1GC | Family Law

Liz has a busy practice specialising in all aspects of family law relating to children, with a particular interest in cases with an international element. Liz represents clients at all stages of proceedings and appears independently at all levels of Court, up to and including the High Court. Liz has been led in multiple cases before the Court of Appeal. She has particular experience representing parties in cases involving serious and complex allegations of abuse, as well as cases involving alienating behaviour and implacable hostility. Regarding international family law, she regularly appears in complex international child abduction matters, concerning both Hague and non-Hague Convention countries, independently and as junior counsel.

Sylvie Armstrong

Sylvie joined chambers in September 2024 following successful completion of her pupillage. Prior to joining 1GC Family Law, Sylvie completed a PhD in Law in Florence, Italy. Her research was focussed on surrogacy regulation and included a semester as a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley interviewing attorneys and gestational carriers about their experiences. She is keen to remain involved in assisted reproduction law whilst also working towards building a wider family practice.

Steven Ashworth

Steven specialises in family law in relation to children. He is regularly instructed to represent parties in public and private law children cases at all levels of court, including the High Court, and has appeared successfully in the Court of Appeal. Steven has extensive experience of complex care proceedings, in which he acts for local authorities, parents, children and extended family members. He is instructed in cases involving: vulnerable parties; alleged parental culpability in child death; serious inflicted injury including fractures and catastrophic head injuries; allegations of fabricated or induced illness; allegations of sexual abuse; complex international issues including placements of children in foreign jurisdictions; radicalisation; and a broad range of appeals. Steven regularly acts for parties in private law proceedings for child arrangements, prohibited steps and specific issue orders, especially in cases where the children are separately represented, where there are international issues, including applications to remove from the jurisdiction, and where there are serious safeguarding concerns requiring fact-finding hearings. Alongside this, Steven represents parties in applications under the Family Law Act 1996 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. He also has experience in proceedings concerning applications for forced marriage protection orders and female genital mutilation protection orders. Steven accepts public access instructions in appropriate cases.

Andrew Bagchi KC

Andrew Bagchi KC specialises in the most complex cases involving the full range of family situations in the Family Court and the Court of Protection. He has been described as an approachable and versatile practitioner and has 35 years of experience of dealing in the legal consequences of relationship breakdown: divorce and its financial consequences, disputes relating to children including international issues, disputes as to jurisdiction, child abduction, disputes between unmarried parents about their children in relation to the ownership of property and finance. He has represented a number of fathers who have achieved a reunification with their children following false allegations of abuse. Andrew has successfully represented clients both for and against applications to relocate children to other counties. He has a broadly based practice in care and adoption proceedings and advises in complex child abuse and safeguarding investigations. He has also been involved in well over 100 reported cases. He was instructed in a landmark case in the Supreme Court (CN v Poole BC) as to the duties in tort owed by social services to children. He is regularly instructed in appeals and is instructed in the forthcoming conjoined appeal in the Court of Appeal in a series of parentage cases. He has a vibrant practice in the financial aspects of family breakdown with a specialist interest in cases involving relevant conduct. Andrew undertakes welfare, financial and medical work in the Court of Protection and is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor and hospital trusts as well as family members who are caught up within such proceedings. He regularly advises and appears in disputes relating to deputyship and powers of attorney and generally in the management of money. Recent notable Cases include: G (A Child: Scope of Fact-Finding) [2025] EWCA Civ 1044 (31 July 2025) Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board v AB & Anor [2025] EWCOP 24 (T3) (10 July 2025) A Local Authority v A Mother & Ors [2025] EWFC 193 (10 April 2025) W, Re ( Appeal: Fact-Finding) [2024] EWCA Civ 1590 (20 December 2024) N, Re (Children: Fact Finding - Perplexing Presentation/Fabricated or Induced Illness) (Rev1) [2024] EWFC 326 (11 October 2024) Z, Re (Infant Fatality) [2024] EWHC 618 (Fam) (18 March 2024) T (Children: Non-Disclosure) [2024] EWCA Civ 241 (18 March 2024) N, Re (Children: Findings Against A Professional Witness: Joinder or Intervention) [2024] EWFC 17 (B) (30 January 2024) J v Luton Borough Council & Ors [2024] EWCA Civ 3 (11 January 2024) S (Children: Findings of Fact) [2023] EWCA Civ 1113 (04 October 2023) Y & E (1996 Hague Convention: Article 11) [2023] EWCA Civ 817 (12 July 2023) London Borough of X v M & Ors [2023] EWFC 171 (B) (29 March 2023)

Alison specialises in complex public and private family law proceedings and also appears in the Court of Protection. City and County of Swansea and XZ and YZ and the Press, Media and Ors [2014] EWHC (Fam) 212 (Press injunction re mother's criminal trial) In the Matter of Z (a child) P,D,X,Y,Z [2014] EWHC 2355 (Fam) (case with ‘uniquely difficult logistical and practical’ problems: LIP, non-English speaking imprisoned father: abuse of mother and children: police intervention: fair trial: limitation of PR) Re X and Others (Deprivation of Liberty) [2014] EWHC COP 25; [2014] EWHC COP 37. (Post Cheshire West hearings by President)London Borough of Lambeth, SD, SM, SD, Child A and Child B [2013] EWHC B22 (Fam) (permission to withdraw proceedings: child with ‘unusual’ skull)M (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 1147 (order for no direct contact: need for examination of appropriate contact centres)BCC v FZ and AZ and HZ [2012] EWHC 1154 (Fam) (PII and non-disclosure to parents: special advocates) In the Matter of Q (a child) [2011] EWCA Civ 1610 (application to set aside adoption order) Kent CC v A Mother & ors [2011] EWHC 402 (Fam) (care proceedings: disclosure, learning disability); as above [2011] EWHC 1267 (Fam) (costs) Re S (Transfer of Residence) [2010] 1FLR 1785Re S (A Child) [2010] EWCA Civ 219 In the Matter of S [2010] EWCA Civ 325 Re TE & ors [2010] EWHC 192 (Fam) A Local Authority v TE & ors [2010] EWHC 82 (Fam) Warwickshire CC v TE & ors EWHC 819 (Fam) (intractable contact)ReT (Wardship: Review of Police Protection Decision) No 1) [2010] FLR 1017, No 2 [2010] 1 FLR 1026ReT (Impact of Police Intelligence) [2010] 1 FLR 1048 In the Matter of A Local Authority v C (by litigation friend the Official Solicitor) & Ors [2010] EWHC 978 (COP) (deprivation of liberty) In the matter of LB (children) [2010] EWCA Civ 1463 (care proceedings- welfare decisions) A Local Authority v 58 & ors [2010] EWCA 1744 Fam, [2010] 2 FLR 1203 (decision to undergo surgery- care proceedings) D MeG v Neath Port Talbot & ors [2010] EWCA Civ 821 (learning disability) K v L [2010] EWCA Civ 125 (non-financial conduct in ancillary relief proceedings)In re B (a Child) (2009) FC [2009] UKSC 5 (grandparent carer/natural father – residence)

Annabel Barrons

Annabel offers specialist advice in financial remedy proceedings and private children’s law. She takes a particular interest in complex matrimonial finance work, as well as those cases which will benefit from a cohesive strategy across both financial remedy and Children Act proceedings. She undertakes work at all court levels and is often instructed on behalf of high-net-worth individuals and in cases with an international element.

Janet Bazley KC

Janet practices at the highest level in both children and financial cases and maintains a broad family law practice, often acting in cases, which change or clarify the law or procedure. She is noted for her mastery of her papers, her clear strategic thinking and her exceptional client care. Janet’s work in the private law children field includes a wide variety of disputes about the welfare of children, involving internal and international relocation, specific issues regarding schooling and issues which arise where parents are unable to agree about their child receiving medical treatment. Other cases involve private adoption and issues concerning modern families, including surrogacy. In the public law children field, Janet’s cases involve complex medical/mental health issues or issues which are part of the reserved jurisdiction of the High Court. Many of her cases involve the death of young children, where the issue is how the child died and whether the death was from a natural or organic cause or resulted from non-accidental injury. Janet is also instructed in ‘end of life’ and other medical treatment cases. Janet also undertakes the full range of finance work including international cases, applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and nuptial agreements.  In 2021 she ventured into the Chancery Division and was successful in an application to transfer proceedings there to the Family Division of the High Court. Janet is an IFLA accredited arbitrator with considerable experience of undertaking arbitrations in both children and financial cases and she also assists in the devising and delivering of training for family law arbitrators under the IFLA scheme. Janet is a trained and experienced family mediator who also undertakes other forms of dispute resolution, including private FDRs and Early Neutral Evaluation. Janet sits part-time as a Judge, in both civil and family cases.

Lucy joined Chambers in September 2021 following the successful completion of pupillage under the supervision of Rachel Gillman, Louise MacLynn and Malcolm Chisholm. Lucy is developing a broad practice across the full spectrum of Chambers’ expertise and welcomes instructions in all areas of family law. Prior to joining 1GC Lucy spent a year at the Court of Appeal as the judicial assistant to Lord Justice Peter Jackson and Lord Justice Baker, conducting research and offering preliminary viewpoints. Lucy has also worked as a legal assistant at a London firm, assisting with a busy caseload of public and private law children cases. During her BPTC Lucy volunteered with BPP’s Family Law Advice clinic, offering advice on a range of family law matters.

Jessica Bernstein

Jessica is developing a broad practice across the full range of family law including: private children, care proceedings, financial remedies, domestic abuse and court of protection. In addition, Jessica accepts instructions in education, community care and administrative law. Jessica’s particular interests are in public and private children law. In public law proceedings, she represents parents, children, Local Authorities and interveners in cases involving alcohol and drug misuse, emotional harm, neglect and abuse. Jessica undertakes the full range of private child law applications. She frequently represents parents, children and extended family members in complex contact and residence disputes. She also has experience of cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, alcohol and drug misuse, implacable hostility and issues of parental responsibility, name and schooling. In financial matters, Jessica has experience of ancillary relief applications, TOLATA claims, and Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 applications. Jessica has represented clients with learning difficulties and mental health concerns, communicating sensitively with empathy.

Costanza Bertoni

Costanza joined chambers in September 2020 following the successful completion of pupillage under the supervision of Julien Foster, Helen Jefferson and Jessica Lee. Costanza is developing a broad practice in the full spectrum of Chambers’ expertise and welcomes instructions across all areas of family law. Costanza has been instructed as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal and in complex public law cases. Prior to pupillage, Costanza gained valuable experience in family law by working as a legal researcher for Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) and undertaking legal volunteer work with Advocate, the National Centre for Domestic Violence and the Kensington & Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). Costanza worked in a legal practice in Milan, shadowing a practitioner who specialises in cases and judicial training in the ambit of domestic abuse.

