decision by a court particularly as properly allegations of domestic violence are important for a court to consider. Kelly argued that in ensuring Ms Right to a Fair Hearing were uppermost in the courts minds the Right of the F to a Fair Hearing had become subsumed. Public Law Proceedings:High Court FINAL HEARING before Section 9 Judge. Decision child would remain with Father with supervised contact only with Mother. INTERNATIONAL AND ABDUCTION 2018: Non-Hague Convention Refusal of Summary Return. Children abducted by one parent to this Jurisdiction. Kelly argued against Summary Return on Welfare Grounds. Summary Return refused. S v G [2014] EWHC Jackson J Private Law: jurisdiction case – application for move to Russia for child. Commendation to Kelly in conduct of case instructed on day one of hearing Re: G (interim threshold) [2017] EWFC B34 (20 June 2017) Public Law: parents of two children. The 3 month old suffered bruising. Consultant later concluded there was ‘strongly suggestive of non accidental injury.’ The local authority issued proceedings and submitted at an initial interim hearing the court should not in effect conclude the case at an interim hearing. We argued successfully that the court must consider as per Finding of Fact dicta and the Judge adopted my summary. The Judge accepted that even though it was an interim hearing that she could be guided my Submissions on the law and found that interim threshold was not made out. Proceedings ended. CHILDREN LAW A Local Authority v M & M (by their Guardian) & Ors [2009] EWHC 3172 (Fam) Hedley J Instructed on behalf of First Resp in application (jointly with Guardian) to discharge father from proceedings due to risk posed. Application allowed Public Law: parents of two children The 3 month old suffered bruising. Consultant later concluded there was ‘strongly suggestive of non accidental injury.’ Local authority case must continue to Fact Finding Hearing some months away. Kelly argued that the case should be determined at the first Interim Hearing based upon a detailed Submissions document. Judge persuaded to conclude matters at an interim hearing. Proceedings ended. Abduction and Relocation : Reported cases RVH v TF Non Hague Convention: Refusal of Summary Return [2018] EWHC 1680 (Fam) Re DD [2016] EWHC 3546 (Fam) Abduction re Northern Cyprus. Instructed by Cafcass Legal FB v IB [2014] EWHC 759 (Fam) Hague Convention. Relocation from USA to UK (instructed in Children Act Proceedings following Abduction proceedings) S v G [2015] EWFC 4 Child Abduction Re C (Care Proceedings: Parents with Disabilities) [2014] EWCA Civ 128

Madeleine Whelan

Madeleine is a family barrister specialising in all areas of welfare law, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable children and adults. Maddie has broad experience in public, private, international and non-traditional children cases, which includes acting in cases involving complex fact-findings of sexual abuse or catastrophic physical injury. Maddie has experience in cases involving cross-border disputes, adoption and complex safeguarding matters and has built a strong reputation in cases involving psychological, sexual or physical harm to children. Maddie is committed to the publicly funded bar and accepts instructions in all areas of children law; she is a regular contributor to the Family Law Journal and Family Law Week and, alongside this, hosts a fortnightly podcast on current family law issues.

Tom Wilding

Tom is an experienced first instance and appellate advocate, who is used to taking novel or niche points of law on appeal. His practice across Public Law includes immigration, education and public law; he also practices in employment, and has experience in related regulatory matters. He is often instructed to take cases on further on onward appeals when he did not represent below. Tom is ranked as a leading junior in Immigration law (tier 4) by the Legal 500. Tom has been appointed by the Attorney General to the ‘C Panel’ of Civil counsel. Immigration Law Tom is an experienced immigration practitioner in a career spanning over 20 years as an advocate appearing in both the First Tier and Upper Tribunal before and since coming to the independent bar. Tom has experience across the jurisdiction in all types of appeals including protection, exclusion, deportation, deprivation of citizenship, human rights, skilled migrant and EEA/EUSS matters. He has numerous reported decisions to his name from the UT(IAC), including 2 country guidance decisions, and several on UT procedure and costs. Tom has particular experience in the UT on error of law applications, and is frequently brought on board for further appeals beyond the FTT, even where he did not appear below. Tom’s Public Law practice in Immigration spans both decisions made in relation to visa applications and Trafficking decisions under the NRM, and he is experienced in both the Administrative Court and the UT(IAC) in bringing such claims. Education Law In Education Law Tom is regularly instructed by Appellant’s/Claimants, Local Authorities and Responsible Bodies in claims and appeals before the First Tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal. He has broad experience in EHCP appeals, and discrimination claims before the Tribunal, bringing in his experience from other areas of practice on Equality Act matters. He is experienced in Public Law challenges to Local Authorities in the High Court in a range of Education related matters including when the LA’s s19 duty is engaged, and the failure to implement EHCP’s under s42 CFA 2014. Employment Law Tom has experience in the ET and EAT on the range of claims brought. He represents both claimants and respondents, including Local Authorities in unfair dismissal, whistleblowing and discrimination claims. He drafts ET1’s and ET3’s as well as further amendments, and skeleton arguments as necessary. He advises respondent’s on HR policies, and misconduct matters, both in the abstract and on ongoing matters of sensitive and complex issues. He has experience in undertaking investigations on allegations made. Tom has experience on statutory appeals from regulators. Tom sits as both a Deputy Judge of the Upper Tribunal in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber and as a fee-paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal in the same Chamber.