Mark joined Chambers after successful completion of his pupillage. Mark is developing a broad practice across the full spectrum of Chambers’ expertise and welcomes instructions in all areas of family law. Prior to joining 1GC, Mark had a successful career as a secondary school teacher and school leader, qualifying via the Teach First scheme in 2011. Integral in the design, management and leadership of an Outstanding sixth form in East London, Mark has developed a broad base of experience in education and family matters. Mark is also an experienced innovation consultant, specialising in education and children's services. Working on national and international programmes, Mark supported frontline workers and service leaders to develop different, better and lower cost public services with the aim of transforming outcomes for families.

Laura Briggs KC

Laura is a highly regarded practitioner, specialising in private law and public law children work. Laura appears in the most serious public law cases. She is accomplished at handling extremely sensitive cases, including those where inflicted injury, factitious induced illness and sexual abuse are in issue. She has experience in other jurisdictions, having practiced in the Caribbean and advised in cases in Jersey and the EU. She frequently appears in cases where children have been abducted, are to be placed overseas in public proceedings or where there is an application for permission to remove a child from the jurisdiction. In adoption cases, Laura has acted in cases where there is a risk of placement breakdown and in non-Convention international adoptions. In her private law practice, Laura’s work includes especially complex and high conflict cases, in all levels of court. Her experience both the public and private spheres of children law allows her to offer highly effective and pragmatic advice to private clients who are experiencing local authority intervention for the first time.

David is a specialist in matrimonial finance, including financial remedy applications, trusts of land and cohabitation disputes as well as also undertaking private law children disputes (domestic and international). David’s work is focused on cases of significant complexity and typically with high assets. Reported cases include ABC v PM & JM [2015] All ER (D) 122; N v N (Ancillary Relief) [2010] 2 FLR 1093; 4Eng Ltd v Harper & Ors (No 2) [2009] EWHC 2633 (Ch); Dixon v Marchant (CA) [2008] 1 FLR 655; Re H (Abduction) (CA) [2007] 1 FLR 242; Young v Lauretani (Ch) [2007] 2 FLR 1211; Re G (Secure Accommodation) (CA) [2000] 2 FLR 259; N v N (Jurisdiction: Pre-Nuptial Agreement) [1999] 2 FLR 745; Re VB (Minors: Child Abduction; Rights of Custody) [1999] 2 FLR 192; David is published frequently including: Applications under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989, Jordans [2001] – lead contributor; Halsbury’s Laws, Vol 5 (Children and Young Persons) [2007 – contributor to sections on Schedule 1 claims and child support; Butterworths Civil Court Precedents and Pleadings (children family breakdown) – contributor on civil partnerships. Articles include: ‘Business Ain’t What it Used to Be’; Family Law, [2012]; ‘Schedule 1 cases – recent developments’ Family Law Week, April 2006; ‘The Footballer’s Divorce – A Game of Two Halves’ Sport and the Law Journal (2005); Vol 13, Issue 3; ‘Burns v Burns – 20 Years On’ Family Law 2003, 834; ‘S 37 MCA 1973 and Freezing Shares’ Family Law 1999, 578; ‘Conduct and Ancillary Relief’ Family Law 1997, 804;

Roseanna Cawthray Stern

Roseanna joined chambers in September 2023 following successful completion of her pupillage and she has a broad practice across the full spectrum of Chambers’ expertise and welcomes instructions in all areas of family law.

Marlene has a unique dual specialism in children law and large-scale public and private inquiries. She is an award winning, sought-after junior barrister who regularly appears in law-making cases. Marlene is in demand as a junior in public and private inquiries. She is currently instructed as counsel to the Covid-19 Inquiry, specifically working on the impact of the pandemic on children and young people. She has previously been instructed for a core participant in the Horizon Post Office IT Inquiry, and as counsel to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the Infected Blood Inquiry. She assisted Charles Geekie QC on Chelsea Football Club’s 2019 Review of Non-Recent Child Sexual Abuse. In her children private law work Marlene acts for parents and children in a wide range of 8 Children Act 1989 applications, including those which feature serious allegations, non-compliance and enforcement, require a rule 16.4 guardian, involve permission to remove children from England and Wales, and where special guardianship orders are sought. Marlene has significant experience in international cases where child abduction, jurisdictional complications, cross-border adoption and surrogacy arise (including in the application of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008). Marlene also regularly acts for parents and children involved in Hague Convention applications. In her children public law work Marlene represents parents, children and Local Authorities in Children Act 1989 Part IV and V applications, including those with serious allegations of abuse, neglect, fictitious or induced injury, and child sexual abuse and exploitation. She regularly represents parties involved in adoption applications and challenges.

Kiran joined Chambers in 2025, she specialises in all areas of children law, with a particular focus on both public and private children law. Kiran has appeared at all levels up to and including the High Court.

Malcolm Chisholm

Malcolm’s practice encompasses complex care proceedings and Court of Protection work, as well as private law work involving children. He is regularly instructed in High Court matters by local authorities, parents, children’s guardians and the Official Solicitor. His care proceedings work involves serious allegations of non-accidental injury. In the Court of Protection, he concentrates on health and welfare cases, frequently involving incapacitated or vulnerable young people who are leaving the care system. Malcolm undertakes the full range of private law children work including applications to remove children from the jurisdiction, as well as residence and contact disputes where his expertise in care proceedings is invaluable. He has a particular interest in the highly complex interface between the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 1983, and has been a part-time tribunal judge of the Mental Health Review Tribunal for many years. Notable cases: Re W (Adoption Order: Set Aside and Leave to Oppose) [2011] 1 FLR 2153 – guidance for courts faced with a late application to oppose adoption X County Council v B (Abduction: Rights of Custody in the Court) [2010] 1 FLR 1197, FD – court seized of custody rights when dealing with an application involving child’s place of residence Re A (A Child) (Adoption: Removal) [2009] 2 FLR 597, CA – placement of children overseas for purposes of adoption Re T (Care Order) [2009] 2 FLR 574, CA - court’s duties when presented with a proposed agreed order in care proceedings X and Y v A Local Authority (Adoption: Procedure) [2009) 2 FLR 984 – FD wholesale breach of adoption rules in FPC

Fareha Choudhury

Fareha is a very experienced and highly skilled family barrister covering both public and private law children cases as well as financial remedy applications. She is mostly instructed in particularly complex and sensitive cases that involve the most serious allegations. She regularly deals with relocation applications and parental alienation cases. Fareha undertakes the full range of matrimonial finance work and has a reputation for offering robust and conscientious representation. Notable cases: A Local Authority v A Mother & Ors [2025] EWFC 193 WZ (Placement with Grandparents) [2024] EWFC 357 (B) The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham v R & Ors [2023] EWFC 338 (B) (08 December 2023) N (Children: Fact Finding - Perplexing Presentation/Fabricated or Induced Illness), Re [2024] EWFC 326 Re A and Re B Children [2016] EWCA Civ 1101. X, Y and Z (Disclosure to the Security Service) [2016] EWHC 2400 (Fam) (06 October 2016); Re AD and AM (Fact-Finding hearing) (Application for Re-hearing) [2016] EWHC 326 (Fam); Re JC (Discharge of Care Order : Legal Aid) [2015] EWFC B39; M (Children) [2014] EWCA Civ 1753; HM (Vulnerable Adult: Abduction), Re Family Division, 24 June 2010 [2010] EWHC 1579 (Fam); [2011] 1 F.L.R. 97; [2010] Fam. Law 1072; HM (Vulnerable Adult: Abduction), Re Family Division, 30 April 2010 [2010] EWHC 870 (Fam); [2010] 2 F.L.R. 1057; [2010] 2 F.C.R. 639; [2010] Fam. Law 935; Re HM (Adult), PM v KH and Another [2009] EWHC 2685 (Fam)

Penelope Clapham

Penny specialises in family finance matters, both as an advocate and as a qualified Arbitrator. She regularly accepts instructions on a wide array of financial disputes both between married and unmarried couples, in an international context including under Part III of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, and in respect of children under Schedule 1 of the Child Act 1989. Penny is equally comfortable representing vulnerable clients in which there is a concurrent Court of Protection issue. Penny’s international practice extends outside this jurisdiction and she has advised and represented clients in Jersey, where she maintains a particular interest. Many of Penny’s cases involve high net worth claims or celebrity clients where both skill and discretion are required. Her work regularly involves complex business structures, trusts, farming disputes, offshore assets and international property. She appears at all Court levels and against opponents often many years senior to her (including KC’s), both with and without a leader.

Georgina completed her pupillage in Chambers and was trained by Sarah Morgan KC (now Her Honour Judge Morgan), Andrew Bagchi KC and Richard Scarratt (now His Honour Judge Scarratt). Initially her practice covered all areas of family law with a particular emphasis on matrimonial finance, private law children and public law proceedings. Since October 2011, Georgina has accepted public access instructions. Georgina’s practice now focuses on private law children, including international children law, and financial remedy work.

Emma joined Chambers after successful completion of her pupillage she practices across the whole spectrum of Family Law. Prior to starting pupillage, Emma worked in two London based family solicitors' firms, specialising in public children's law and financial remedy matters respectively. Emma has worked closely with vulnerable clients and high-net worth individuals alike and has experience conducting research, and drafting orders and pleadings. During her legal studies Emma volunteered with the Unity Project, assisting migrant families in making applications to the Home Office for discretionary recourse to public funding. Emma also volunteered at the Free Representation Unit, acting in cases regarding Social Security claims and Criminal Injuries Compensation. Additionally, Emma worked with the Cleaners and Allied Independent Workers Union, representing members at internal grievance and disciplinary hearings, as well as at the Employment Tribunal.

Gary Crawley

Niamh joined Chambers in 2021 and is building a practice across the range of chambers’ specialisms. She has appeared at all levels up to and including the High Court and accepts instructions in all areas of family law. Niamh has a particular interest in Court of Protection, International and public and private children work.

Nicholas Daniels

Nicholas practices exclusively in private family law and related work. He has considerable experience in matrimonial finance work acting for both spouses and third party interests, and private children law, including Schedule 1 claims. He regularly deals with factually complex high conflict cases in which there are allegations of financial or parental misconduct. Nicholas accepts instructions from Direct Access client’s in suitable cases.

Elizabeth Darlington

Elizabeth was called to the Bar in 1998. She specialises in financial remedies on divorce and property disputes between family members including cohabitees. She is highly regarded for her expertise in applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, having co-authored one of the leading practitioner texts in this area, Cohabitation and Trusts of Land, the 4th edition of which is to be published by Sweet and Maxwell in Spring 2023. Elizabeth appears in the Business and Property Court at all levels including disputes concerning constructive trusts; proprietary estoppel; undue influence and mistake and Inheritance Act claims. She has particular experience in disputes involving contested property transfers. She also represents clients in the Family Court in the full range of financial remedy matters including disputes with third parties (intervenors) and claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. She is adept at handling cases involving a cross-over between the Family and Civil jurisdictions. Elizabeth is often instructed in cases involving allegations of financial abuse and coercive control, in both the family and property law context. Elizabeth is an IFLA appointed arbitrator (MCIArb) and also an accredited civil mediator. She conducts mediations, private FDRs and arbitrations in all her areas of practice, both remotely and in person. Elizabeth is an elected member of the National Committee of the Family Law Bar Association where she sits on the Finance and Property sub-committee. She is also a member of the Chancery Law Bar Association.

Katherine Dunseath

Katherine is a leading junior in financial and private children. She has appeared in all levels of court in England and Wales and is regularly instructed on complex high net worth cases involving complex maintenance issues (domestic and international), trusts and company structures. In her private children practice she has been instructed and led on complex matters involving medical operations on children, forced marriage, international and domestic relocation. Cases of note include: Des Pallieres v Des Pallieres [2021] 4 WLR 96 DP v DP [2020] EWHC 3188 (Fam) M v P (the Queen’s Proctor Intervening) [2019] 2 FLR 813 Mills v Mills [2018] 4 All ER 612 [2018] UKSC 38 Mills v Mills [2017] EWCA Civ 129 Re L and B (Children) (Specific issues: Temporary leave to Remove from the Jurisdiction; Circumcision) [2017] 1 FLR 1349 In the Matter of JL and AO (Babies Relinquished for Adoption) [2016] 4 WLR 40; [2017] 1 FLR 1545 She was shortlisted for: Junior Pro Bono Barrister of the Year (Bar Pro Bono Awards 2019) Junior Barrister of the Year (Family Law Awards 2017)

Luke practices in all areas of family law. He has a broad range of experience and accepts instructions to act in all levels of Court. He undertakes all forms of care, adoption and other public law proceedings, including representing clients faced with serious allegations of neglect, abuse, substance misuse, mental health issues and physical and emotional harm. He has also undertaken work in proceedings involving Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders and claims under the Human Rights Act 1998. He also accepts instructions on all Children Act 1989 private law matters, including cases featuring domestic abuse (of all kinds), parental alienation and international relocation. He has also represented parents in all stages of such proceedings, including final and fact-finding hearings. Luke has experience of a range of financial remedy proceedings, from the first directions appointment through to the final hearing. He also represents clients in injunctive proceedings (under both the Family Law Act 1989 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in a civil context) including where allegations of serious domestic abuse have been made and where those applications are linked to concurrent (or imminent) Children Act 1989 proceedings. Luke is developing his practice in work involving modern families and surrogacy and he was recently led by Deirdre Fottrell QC in Re G (A Child) [2018] EWCA Civ 305, a case in the Court of Appeal involving contact between a child and his biological grandparents.

Nkumbe Ekaney KC

Nkumbe was Joint Head of Chambers at 1GC Family Law until the end of 2024. He has an extensive High Court practice which encompasses all areas of Children Law. More specifically, he regularly acts in complex cases concerning serious allegations of non-accidental injury, including death, FII, sexual abuse and chronic neglect of children. He is particularly adept at dealing with the highly complex medical evidence which these cases often involve. Nkumbe has acted for minority and immigrant parents accused of ritualistic abuse, as well as other forms of abuse justified on cultural and religious grounds, such as radicalisation. In Private Law, Nkumbe’s practice includes cases which contain allegations of serious physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children by their parents. Nkumbe has been ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal Directories since 2008. He is renowned not only for the thorough way in which he approaches these sensitive cases, but for his relaxed, charming and yet polished advocacy style and his excellent client-care.

Melissa Elsworth

Melissa specialises in all aspects of family law relating to children, including both private and public law proceedings. Within the private law sphere, she has extensive experience of complex cases, including those involving serious allegations of abuse, intractable opposition to contact, high conflict, as well as leave to remove applications. Melissa is instructed to represent parents as well as the child(ren), through their 16.4 Guardian. In addition to this, Melissa has significant experience of the law surrounding surrogacy, fertility treatment and LGBT families, in particular, applications for Parental Orders, Declarations of Parentage, and private law disputes arising out of surrogacy arrangements. Melissa has appeared in numerous reported cases within this area (both within the High Court and the Court of Appeal), is regularly led by prominent silks, and has provided many seminars/talks within this field. Melissa is recognised as having wide-ranging experience and knowledge of this area, which is beyond her year of call. Indeed, Mrs Justice Theis referred to Melissa within the judgment of Y v Z [2022] EWFC 157 (Fam) as being a ‘specialist in this area’. Within the public law sphere, Melissa is instructed in a wide range of cases, acting for the Local Authority, parents or the Guardian, including cases involving vulnerable parents, allegations of non-accidental injury and child death, international issues, deprivation of liberty, and radicalisation.

Matthew Fletcher

Public law children: acting for local authorities, parents, children and relatives covering the full range of issues arising in care and adoption proceedings up to the Court of Appeal. Notable cases include: Lengthy 6+ week fact findings in respect of unlawful killing, inter-generational sexual abuse and paedophile rings; non-accidental injury including fractures and head injuries and cases with significant foreign or immigration elements including international adoption and placement of children abroad. Private law children (including international): acting for parents, children and relatives covering the full range of private law children issues including, abduction, leave to remove to Hague and Non-Hague countries, implacable hostility, domestic violence, sexual abuse and mental health difficulties at all levels up to the Court of Appeal. Administrative Law and the Court of Protection: cases involving the interaction between family proceedings and administrative law including cases involving judicially reviewing decisions of the Local Authority and cases involving the Court of Protection.

Edward represents parties in care proceedings either as junior acting alone or as junior to a silk in chambers. He has experience of cases of non-accidental injury, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, and acts for local authorities, parents, Guardians and the Official Solicitor. Edward acts for parents in disputes over children arrangements including residence and contact. He is also experienced in cases involving private law children applications with an international element, for example seeking or opposing permission permanently to remove a child from the jurisdiction. In this he draws on his expertise gathered from periods of practice in other jurisdictions. Not only is Edward called to the Roll of St Lucia, but he has worked for an extended period in Toronto, Canada at the business firm Frasier Milner Casgrain and also in Critelli and Associates in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Edward often acts in proceedings with an international dimension including proceedings engaging the Hague Convention.

Julien practises across three main areas: public law, private law children cases and Court of Protection cases. His areas of expertise and specialisation include care proceedings, cases with an international dimension and judicial review, particularly involving local authorities' duties towards children and vulnerable adults. His practice encompasses civil law disputes with a family dimension, including negligence actions against local authorities. Julien has a particular interest in publicity and reporting in the context of family proceedings. He has acted for the father of the child known as "Baby P" in a number of different cases including civil proceedings brought, unusually, on an anonymised basis, and in proceedings in the Family Division when reporting restrictions were imposed. Notable Cases:Wandsworth London Borough Council v M [2017] EWHC 2435 (Fam), [2017] 4 WLR 180 (the test for interim lack of capacity and the exercise of the court's inherent jurisdiction in relation to vulnerable adults)London Borough of Tower Hamlets v M and Others [2015] 2 FLR 1431 (allegations of radicalisation)Q v Q; Re C (a child); Re B (a child) [2015] 1 FLR 324, [2015] 1 WLR 2040, [2015] 2 FCR 521, [2015] 3 All ER 759 (court’s powers to direct the cost of legal representation to be met by HMCTS)Cairns v Modi; KC v MGN Ltd [2013] 1 WLR 1015 (assessment of compensation in libel proceedings)KM v Lambeth LBC [2012] 1 FLR 1278 (Whether part of relevant and admissible report could be withheld from a party because of fear that he would disclose to third parties)

Julia is a respected practitioner in the fields of family, immigration and human rights law. She specialises in children law and is one of few barristers in this jurisdiction whose expertise covers these three disciplines. Julia has significant expertise in both care and private law proceedings where jurisdictional and/or immigration issues arise. She is frequently instructed in cases where there are allegations of child abduction or the repatriation of children to other jurisdictions. Julia is regularly instructed to represent parents or children in complex care matters where there are allegations of non-accidental injuries and/or sexual abuse, often where there are concurrent criminal proceedings. Julia also practices across the whole breadth of immigration law, again having a particular and successful practice in representing children. This includes cases where children have been the victims of modern-day slavery and/or trafficking. Julia is regularly instructed to provide expert advice on immigration issues in family proceedings and vice versa. Julia receives instructions in cases which involve human rights and damages claims against Local Authorities. She is also the Co-editor of the 11th Edition of the Immigration Law Handbook.

Charles Geekie KC

Charles’ practice centres on legal issues concerning children. He acts in both public and private law and international cases. He has great experience in dealing with complex residence cases and those involving relocation. In the public law field he represents local authorities, parents and guardians. He has particular experience in complex care cases involving fatalities, serious injuries and sexual and emotional abuse. Charles has a special interest in the presentation and investigation of expert medical evidence and cases involving a conflict of medical evidence. Notable cases: Re Al M The Court of Appeal Fact-Finding Judgment [2021] EWCA Civ 1216 (5 August 2021) Re Al M The Court of Appeal Fact-Finding (permission to appeal) Judgment [2021] EWCA Civ 900 (15 June 2021) Re Al M The Lives With Judgment [2021] EWHC 1577 (Fam)(10 June 2021) Re Al M The Fact-Finding Judgment [2021] EWHC 1162 (Fam) (5 May 2021) Re Al M The Case Management Judgment of the President [2021] EWHC 915 (Fam) (12 March 2021) Re Al M The Court of Appeal Foreign Act of State Judgment [2021] EWCA Civ 129 (8 February 2021) Re Al M The Non-Molestation Judgment [2021] EWHC 3305 (Fam) (9 December 2020) Re Al M The Foreign Act of State Judgment [2020] EWHC 2883 (Fam) (29 October 2020) R (R, E, J and K by their Litigation Friend, the Official Solicitor) v Cafcass [2011] EWHC 1774 (Admin) [2011] 2 FLR 1206 Re C (Direct Contact: Suspension) [2011) EWCA Civ 521 [2011] 2 FLR 912 lW v A City Council [2011] 1 FLR 1597 Re W (Chlldren) (Abuse: Oral Evidence) [2010] EWCA Civ 57 Re W (Chlldren) (Abuse: Oral Evidence) [2010] UKSC 12, [2010] 1 FLR 1485 Re M-W (Care Proceedlngs) (Expert Evidence) [2010] EWCA Civ 12, [2010] 2 FLR 46 Re MA (Care Threshold) [2009] EWCA Civ 853, [2010] 1 FLR 431 A Local Authority v 5 [2009] EWHC 2115 (Fam), [2010] 1 FLR 1560

Susan represents all parties including children, vulnerable adults, prospective adopters and local authorities, as well as extended family members. Her knowledge and approach to cases is enhanced by her substantial experience sitting as a tribunal judge, particularly in cases involving immigration, social security or human rights issues. She has particular expertise in the following areas: Serious injuries to children; infant death and near fatal injuries; Complex neglect/emotional abuse; Sexual abuse of children, she has extensive experience of representing child and adult victims of inter-familial and/or generational abuse – leading junior in three-week High Court sexual abuse case involving four generations; Fabricated illness and other complex medical injury cases; Complex private law proceedings; representation of rule 9.5 Guardians and parents; Adoption, Special Guardianship and Wardship; Forced marriage

Navpreeth Gihair

Navpreeth specialises in Family Law and has significant expertise Court of Protection work. She completed her pupillage in 2018, having previously been an in-house advocate. She places great importance on all aspects of client care and is always willing to go the extra mile. Navpreeth previously practiced on the Northern and Wales and Chester circuit. Navpreeth has written an analysis of a recent case: Manchester City Council v P (Refusal of Restrictions on Mobile Phone) (REV1) [2023] EWHC 133 (FAM)

Denise is a Family Law practitioner specialising in the law relating to children with a particular focus on complex public and private law children cases appearing in all levels of court including the High Court and Court of Appeal. She also specialises in adoption (including inter-country adoption), Wardship/inherent jurisdiction and Court of Protection matters.