Ellis Wilford

Ellis practices in asylum & immigration and has appeared in the Upper Tribunal, the Administrative Court and theCourt of Appeal. He has been praised by instructing solicitors as "a very skilled and knowledgeable Barrister". Ellis regularly advises and appears in: Judicial review (eg fresh claims, certification, procedural fairness claims, ETS etc) Business Migration (Tier 1 entrepreneur, Tier 2) Family reunion (Article 8, Appendix FM) Asylum Deportation (including "Nexus" appeals) Unlawful detention and false imprisonment European Union law (Residence Cards, sham marriage allegations, Ankara applications) Nationality law (British citizenship: registration, naturalisation and revocation)

Amelia Wilson

Approachable family law barrister focussed on Children Law and Matrimonial & Family Finance including; Schedule 1 Applications and Cohabitee Disputes (TOLATA). Amelia has a keen interest in relocation matters and alleged instances of parental alienation. She also has experience of surrogacy law having dealt with one of the first applications for a single parent Parental Order.

Diana Wilson

Diana primarily practices in the areas of serious, and organised crime and cases involving complex or novel legal issues. She is particularly noted for her attention to detail when preparing large multi-handed cases and for her calm and focused approach under pressure. She is often instructed in cases involving complex or novel human rights arguments. Her years working internationally have given her an exceptional ability to handle voluminous and complex cases and advise at an early stage in relation to lengthy investigations. When defending she is particularly noted for her forensic pursuit of relevant disclosure. She also has a particular interest in cases involving complex technical and/or telephone evidence. Diana is an experienced advocate who varies her style as the case requires; from being described by one of her opponents as having a calm, measured and fair approach when prosecuting, to being described by one of her instructing solicitors when defending as ‘a bulldog’, to being sensitive and nuanced when advising the most vulnerable of clients or examining young witnesses.

Gerald Wilson

Gerald Wilson specialises in family and property law, focusing on matrimonial finance, with a particular emphasis on cases involving third parties, creditors and business interests. He also has extensive experience in civil partnership, trusts of land, probate and Inheritance Act claims, claims under Sch.1 of the Children Act, residence disputes and surrogacy. Gerald regularly appears in both family and civil courts and is happy to guide solicitors unfamiliar with either procedure. He also has significant experience of acting for persons under a disability. Gerald is recommended as a leading junior in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson KC, LL.D is a Commercial, Public and Administrative law and Employment specialist. He is often instructed in cases that require interpretation of written instruments (contracts, statutes etc.). He has been involved in some landmark decisions in the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and the Court of Appeal on a range of matters, including: the interpretation of the European Union Reception Directive, the misuse of confidential information and account of profits as a remedy, and the principles governing the entitlement to costs in judicial review cases. Richard’s principal area of practice is commercial disputes. He has considerable experience of litigious domestic and international disputes (e.g. distributorship agreements, sale of goods and services, agency agreements, etc.). As for ADR, the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) accredited Richard an “outstanding” mediator in a number of categories.

Colin Wright

Colin Wright is a highly experienced barrister with a practice which embraces all areas of international commercial litigation and arbitration, including shipping, commodities, insurance, international trade, carriage of goods, sale of goods, insolvency, commercial fraud and trade secrets. He is particularly well known for shipping litigation (both wet and dry) and has extensive experience in collisions, charterparties and marine insurance. His clients include insurers, financial institutions and P&I clubs. In addition to his practice as an advocate, he also sits as an arbitrator. He has an international practice and regularly undertakes work in Hong Kong and the Far East in addition to England & Wales. He is noted for his user-friendly and commercial approach.

Stuart Yeung

Stuart acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, children and intervenors on the Midlands Circuit. Acting on behalf of local authorities usually involves numerous parties and complex issues arising out of serious non-accidental injury and/or death and complex medical issues. Stuart employs a proactive, careful and sensitive approach to his preparation, has good case management skills and the ability to identify key issues and communicate effectively with professional and lay clients alike. Stuart also acts for parents and children in private law proceedings. Stuart’s experience and current practice includes cases involving: Serious non-accidental injury Fabricated and/or induced illness, including hospital intervenors Female Genital Mutilation Sexual abuse Concurrent criminal proceedings Human Rights Act claims arising from public law proceedings Chronic neglect Drug and alcohol abuse (including FDAC proceedings) Adoption Special Guardianship Domestic Violence Alienating behaviours

Heidi Yildiz

Heidi Yildiz is a barrister specialising in international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution. Heidi previously practised as a solicitor, and she is also a qualified Finnish attorney with full rights of audience at Finnish courts. Heidi has more than 12 years of experience as a counsel in complex and high-value international arbitration disputes, both of a private and public law nature. She has represented a broad range of clients across a range of different industry sectors in institutional arbitrations conducted under the ICC, LCIA, DIS, FAI, UNCITRAL and PCA Rules as well as ad hoc arbitrations, governed by a variety of substantive and procedural laws. Heidi is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and also regularly acts as an arbitrator. Prior to joining 36 Stone, Heidi practised international arbitration and commercial litigation for nearly ten years at Dittmar & Indrenius in Helsinki. Prior to that Heidi trained and qualified as a solicitor in the London office of Wilmer Hale and upon qualification practiced international arbitration there until 2011.

Emile Yusupoff

Emile Yusupoff is a junior barrister practicing in commercial litigation and international arbitration. Emile accepts instructions in contentious and advisory matters, as a junior and as sole counsel. His main practice area is shipping and international trade law, but he has broad experience of commercial and chancery disputes. Since joining 36 Stone in October 2020, Emile has been instructed in shipping matters involving fisheries; pipeline construction; war risks and sanctions clauses; navigation rights; bunker disputes; and cargo claims. He has also worked on various contractual, company and property disputes, as well as matters involving pipeline construction; professional negligence; cryptocurrency fraud; art law; and insolvency. Before qualifying as a barrister, Emile completed pupillage at a leading commercial chambers, worked as a paralegal, and spent the summer of 2018 at the US firm Critelli Law as Middle Temple’s Anglo-American Exchange Scholar.