Special family law practitioner. Areas of practice; financial remedies claims, claims between co habitants and international and domestic children matters.

Mark’s practice covers all areas of private family law with a particular focus on matrimonial finance, including cases with an international element. Before joining 1GC Mark practised as a solicitor for 15 years, and was previously head of the London team at Family Law Partners (a top-tier “leading boutique firm” (Chambers UK 2021)). He was regularly instructed in relation to complex and high-net-worth divorce and separation matters as well as high-conflict disputes concerning children. Mark is well known for his calm and reassuring manner and for giving clear, pragmatic advice. He is recognised for being numerate, analytical and thorough, making him a particularly good match for those with complicated financial affairs. A considerable proportion of Mark’s work been for clients with assets or other links overseas. Mark is a trained family mediator and a strong supporter of non-court dispute resolution.

Elizabeth Hartnett

Elizabeth specialises and has extensive experience in family finance and private law children. She combines a robust approach with careful preparation to ensure that she obtains the best outcome for clients. She is frequently credited with being able to ‘think outside the box’. In financial proceedings, Elizabeth accepts instructions in financial remedy cases arising from divorce, including for third parties who assert an interest in marital property as well as spouses. She also acts in cases arising from cohabitation or other family disputes as to the ownership of property under TOLATA and is able to advise and act on any claims under the Inheritance (Provision for family and dependants) Act as well as on claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act. Elizabeth has received praise for her sensitive handling of complex private law children applications. These have included issues of sexual, physical and psychological abuse of children. She is known for her firm approach in cases of intractable hostility. She has a particular interest in cases of relocation, either within the UK or internationally. Often a breakdown of a relationship can lead to the necessity of seeking injunctive relief in the form of non-molestation or occupation orders. Elizabeth is very experienced in dealing with these applications and the interplay between them and other children or financial applications. In respect of international disputes, Elizabeth acts in cases of child abduction, enforcement and obtaining parental orders.

Claire Heppenstall

Claire practises exclusively in private family and family related work. Her practice is largely split between Private Children Law and Financial Remedies work. She also has particular expertise in dealing with Schedule 1 claims. Dealing with both children and money work allows her to assist the private client across most areas of dispute that arise during difficult family breakdowns in a highly effective and pragmatic but also robust way. She is frequently instructed to appear against Leading Counsel. In the area of Private Children Law, she has a particular interest and a huge amount of expertise in cases involving relocation, both external and internal. She is also has extensive experience of being instructed in highly acrimonious and long-running intractable child arrangement disputes, and is often instructed in cases involving allegations of parental alienation and where expert psychiatric assessment has been required. In Financial Remedies work, she is often instructed in difficult cases involving issues of non-disclosure or where careful analysis of family businesses and trust interests is required. Claire has considerable experience of dealing with Schedule 1 applications and is regularly instructed in this type of claim. Claire is also dual qualified as an Arbitrator to deal with disputes under both the IFLA finance and children schemes.

Beth joined Chambers in September 2021 after the completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Philip Perrins, Laura Briggs and Richard Jones. Beth is building a broad practice and welcomes instructions across the full spectrum of family law. Beth is a qualified child protection social worker and before joining chambers spent 3 years working for two London local authorities. Her experience includes working with vulnerable children and families with a wide range of issues, completing assessments, carrying out interventions and writing court reports for public and private proceedings. During her legal studies, Beth volunteered for the National Centre for Domestic Violence, attending court with applicants as a McKenzie Friend and drafting witness statements on behalf of applicants seeking non-molestation and occupation orders. During her BPTC year, Beth worked as a visiting lecturer at City University teaching undergraduate law.

Peter appears and advises in private law residence/contact cases as well as public law care proceedings and adoption, with a particular interest in medico-legal cases and international cases, including abduction, international adoption and leave to remove children from the jurisdiction. Frequently represents local authorities and children’s guardians as well as private clients. Notable Cases:Re C (Adoption: Assessment of Grandparents) [2013] 2 FLR 59 (Court of Appeal)WSCC v M, F, W, X, Y and Z [2011] 1 FLR 188 (Fam Div)Re I (Care Proceedings: Fact Finding Hearing) [2010] 2 FLR 1462 (Court of Appeal)Re B (a Child) [2010] 1 FLR 551 (Supreme Court)Re B (Residence: Second Appeal) [2009] 2 FLR 632 (Court of Appeal)E v London Borough of X [2006] 1 FLR 730 (Fam Div)Re R (Adoption: Contact) [2006] 1 FLR 373 (Court of Appeal)Re H (Termination of contact) [2005] 2 FLR 408 (Court of Appeal)Re F-K (a Child)(Contact: departure from evidence) [2005] 1 FCR 388 (Court of Appeal)A v A (Shared residence) [2004] 1 FLR 1195 (Fam Div)Re G (Contempt: Committal) [2003] 2 FLR 58 (Court of Appeal)Re M (Terminating Appointment of Guardian ad litem) [1999] 2 FLR 717 (Fam Div)Re R (Inter country adoptions: Practice) [1999] 1 FLR 1042 (Fam Div)Re R (No 1) (Inter-Country Adoption) [1999] 1 FLR 1014 (Fam Div); Re L (Care: Confidentiality) [1999] 1 FLR 165 (Fam Div)Re D (Abduction: Acquiescence) [1999] 1 FLR 36 (Fam Div)E v E (Child abduction: Intolerable situation) [1998] 2 FLR 980 (Fam Div)Re B (Care: Expert Witnesses) [1996] 1 FLR 667 (Court of Appeal)Re H and R (Child sexual abuse: Standard of Proof) [1995] 1 FLR 643 (Court of Appeal) Buckinghamshire CC v M [1994] 2 FLR 506 (Court of Appeal)Re D (A Minor) (Contact: Mother’s Hostility) [1993] 2 FLR 1 (Court of Appeal)Devon CC and Others v S and Others [1993] 1 FLR 842 (Fam Div)Re W (A Minor) (Secure accommodation order) [1993] 1 FLR 692 (Fam Div)Re B (Minors) (Care: Contact: Local Authority’s plans) [1993] 1 FLR 543 (Court of Appeal)M v M (Minors) (Removal from jurisdiction) [1992] 2 FLR 302 (Court of Appeal)Mir v Mir [1992] 1 FLR 624 (Fam Div)Richardson v Richardson [1990] 1 FLR 186 (Fam Div)

Emma practices a broad range of Family Law. Much of Emma’s work comprises of complex care cases, often with significant medical issues. Her recent cases include Re J-S (2019) EWCA Civ 894, which explored the novel use of electronic tagging in care proceedings, and Re A (A Child) (2019) EWCA Civ 799, which featured co-sleeping and rib fractures. Emma is highly experienced in private law disputes about children and international law including removal from the jurisdiction. Emma has been praised by a senior Local Authority solicitor for her 'attention to detail, her dedication and her competence, all of which form an excellent package when combined together with her personable and approachable manner.'

Daisy specialises in family law as it relates to children. Daisy is particularly experienced in complex private law cases, including those involving domestic abuse/intractable hostility to contact/parental alienation, drug/alcohol addiction, mental health issues, allegations of physical or sexual abuse, transgender issues, lesbian mothers and/or gay fathers, donor-conceived children, issues of legal parenthood and complex religious considerations. Daisy appears regularly in cases where one parent seeks to relocate with the children, both within this jurisdiction or internationally. She also represents local authorities, parents (including prospective adoptive parents), extended family members, foster carers and children at all stages of public law Children Act and Adoption matters and is also experienced in cases involving the alleged "radicalisation" of children. She acts in cases involving complex medical and factual evidence such as that arising from possible non-accidental injuries or disputed drug test results and in cases in which there are allegations of sexual or physical abuse.

Jillian Hurworth

Jill specialises in children work, covering public law proceedings, international movement of children, and private law. She also undertakes Court of Protection cases.Jill’s public law work includes care proceedings, adoption, wardship and advisory work. She acts for parents and other extended family members, local authorities throughout the country, as well as the children themselves.Jill appears regularly in the High Court in relation to international children cases, including abduction work (both Hague and non-Hague Convention cases, and abduction within the UK), placement of a child outside the jurisdiction, location orders and other Tipstaff orders.Within her private law work, Jill regularly conducts and advises all aspects of children law including: residence, special guardianship and contact applications; permission to remove a child from the jurisdiction; changing a child’s name; and the full range of prohibited steps and specific issue orders.Having also formerly practised in criminal law, Jill has expertise in issues such as disclosure to and from the police, CPS and criminal courts, Public Interest Immunity applications and linked care and criminal proceedings.

Nasstassia Hylton

Nasstassia's practice covers all areas of family law including, family finance, private law proceedings, public law proceedings, and cases under the Family Law Act 1996 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sapna has a range of pro bono experience, making her sensitive to the needs of litigants in person and vulnerable clients. Alongside her studies, Sapna volunteered as the Student Director for the BPP Family Legal Advice Clinic. She also served as a casework volunteer at Advocate, a helpline volunteer at IPSEA and a Student Director at the BPP Streetlaw Programme, providing workshops to domestic abuse charities and schools. Sapna has extensive research experience, having drafted chapters for a leading practitioners’ text on financial crime.

Emily is a specialist family law leading junior who acts in a wide range of complex, serious and sensitive cases relating to private and public law children. She regularly appears in the High Court and has acted in a number of very significant cases in the Court of Appeal. Emily is Directory Ranked as a Leading Junior. She has a loyal following of excellent solicitors, many of whom are top ranked, with whom she works closely.

Helen Jefferson

Helen’s practice encompasses all areas of family law with a particular emphasis on both family finance and private law children work for which she continues to earn recognition. Helen also regularly advises and acts for clients in both Schedule 1 disputes and applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Helen has considerable experience of representing clients at all levels of tribunal and frequently acts in cases against leading silks. She is equally confident representing high net worth individuals with the most complex of financial arrangements as she is dealing with the often more challenging cases where finances are genuinely limited or limited as a result of the actions of one or other of the parties. Known for her thorough preparation and her sensible and personable approach Helen has also been described as an excellent advocate with strong analytical skills.

Catherine Jenkins

Catherine practices in childcare law with a particular emphasis on public law children proceedings. She advises and represents local authorities, parents and children and is often instructed in care proceedings involving serious allegations of sexual abuse or non-accidental injury. Notable cases: Re RJ (fostering: persons disqualified) [1999) 1 FLR 605 Re R (Wardship) [1999] 1 FLR 618

Eleri practises in both private children and family finance cases, including financial provision for children and associated cohabitation disputes (see Schedule 1 reported case of O v P (Jurisdiction Under Children Act 1989 Sch 1) [2012] 1 FLR 329). A significant amount of Eleri’s work has an international element. Eleri is frequently asked to advise upon the international aspects of both children and divorce/financial work, including questions of jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement. Eleri is known for her particular expertise and specialisation advising upon the operation of the Maintenance Regulation, Brussels IIa and the 2007, 1996 and 1980 Hague Conventions (see reported cases of Re H (Children) (Jurisdiction: Habitual residence) [2014] EWCA Civ 1101 and AR v RN (Habitual Residence) [2015 UKSC 35). Eleri’s work in the international arena also extends to surrogacy work (see recent published case of Y and Z v W and X [2017] EWFC 60). Eleri is a member of an EU Law working group of international family law considering the possibilities for reform of UK family law as a result of Brexit. Eleri also sits on the Resolution International Committee. Eleri is also one of the team of editors for The Family Court Practice (Red Book) and is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

Richard Jones KC

Richard Jones KC practices across the full range of serious children cases both in the public and private sphere. In the private law field, his work encompasses the full array of disputes, covering both international leave to remove and internal relocations as well as matters relating to alleged parental alienation and intractable disputes. Richard’s work also has an increasing focus on both child abduction as well as surrogacy and parental order applications relating to s.54 of the HFEA 2008. In the public law field, Richard is frequently instructed by both Local Authorities and parents in complex care proceedings involving disputed medical evidence and serious allegations of physical or emotional harm. Richard also is often instructed of behalf of Children’s Guardians and has appeared at all court levels up to the Court of Appeal.

Karen Kabweru-Namulemu

Karen specialises in family law, with over 18 years’ experience in this area. She advises and represents children, children’s guardians, the Official Solicitor, parents, relatives, prospective adopters and Local Authorities. Karen has considerable experience in all areas of children law with a particular emphasis on complex private law matters and child protection cases. She appears in public law cases involving non-accidental injury, fabricated induced illness, child deaths and sexual abuse. In the private law arena, she represents parents and children in the most serious cases, involving domestic abuse, allegations of emotional harm and issues relating to parental mental health. Karen’s approach to her clients is noted as being highly personable, warm, open minded and thorough, be they lay or professional clients. She is known for her sympathetic, clear and honest advice and has a reputation for fighting her client’s interests.

Jennifer Kavanagh

Jeni represents husbands, wives and civil partners in increasingly complex and high-value cases. She has a considerable record of success in contested cases and a fearsome reputation for cross-examination and uncovering concealed assets. Jeni enjoys assisting her clients to achieve the optimum financial security following breakdown of their relationship - her enthusiasm, tenacity and expertise earning her an enviable reputation with family solicitors who compete to instruct her on behalf of their clients. Jeni is also highly experienced in Children Act cases, where she is able to cut through the often emotional baggage and propose pragmatic, workable and practical solutions. She is approachable and favours working as a team with her instructing solicitors and clients.

Gemma is a specialist Children practitioner. She has a flourishing care and adoption practice and is frequently instructed in complex cases up to Court of Appeal level. Recent cases have involved radicalisation, NAI (brain injuries, multiple fractures, burns and bruises) intergenerational sexual abuse, FII, murder by one parent of the other and human rights claims. She has also been prestigiously appointed by the Attorney General as a special advocate. Gemma has expertise in cases involving an international element, including Forced Marriage, Child Abduction and Relocation. In private law proceedings, Gemma is instructed in the full range of applications, including difficult cases of implacable hostility, internal relocation, interplay with care proceedings, special guardianship and fact-finding hearings regarding domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse. Gemma has a keen interest in cases involving alternative families.

Siobhan F Kelly

Siobhan is a leading junior and specialist family practitioner with extensive experience in all aspects of the law relating to children. She is “Amazingly robust, she gets through to the root of the case and is incredibly effective.” and “A force to be reckoned with who will fight hard for the client”. Her main area of practice lies in acting for children, parents, and extended family members in public law proceedings. She is frequently instructed to represent young mothers within care proceedings.

Doushka specialises in cases concerning children. She acts in both private law and public and her cases regularly include an international element. In her private law work Doushka frequently handles cases involving high-conflict litigation in conjunction with allegations of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and emotional harm. Doushka has extensive experience dealing with the spectrum of complex issues that arise in public law cases which include serious injury, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Doushka favours out of court dispute resolution and is an IFLA trained and accredited arbitrator in children matters.

Henry is a family law specialist with particular expertise in cases with an international element and has represented clients in proceedings across all levels of the court, up to and including the Court of Appeal. He has a strong reputation in all areas of family law, particularly in relation to his work in complex child protection cases. Henry is an experienced child protection practitioner and has been at the forefront of a number of leading cases in this area. He is experienced in cases which involve complex medical issues, substance misuse and cases which have a significant foreign element, including placement and adoption abroad and cases involving abduction. Henry is regularly instructed in complex private law proceedings relating to all aspects of child arrangements disputes, including ‘implacable hostility’ cases, ‘no contact’ cases and cases where there have been allegations of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. He has a particular strength in cases involving applications for leave to remove from the jurisdiction and internal relocation and is regularly instructed in child abduction cases, wardship cases and adoption cases, including ones with an international element. Henry is regularly instructed in complex financial remedy proceedings. He advises and represents clients about the financial consequences of the breakdown of marriages and civil partnerships and has been involved in cases with multi-jurisdictional issues, cases involving trusts and corporate assets. Henry can also advise clients in relation to child maintenance issues, enforcement actions, foreign court orders and costs cases.

Anna practices in all aspects of children work private and public and financial remedies disputes. This including high conflict private cases, international disputes and complex public law work. She has significant experience representing all parties in cases involving implacable hostility and allegations of serious abuse. Anna is regularly instructed at all levels of Court and has appeared in a number of reported public law cases and cases in the Court of Appeal. Anna is ranked as a leading junior in the Legal 500. Anna accepts public access instructions.

Elpha specialises in all aspects of Children law, often representing parents and children, but also representing Local Authorities, CAFCASS and the Official Solicitor. Elpha has extensive experience of serious child protection cases concerning issues of non-accidental injury, physical and emotional abuse and neglect. She also has experience of cases involving sexual abuse including interfamilial and intergenerational abuse and internet pornography. She has significant experience in cases involving concurrent criminal proceedings and cases involving the cross examination of young and vulnerable witnesses. Elpha often represents teenage parents and parents with mental health or learning difficulties. She also has experience of adoption as well as international adoption. Elpha has lectured to students, solicitors and chambers and has contributed to legal texts for students completing the Bar Professional Training Course. She is a former external examiner for the Bar Professional Training Course.

Jessica has a wealth of experience in all areas of family law: private law children cases, financial remedies, public law, and adoption. She is also experienced in all aspects of applications to the Court of Protection. Jessica is adept at representing clients with learning difficulties and special needs at all court levels: including up to the Court of Appeal. Jessica has completed the Bar Council Vulnerable Witness Training through Middle Temple.

Michael Liebrecht

Michael specialises in cases concerning children, principally in Public Law, but he also practises in Private Law cases. His areas of expertise include care, adoption, fostering, residence, contact, Special Guardianship and applications for leave to relocate to live outside England and Wales. He represents children, Guardians, parents and Local Authorities in Public Law cases; and children and parents in Private Law cases, at all court levels.

Becky Littlewood

Becky covers all areas of Family Law, in particular financial remedy and care proceedings. She is friendly and approachable but a fierce advocate on her clients’ behalf. In financial remedy proceedings she deals with cases ranging from those dominated by need to those where the assets are substantial or difficult to trace. Recently she has successfully represented a farmer after a short marriage with pre-marital assets and a wife who was unaware that her husband had any assets let alone a £3.5million property portfolio. In care proceedings she predominantly represents parents, she has particular expertise in working with clients with severe learning difficulties or mental health problems. In recent months she has represented a mother with severe learning difficulties accused of causing significant harm to her premature baby; a mother who due to her learning difficulties was unable to manage her son’s diabetes and a mother whose child was kidnapped and brought to the UK from Jamaica without her consent. In private law proceedings she represents both mothers and fathers in intractable child arrangement disputes often where there are allegations and counter allegations of abuse. Becky is trained in direct access and is a fully accredited mediator for both children and finances. Many of her direct access clients are personal recommendations.

Barrister specialising in all aspects of family law including public and private children cases and family finance. Areas of expertise and specialisation include ancillary relief, cohabitation disputes and schedule 1 applications; care proceedings and other disputes involving children.

Louise MacLynn KC

Louise is a specialist in the law relating to children and vulnerable adults. She has experience in all levels of court including the Supreme Court, and is often instructed in cases with and against leading counsel. Louise uses her broad experience to work collaboratively with those instructing her to achieve the best outcome for her clients. Louise has extensive experience within the public law arena, acting for local authorities, parents, children (including competent children) and other family members. She is regularly instructed in the most complex cases, dealing with issues such as: Serious non-accidental injury, including a recent case involving the deaths of two children; Sexual abuse including historical sexual abuse; Fabricated illness; Radicalisation; Female Genital Mutilation; Forced marriage and honour-based violence; Louise is regularly instructed in cases involving adoption, including where adoptive placements have broken down. Louise also has experience of issues regarding disclosure and the involvement of the media, including PII issues and the use of special advocates. Louise deals with a wide variety of private law issues in relation to children, including intractable child arrangements disputes. Louise has extensive experience of cases involving: Fact-finding hearings; Cases involving sexual abuse, including false allegations of sexual abuse; Relocation cases including internal and external relocation; Cases with international and jurisdictional issues; Surrogacy and cases involving the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 as well as same-sex families. Louise uses her experience of practice in the public law field to provide advice when there are issues regarding the exercise of local authority powers and functions. She was involved in an appeal to the Supreme Court in respect of local authority responsibilities to voluntarily accommodated children and has dealt with several cases involving applications under the Human Rights Act. Louise’s Court of Protection practice is primarily focused on welfare matters. She has been instructed in cases involving issues about deprivation of liberty, capacity to consent to sexual relations and marriage as well as issues over treatment, placement and contact. Louise is instructed by both local authorities and family members. Louise is frequently instructed on behalf of the Official Solicitor.

Olivia Magennis

Olivia specialises exclusively in the law as it relates to children. Within private law proceedings, Olivia is frequently instructed to represent parents in complex private law proceedings. Olivia has a wealth of experience in cases concerning abuse (physical, sexual, emotional); domestic violence; alcohol and substance misuse, leave to remove and the risk of abduction. Within the public law arena, Olivia is routinely instructed in High Court cases involving allegations of inflicted injury and death, induced illness and sexual and physical abuse, such cases often involving considerable and complex medical evidence. Notable cases: Williams v The London Borough of Hackney [2018] UKSC 37 Re B [2018] EWCA Civ 20 A Local Authority v B [2017] EWCA Civ 1635 P v Local Authority [2016] EWHC 2779 (Fam) PD v SD [2015] EWHC 4103 (Fam) X County Council v AB [2015] EWFC 98

Kate specialises in all areas of Family Law and Court of Protection work. Her work ranges from international abduction and child-trafficking, to transgender issues. She also deals with family finance and Schedule 1 applications. Kate has significant experience representing Local Authorities, Guardians, parents and grandparents. Kate’s straightforwardness and approachability do much to put her clients at their ease in often very difficult circumstances. Her clear-sightedness is a key attribute when helping them through complex problems.

Lucy practices in all areas of Family Law and has experience being instructed as junior counsel, including in complex high court cases. She is a straightforward but forceful advocate and combines a forensic eye for detail with a pragmatic approach to advising and running financial remedies cases. She practices in all aspects of financial remedies including freezing orders, TOLATA, Schedule 1 applications, enforcement, and private FDRs and she is also available to advise on and draft pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Lucy brings compassion and care to private law children work and has considerable experience dealing with s8 applications, including cases involving alienation, enforcement, serious allegations of abuse, and complex issues of mental or physical illness of parents and children. Notable Cases: AA v BB [2021] EWHC 1822 (Fam) (02 July 2021) Re Al M (Assurances and Waiver) [2020] EWHC 67 (Fam) Re Al M (Publication) [2020] EWHC 122 (Fam) Re Al M (Children) [2020] EWCA Civ 283 Re Al M (Fact Finding) [2019] EWHC 3415 (Fam)

Sylvester McIlwain

Sylvester has had a varied practice, having initially practiced in family, criminal and general common law. He has specialised in family law since 1999 and now concentrates primarily on the field of public law. In public law he represents Local Authorities, parents and children in care proceedings at all levels. In addition, he undertakes private children, family finance and Court of Protection work.

Rebecca Mitchell

Rebecca specialises in family law and has done so throughout her career. She appears at all levels of court representing parents, grandparents, children, Guardians, the Official Solicitor and Local Authorities. Rebecca has particular skill and experience with vulnerable clients or those who find court proceedings particularly difficult or stressful. She is often instructed in cases involving complex fact-finding and where there are serious allegations of harm to a child. She has extensive experience of challenging expert evidence.

Sam acts in all aspects of the law relating to children. In public law, Sam represents local authorities, parents, guardians and competent children. Sam has particular expertise in cases which involve risk of harm from radicalisation, death and non-accidental injuries, allegations of serious sexual abuse, child trafficking and cross examination of expert and vulnerable witnesses. In private law, Sam acts in disputes between parents and other significant adults including cases involving serious harm and internal and international relocation. Sam also practices in Family-related Judicial Review and some Court of Protection cases.

Alison’s practice covers all legal issues concerning children and welfare decisions for adults in the Court of Protection. Alison is regularly instructed in complex public and private law cases. Alison represents local authorities, parents, young people who are competent to instruct their own legal representatives and Children’s Guardians. Alison is particularly interested in cases concerning alleged non-accidental injury requiring complex expert medical evidence. Alison is regularly instructed in Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention abduction cases and has a particular interest in Wardship and the use of the Inherent Jurisdiction. Alison is the representative for family law on the Bar Council Law Reform Committee and regularly takes training courses for barristers and solicitors to qualify to conduct advocacy in cases involving vulnerable witnesses and parties who may be children or adults.

Joseph’s practice covers a wide range of family law including: private children, financial remedy, cohabitation disputes and domestic abuse. He represents clients in all tiers of court. His practice encompasses private law children matters involving complex contact and residence disputes. Joseph represents and advises parties in financial remedies upon divorce and claims under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989. Joseph’s practice increasingly involves high-net-worth parties, with complicated jurisdictional issues and where there are disputed business or pension assets. He regularly accepts instructions in injunctive proceedings involving serious domestic violence and abuse. Joseph has also worked in schools teaching and mentoring children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.

Before joining 1GC Family Law, Gemma practiced at a prestigious solicitor’s firm for over 10 years specialising in Care Proceedings. She was one of the firm’s specialist in-house Solicitor-Advocates and has appeared in courts at all levels. She undertakes work in all areas of Public and Private Children Law. Gemma represents guardians, parents, grandparents and other family members, as well as local authorities. Gemma’s public law work includes care proceedings, adoption, deprivation of liberty orders, and wardship. Within her private law work, Gemma regularly undertakes all aspects of children law including child arrangements, special guardianship, and permission to remove a child from the jurisdiction. Gemma has particular experience in separately representing competent children and a keen interest in representing young and vulnerable parents, including those with mental health or learning difficulties. Prior to transferring to the Bar, Gemma was a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel and Family Panel, and a member of Resolution.

Andrew Norton KC

Andrew is Joint Head of Chambers at 1GC Family Law. He specialises in cases relating to children in the Family Court or the Family Division of the High Court as well as matters of welfare relating to incapacitated adults in the Court of Protection. He primarily appears at the High Court or appellate level. He brings his years of experience as it relates to children in both the public law (care and adoption) sphere and in private law (child arrangement) disputes. Whilst Andrew is an extremely effective advocate and highly experienced in court disputes, he is passionate about alternative methods of Dispute Resolution as a means to conclude proceedings in appropriate cases. He is skilled in identifying which cases would benefit from a conciliatory approach and which cases require a robust and forthright approach to resolve longstanding or deep-seated areas of dispute. Andrew is a trained mediator able to work in both children cases and within the Court of Protection. He has a special interest in mediation used to resolve Elder Care disputes. Andrew accepts public access instructions.

Patrick Paisley

Patrick has a full-service family law practice across the main areas of chambers’ expertise including public law children, private law children, financial remedies and Family Law Act proceedings.

Philip is a leading divorce and matrimonial finance junior. His main area of expertise is acting for spouses in the full range of financial remedy applications (including after an overseas divorce) and for spouses or other third parties in related preliminary issue hearings. He has a wealth of experience in cases involving disputed divorce jurisdiction, declarations as to parties’ marital status and issues as to the beneficial ownership of assets. He sits as an Arbitrator and conducts private FDRs.

Eleanor Platt KC

Eleanor specialises in Family Law with particular reference to public law proceedings, private law children matters, surrogacy and adoption issues. Furthermore, she has a special interest in the medical issues which may arise from many of these cases including child abuse.Notable Cases:Eleanor has been involved in numerous cases, most notably G v G [1985] 1WLR 647 (HL) and The Cleveland Enquiry.Other Notable Cases include: Raani v Charazi [2015] EWFC B202 (24 August 2015) LA v DG and ors [2013] EWHC 734 Fam Re G (Children: Religious Upbringing) [2012] EWCA Civ 1233 Re A (Fact Finding Hearing: Judge Meeting with Child) [2012] 2 FLR 369 In the Matter of M (A Minor) [2011] EWCA Civ 317 In the Matter of K (Children) [2009] EWCA Civ 987 In Re G (A Child) (Adoption: Placement Outside Jurisdiction) [2008] 1 FLR 1484 and [2008] 1 FLR 1497, [2008] 3WLR 853 Re P (Adoption: Leave Provisions) [2007] 2 FLR 1069, [2007] 1 WLR 2556 Re W, Re A, Re B (Change of Name) [1999] 2 FLR 930 R v Cornwall CC ex parte E [1999] 1 FLR 1055 Re PJ (Adoption: Practice on Appeal) [1998] 2 FLR 252 Re B (Residence Order: Leave to Appeal) [1998] 1 FLR 520

Alfred practises as a barrister exclusively in Family Law. His expertise at the Bar is in domestic and international disputes relating to finances and children as a consequence of relationship breakdown. His niche includes jurisdictional and enforcement disputes. In the finance field, he is regularly instructed in factually complex matrimonial proceedings for financial remedies (Matrimonial Causes Act 1973); disputes between cohabitants concerning financial provision of children (Schedule 1 Children Act 1989); disputes between cohabitants concerning property (Trusts of Land and Appointments of Trustees Act 1995); and applications under the Inheritance Act (Provision for Family and Dependants Act 1975). In children matters he is routinely instructed in complex private law cases (Children Act 1989) involving multiple parties, allegations of sexual abuse and domestic violence and issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health. He has a particular interest in leave to remove (emigration) cases. His work has included high-profile clients and he has represented clients in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Sophie Prolingheuer

Broad experience across child protection matters and all areas of work arising out of family breakdown. Public law children: accepts instructions on behalf of local authorities, parents, extended family members and children. Her practice includes complex fact and final hearings in respect of non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, neglect including arising from substance misuse and domestic violence. She also has experience of placing children outside of the jurisdiction and of obtaining (and resisting) FMPOs and FGMPOs. Her experience, and commitment to representing local authorities, parents and children places her in an excellent position to anticipate arguments from all perspectives and accordingly achieve the best possible result for her client. Private law children including international: experience across all areas including leave to remove from the jurisdiction (to Hague and non-Hague countries), implacable hostility, psychological abuse and domestic violence. She is recognised for her ability to think creatively to best progress her client’s case and provide clear and coherent advice in an empathetic manner.

Susan has a range of skills and knowledge covering private and public law. This encompasses related areas including children, residence, contact, adoption, divorce, injunctions, finance and international issues. She represents parents, grandparents, children, interveners and guardians, thus has a rounded understanding of the issues and concerns of all parties. She has experience of all types of ancillary relief work from high to mid-value cases, advising on matters involving an international element, pensions, dissipation of assets and financial provision for children. Susan is a qualified collaborative lawyer and remains one of the few barristers trained in this area. For example, Susan has successfully resolved a residence/relocation case, where she acted on joint instructions to provide a 'judgment' as to whether a child should stay within this jurisdiction or move to South America. She provides clients with a highly professional service and is often called upon to work with other experts to ensure that the solution arrived at is in the best interests of her clients, who are often emotionally troubled by the whole legal process. Her open, personal and friendly approach inspires confidence, helping her to rapidly create a rapport with her clients and instructing solicitors. Despite more usually being called upon to litigate cases in court, Susan has a reputation for resolving cases in a sensitive, yet extremely effective manner. Susan is also a Pupil Supervisor for 1GC Family Law and sits on the Pupillage Committee.

Tahmina is an experienced and highly regarded specialist Children practitioner. Her practice encompasses all aspects of both the Public Law and Private Law fields. Tahmina regularly acts for local authorities, parents, grandparents and interveners and her cases have involved representing parties where there have been babies/infants suffering fractures, serious inflicted injuries in ‘witchcraft’ or ‘sorcery’ cases, a child at significant risk from gangs and a case involving sibling sexual abuse. She undertakes work in the Court of Protection and financial remedy cases. Tahmina sits as a Deputy District Judge authorised to hear civil cases and family cases, including financial remedy, public and private law cases, Judge of the Employment Tribunal and as a Judge of the First-tier Tribunal, assigned to the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (Special Educational Needs and Disability). She is also a LexisNexis Case Analysis Expert Panel Member. Tahmina has experience over many years conducting complicated care cases for local authorities, parents and children. Many of her cases involve a scrutiny of complex medical evidence. She led a junior and successfully resisted an appeal before the President in the Family Division in which the Court was asked to provide guidance on the duties of local authorities in care proceedings and in cases involving relinquished babies to notify fathers and wider family in cases where a parent objects: Re A, B and C (Adoption: notification of Fathers and Relatives)[2020] EWCA Civ 41. Tahmina represented a local authority before the Court of Appeal successfully appealing against a finding that the threshold for making a care order had not been made out: K (A Child): Threshold Findings [2018] EWCA Civ 2044. Tahmina regularly represents parents and children in private law cases. Tahmina also has considerable experience in matrimonial finance cases, advising and representing clients in substantial asset and complex matters involving trusts, foreign assets, bankruptcy, inherited wealth and TOLATA claims.

Mark has been a family law barrister since 1996 and specialises in child law. He represents clients on a referral basis (through solicitors) and on a public access basis. He is experienced in care proceedings, private law children applications and injunctions. In recent years, Mark has developed a strong practice representing children in public law proceedings. Mark represents clients from all backgrounds, cultures and parts of our community. He represents vulnerable clients with mental health or learning difficulties. Mark is approachable, non-judgemental, efficient and effective.

Jack specialises in financial remedies, including applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, and applications under TOLATA. He has a particular interest in cases involving pensions as well as farms and family businesses. In addition, he undertakes a significant range of Children Act proceedings, including applications to relocate both domestically and internationally, as well those involving allegations of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour. Jack has experience representing clients before all levels of the judiciary, up to and including the Court of Appeal. He is qualified to accept instructions under the Direct Public Access Scheme. Jack has been involved in a wide range of financial disputes including cases concerning arguments around non-matrimonial property, non-disclosure and submissions as to the status of properties owned by companies. He is regularly instructed to advise on and draft pre-nuptial agreements. Disputes between unmarried former cohabitants and claims under TOLATA make up a significant proportion of Jack’s work, in particular cases which involve arguments around constructive trusts and/or equitable accounting. Jack also advises and represents clients in relation to applications for financial provision under the Inheritance Act. Recent cases include advising the beneficiaries of the estate of a company director involved in a dispute with the deceased’s former co-directors and advising in a claim for reasonable provision where the deceased and his wife had been mid-way through divorce proceedings. Jack provides advice and representation across the full spectrum of private law children disputes and has achieved successful results in countless fact-finding and final hearings. He has a particular interest in leave to remove applications and experience in cases where the issues include physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as those involving alcohol and substance misuse. He has successfully challenged expert evidence and persuaded courts to go against Cafcass recommendations. Jack has extensive experience of cases involving multiple jurisdictions within both his financial remedies and his private law work. He has successfully represented clients in forum disputes and in applications to relocate internationally with their children. Jack frequently represents clients in applications under the Family Law Act 1996 and is acutely aware of the need to deal with these in a proportionate manner whilst ensuring that his clients’ positions in any parallel proceedings are not prejudiced. Jack has experience of appearing in the Court of Protection in cases dealing with property and financial affairs. Jack is regularly instructed to represent clients at Private FDRs and mediations.

Sharon Segal KC

Sharon specialises in all aspects of family law relating to children whether in private or public law proceedings which results in her being instructed in the most complex of cases within each area. Within the private law field, she has extensive experience of child arrangement disputes, and is regularly instructed in intractable cases, leave to remove applications as well as having significant experience being instructed on behalf of the child in rule 16 cases. A number of her cases have significant media interest. Sharon is often instructed in cases involving complicated surrogacy arrangements and assisted reproduction disputes in which issues of legal parentage and child arrangements arise. Within the public law arena, she is instructed in cases involving vulnerable clients, serious allegations of abuse and non-accidental injury with complex medical issues; and exceptional cases involving ‘honour’ killing, allegations of radicalisation, and wardship.

Suzanne Shenton

Lucy specialises exclusively in children law, in the public and private law fields. In the public law arena, she is instructed on behalf of parents, Local Authorities and children and frequently appears in cases involving serious allegations of domestic violence, non-accidental injury, children with complex needs and more recently the radicalisation of children. In the private law field, she has extensive experience of complex child arrangements disputes and is regularly instructed in intractable cases, as well as having experience acting on behalf of the child and in cases involving alternative families.

Harriet’s practice focuses primarily on financial remedy and property work. She is regularly instructed across the full breadth of matrimonial finance applications as well as in relation to applications under the Children Act 1989, Schedule 1, and in TLATA 1996 claims. Harriet has a particular interest in cases where beneficial ownership or liquidity of jointly owned assets are in issue such as those involving trusts, family-owned businesses and farming/‘quasi’ farming cases where the family home is comprised within larger mixed domestic/commercial land. She is often instructed on behalf of Interveners both at an early stage providing advice as to whether, and if so when, to intervene as well as throughout proceedings. Harriet’s experience with TLATA claims also places her in an ideal position to advise and act in relation to the costs risks following interim applications, such as those under s.37 MCA 1989 or for MPS/LSPO. Harriet prides herself on producing written work of the highest quality, being ever conscious that the documentation is the first impression the court will form of clients. She is frequently instructed to advise in writing prior to issuing proceedings as well as to draft particulars in TLATA claims and points of claim/defence in financial remedy applications. Harriet particularly enjoys working on matters from an early stage to help set clear and realistic expectations for clients and maximise opportunities for early resolution. Harriet has worked as consultant in-house counsel for a leading law firm in Leeds and is a strong advocate for the benefits for clients of solicitors and the Bar working closely together throughout. Prior to joining the Bar Harriet worked as a College Supervisor at the University of Cambridge teaching both Equity and Land Law. Harriet was also privileged to act as Judicial Assistant to Mr Justice Cohen and Mrs Justice Knowles, gaining a breadth of experience in complex and high net worth financial remedies work including pre and post-nuptial agreements, MFPA 1984 Pt III applications, the non-disclosure of assets and applications for permission to appeal. Harriet is President of the Harrogate and North Yorkshire Junior Lawyers Division. She accepts instructions on a direct access basis.

John specialises in complex and high value cases across the entire range of family-related financial disputes. His expertise includes applications for financial remedies by spouses and/or children following divorce or civil partnership dissolution; applications for financial remedies for children by unmarried parents pursuant to Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989, as well as property disputes between unmarried cohabitants pursuant to the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA) 1996. He also acts for third parties (interveners) who may have an interest that they seek to protect in divorce proceedings, such as parents and/or siblings of the divorcing couple, as well as trustees and/or corporate entities by whom relevant property may be owned.

Sally is Joint Head of Chambers at 1GC Family Law. She practices in all aspects of children law. Acts in private law proceedings on behalf of parents and on behalf of children in Rule 16 cases (particularly where there is a significant fact-finding element) but the main focus of her work is care proceedings and adoption, acting for Local Authorities, parents, children and other interested parties. Frequently instructed in cases where there is conflicting and/or complex medical evidence involving serious non-accidental injury to or death of a child, cases involving FII, sexual abuse, significant domestic abuse including death of a parent, honour-based violence, mental health issues, where there are multiple potential perpetrators, conflicting expert evidence and where there are concurrent criminal proceedings. Appeared in Re T (Costs: Care Proceedings: Serious Allegation Not Proved) [2012] UKSC 36 [2013] 1 FLR 133[2013] 1 FLR 133 (where the Supreme Court considered the costs of intervenors where allegations against them were not proved) and in Re U (L) (A Child) (2) B (L) (A Child) [2004] EWCA Civ 567 [2004] 2 FLR 263 (where the court considered the standard of proof in Children’s Cases). More recently, appeared in Re C (Children: Covid 19: Representation) [2020 EWCA Civ 734], Re K (Threshold – cocaine ingestion – failure to give evidence) [2020] EWHC 2502 (Fam), Re N (Children: Fact Finding – Perplexing Presentation / Fabricated or Induced Illness) [2024] EWFC 326 and the linked decision in Re N (Children: Findings against a professional witness: Joinder or intervention) [2024] EWFC 17(B); Slough Children First v Mother & Ors [2024] EWFC 31 (B) and re K (Children) (No. 2) (Application for return orders: Best Interests Decision) [2025] EWHC 451.

Simon primarily practises in disputes about the financial consequences of divorce, separation or death. He also drafts nuptial agreements, mediates, sits as a private FDR judge and acts for claimants and on behalf of insurers in professional negligence claims in a family law context. Publications and Lecturing: Unlocking Matrimonial Assets on Divorce (co-author) Applications under Schedule 1 to the Children Act (contributor) DIY Divorce and Separation (contributor) Mediation Section – Butterworth’s Civil Court Precedents (editor) Finance Case Digests for The Review Lectured at Warwick University as part of their Family Law module

Elizabeth Szwed

John has extensive experience in both public and private law children’s cases and is regularly instructed by solicitors for parents and Children’s Guardians. He has been involved in several cases that have attracted media interest. John specialises in representing parents, wider family members and intervenors in complex public law proceedings and multiday fact finding hearings. His case load includes the particularly vulnerable, along with those facing the most serious of allegations such as physical and sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, factitious illness, and cases involving child fatality. He has been described in the legal 500 as “Pragmatic, forthright and intelligent”. John regularly represents parents in all aspects of private law children cases including complex fact finding hearings, alienating behaviours, relocation, domestic abuse, and intractable contact disputes. He represents children via rule 16:4 appointed Guardians.

Called in 2003, Emily has a reputation for keen attention to detail, forensic cross-examination and a sensitive approach with vulnerable clients. Experienced in complex child protection cases, Emily represents local authorities, parents or children via their guardians. Emily has been instructed in cases involving radicalisation, sexual abuse, non accidental or inflicted injury, mental health issues, violence, drug and alcohol misuse and foreign elements, in county court and High Court. Emily has also represented parents in private law proceedings, particularly where there are allegations of harm or parental alienation. Emily advises on Human Rights Act applications arising from family proceedings, and alleged deprivation of liberty, special guardianship, placement or relocation of children overseas, foreign adoptions, judicial review of local authority decisions and forced marriages. Local Authority instructions: she has represented parents accused of inflicting injury, with learning difficulty/disability and those who lack capacity, as well as those with addictions and cases with an international element. She also deals with cases involving residence or contact disputes to a high level. Emily has a strong background in criminal law, having practiced this to a high level earlier in her career. She specialised in sexual offences and cases involving children. This practice lends support to her family work given the frequent overlap in issues between the jurisdictions.

Louise Verroken-Jones

Louise is interested in the full spectrum of Chambers’ family law expertise, including private law children, public law children, financial remedies and Court of Protection. She has recently completed her pupillage under the supervision of Malcolm Chisholm, Duncan Watson and Laura Briggs. Louise has previously worked at a domestic violence charity, setting up their young people’s project. She has experience of advocating for young people at Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Child Reviews and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences. Louise is particularly interested in matters which involve domestic violence, as well as criminal and sexual exploitation. During her legal studies, Louise volunteered with the National Centre for Domestic Violence and was a paralegal with Just for Kids Law, a youth justice charity. Louise’s masters thesis looked at the division of non-matrimonial assets in financial proceedings.

Craig specialises in financial remedies, including applications pursuant to Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, applications under TOLATA and inheritance actions, with particular expertise in cases involving farms, trusts and business assets. Craig is well placed to act in matters where there is an overlap between family and civil work. In addition, he undertakes the full range of Children Act proceedings with particular emphasis on removal from the jurisdiction and international child abduction and relocation as well as Court of Protection work. Craig has considerable experience of dealing with high-value and complex matters from County Court to Court of Appeal level. He is recognised as a tenacious, well prepared advocate with a calm and assured manner who is renowned for his expertise and exceptional client care skills. Craig is authorised to accept public access instructions in appropriate cases.

Pamela is a specialist family practitioner. Her practice primarily focuses on public law children, specifically very complex cases of abuse and serious harm, often with concurrent criminal proceedings. She almost exclusively represents children, Gillick competent children or vulnerable adults. She is often instructed in cases involving serious physical abuse, sexual abuse, non-accidental injury (including head injuries) attempted infanticide, ritual abuse, child trafficking, child modern day slavery, vitamin D deficiency and chronic neglect. Her High Court work includes representing NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service), CAFCASS Legal and cases with an international element. Pamela is trained in ensuring that vulnerable witnesses give their best evidence in court and regularly advises solicitors who instruct her on topical issues and recent developments in Family Law. Pamela also practices in private law. She has experience of adoption (including international) and surrogacy cases. She frequently represents children in private law cases through their rule 16.4 Guardian and is instructed on behalf of children thorough CAFCASS legal. Pamela was instructed as junior counsel in the first case involving allegations of Female Genital Mutilation before the then President of the Family Division. Pamela has also been instructed as leading junior counsel.

Duncan is a specialist family practitioner with particular expertise in family finance cases, including financial remedies on divorce, civil actions between unmarried co-habitants pursuant to TOLATA and financial applications relating to children pursuant to Schedule 1 Children Act 1989. He also undertakes cases in respect of child arrangements and disputes relating to children. He is particularly experienced in dealing with complex and high net worth cases involving companies, partnerships and businesses (particularly those cases where a forensic report is required) and other high value cases involving property portfolios and pensions. He is experienced in cases where there are issues relating to family trusts. He also regularly deals with cases where there is an international element. His expertise in Trust of Land cases (TOLATA 1996) means that he is particularly suited to representing clients in financial remedy proceedings where there are third party claims or disputes in respect of the beneficial ownership of properties and involving allegations that a party has an interest in property owned by their extended family. He also has expertise in dealing with cases where there are allegations of material non-disclosure (hidden assets), financial misconduct or where there are allegations that assets have been transferred to third parties in order to defeat a spouse’s claim. He is experienced in undertaking child arrangements cases and the full range of cases pursuant to the Children Act 1989, including undertaking applications for international relocation. He is experienced in dealing with enforcement proceedings including applications for committal. Duncan undertakes Private FDR hearings acting as the evaluator. Notable Cases Gadhavi v Gadhavi [2015] EWCA Civ 520 (Court of Appeal) Cherwayko v Cherwayko (No 2) [2015] EWHC 2436 (Committal Proceedings relating to an Oil Executive)

Sam is a specialist child law practitioner with over 26 years’ experience of a broad range of public and private law proceedings. She has represented Local Authorities, parents, extended family members and children (either directly or by their Children’s Guardian) in highly complex public law matters, notably involving very serious injuries to children and cases where allegations of significant sexual abuse arise. Sam has particular expertise where the consideration of complex medical evidence arises. Sam regularly represents young people who are competent to give instructions in their own right. In a recently reported matter, Sam has represented an 18-year-old seeking to be adopted (where the application was opposed).

Caroline Willbourne

Caroline specialises in financial remedy work, advising and representing both husbands and wives, with the intention wherever possible of resolving their disputes. If this cannot be achieved, then she will cross-examine fearlessly at final hearings, having identified the core issues. Her financial work includes Schedule 1 Children Act claims, Inheritance Act disputes and cases for financial provision for unmarried parties. A significant part of Caroline’s work is sitting at the Central Family Court as a Deputy District Judge, where she is assigned to the Financial Remedies Unit. This involves hearing FDRs, as well as final hearings in financial cases. FDRs require the swift absorption of facts and the ability to indicate concisely to the parties what the likely outcome will be. An increasing proportion of Caroline’s work is now mediation/ENE. She accepts instructions from Direct Public Access clients in suitable cases.

Tom’s practice encompasses all areas of the law relating to children, including public and private law proceedings, adoption, child abduction, and cases concerning donor-conceived children. He regularly appears in complex or groundbreaking cases, including those with international elements, and has been instructed at all levels of court, including the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Tom was shortlisted for the Bar Pro Bono Award in 2016, Young Family Law Barrister of the Year in 2017 and as Junior Barrister of the Year in 2020. He is described by Chambers and Partners as ‘a rising star and silk of the future’ and ‘an experienced champion of alternative family work. His preparation is excellent’. Notable Cases: Re AZ (A Child) (Recusal) [2022] EWCA Civ 911 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum v Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein [2022] EWFC 16 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum v Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein [2021] EWHC 3480 (Fam) G (Adoption; Notice Under s35 ACA 2002; Revocation of Placement Order) [2021] EWFC 93 AX v BX & Ors (Revocation of Adoption Order) [2021] EWHC 1121 (Fam) Re H-N And Others (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) (Rev 2) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 Newman v Southampton City Council & Ors [2021] EWCA Civ 437 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum v Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein [2021] EWCA Civ 1216 Re Al M (Fact-Finding) [2021] EWHC 1162 (Fam) His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum v Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein [2021] EWCA Civ 129 Re Al M (Non-Molestation) [2020] EWHC 3305 Re Al M (Foreign Act of State) [2020] EWHC 2883 (Fam) Z v X (Declaration of Parentage) [2020] EWFC 67 Prospective Adopters v Sheffield City Council [2020] EWCA Civ 1591 Re C (A Child: Parental Order & Child Arrangements Order) [2020] EWHC 2141 (Fam) Re C (A Child: Parental Order & Child Arrangements Order) [2020] EWHC 2474 (Fam) R v P (Children: Similar Fact Evidence) [2020] EWCA Civ 1088 R (Leave to Oppose The Making of an Adoption Order), Re [2020] EWFC 97 Re X (Revocations of Testamentary Guardianship) [2020] EWFC 33 Re Al M (Assurances and Waiver) [2020] EWHC 67 (Fam) Re Al M (Publication) [2020] EWHC 122 (Fam) Re Al M (Children) [2020] EWCA Civ 283 Re Al M (Fact Finding) [2019] EWHC 3415 (Fam) PQ v RS and Others (Legal Parenthood: Written Consent) [2019] EWFC 65 LR v A Local Authority & Ors (Application to Terminate Appointment of Guardian) [2019] EWFC 49 A Local Authority v M & Ors (Placement Order) [2019] EWFC 50 ZH v HS & Ors (Application to Revoke Adoption Order) [2019] EWHC 2190 (Fam) Re RP (A Child) (Foster Carers Appeal) [2019] EWCA Civ 525 Poole Borough Council v GN (through his Litigation Friend ‘the Official Solicitor) & Anor [2019] UKSC 25A v A [2015] EWHC 3397 (Fam) Re ST (A Child) (Surrogacy: Iran) [2018] EWHC 3439 AB v CD [2018] EWHC 1590 (Fam) In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case K) [2017] EWHC 50 (Fam) In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case K) (No.2) [2017] EWHC 783 (Fam) F v M & Others (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants intervening) [2017] EWHC 949 (Fam) Re H (A Child: Surrogacy Breakdown) [2017] EWCA Civ 1798 Re TG (A Child: Future Care Arrangements) [2017] EWFC 85 Re K (A Child) [2016] EWCA Civ 931 In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case O) [2016] EWHC 2273 (Fam) In the Matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Case L) [2016] EWHC 2266 (Fam)

Oliver’s practice centres on disputes which relate to both financial matters and children following relationship breakdown. He has a particular interest in cases with an international element. Oliver also has significant expertise in Court of Protection work. Oliver is dual-qualified, having been admitted to the New York State Bar in 2018 whilst spending a year working in the matrimonial department of a New York City law firm. In 2015, Oliver was shortlisted for the Lexis-Nexis Jordan’s Family Law "Young Barrister of the Year" Award. Appointments: Deputy District Judge, South Eastern circuit (2022)