9 Park Place

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Richard practices in all aspects of criminal litigation.

Abdallah Barakat

Nicholas specialises in Family law with a particular focus on financial remedy proceedings. He also accepts instructions in TOLATA matters as well as a variety of civil cases. He is widely-regarded for his proactive approach and accessibility from the outset, and is often praised for his ability to gain the trust of clients and offer robust and pragmatic advice on issues and settlement options. Before coming to the Bar, Nicholas qualified as a solicitor (March 2017) within the Dispute Resolution Department of Hugh James giving him experience in a variety of commercial litigation matters as well as housing management cases. He joined chambers in September 2019 following successful completion of his pupillage. Nicholas’s financial remedy practice has included acting in an advisory capacity and representing clients at all stages of proceedings including final hearings. Nicholas has recent and regular experience representing clients at contested application hearings (including in relation to business valuations); interim applications (MPS and LSPO); and enforcement applications (including in relation to overseas assets). Nicholas receives instructions in a broad range of civil proceedings including breach of contract; sale of goods and supply of goods and services; debt recovery, personal injury; credit hire and housing. Nicholas has experience of conducting both small claims and fast-track trials as well as representing clients at interim remedy hearings and within enforcement applications. Nicholas’s practice predominantly takes place in Wales and the West of England. However, Nicholas is willing to travel and has experience undertaking cases in the North of England and the South East. Nicholas is adept at utilising technology to conduct conferences remotely, including live collaborative working, where that is more suitable or preferable to clients. He is frequently instructed in financial remedy cases which involve the following issues: Cases concerning the treatment of significant pre-marital and post-separation accruals. The impact of delay upon the court’s assessment of parties’ needs and assessment of fairness in such circumstances. The effect of an agreement entered into between the parties following separation. Disputes concerning the appropriate division of pensions including advising on the guidance provided by the PAG report and recent authorities, particularly in respect of ring-fencing arguments. Nicholas also has experience of utilising the Galbraith tables. The treatment of business interests owned by one party. The impact of loan agreements entered into with relatives or other connected third-parties. Issues relating to personal and financial misconduct. The impact of third-party interests in financial remedy proceedings. Addressing issues of litigation funding through legal services payments orders Enforcement proceedings and steps taken to overcome difficulties presented by an uncooperative party, including obtaining orders for the sole conduct of the sale of assets; the execution of documents by the court on behalf of another party; and orders seeking vacant possession of a property pending sale. Applications to vary periodical payments orders. Applications for freezing injunctions. Applications for costs as a result of litigation misconduct. Previously, Nicholas gained extensive experience in private law children matters and conducted cases before various levels of the judiciary. Such cases involved contested issues surrounding contact; fact-finding hearings concerning issues of domestic abuse (including coercive and controlling behaviour); applications for specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders; and applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Nicholas’s experience of childcare proceedings, and representing client’s making or facing allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour, continues to be of assistance within his specialist financial remedies practice.

Ieuan Bennett

Rachel is a specialist family law barrister providing advice and representation in all aspects of children law and family finance matters. Rachel has extensive experience in both private law and public law matters and is instructed to represent both professional and lay clients. Rachel studied History at the University of Nottingham obtaining a First Class Honours degree before going on to study the Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University in Bristol and obtaining a Distinction. Rachel obtained both the Hardwicke Entrance Scholarship and the Lord Denning Scholarship from Lincoln’s Inn prior to commencing the Bar Professional Training Course, followed by the Buchanan Prize on completing the course as a result of obtaining an Outstanding grade. Rachel successfully completed her pupillage and accepted a tenancy with Chambers in September 2018. Whilst studying on the Bar Professional Training Course Rachel volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Cardiff, advising people across a range of areas including housing, budgeting, benefits and debt. Prior to joining Chambers Rachel worked as a County Court Advocate.

Katherine Broadhurst

Kate is an established family law practitioner, working predominantly in the area of public law children cases. She has a wealth of experience in representing local authorities, parents, children and intervenors. Kate also takes an interest in representing children in private law proceedings, and has experience of representing all parties in applications for deprivation of liberty safeguards. Kate is regularly instructed in complex cases involving allegations of non-accidental injury and sexual abuse. She has wide experience in representing parties and cross-examining witnesses who are vulnerable due to age, experience or disability. Kate also has substantial skill in dealing with complex and novel legal issues. "Kate Broadhurst always provides an excellent service on all manner of cases. Her extensive and in-depth knowledge means she can deal with the most complex of cases, ensuring that the client feels fully supported and listened to throughout. "As a solicitor I know that Kate will be available to discuss a case when needed and very much is part of the team. I never hesitate to instruct her" Kate also sits as a fee paid judge in the Mental Health Tribunal for England. This has given her insight into the needs of parents and children who have mental health issues and provided valuable experience in supporting people with such difficulties. Kate is keen to ensure access to justice and was pleased to be the Pro Bono Champion for chambers in 2023.

Georgina Buckley

Matthew is an experienced barrister specialising in all aspects of criminal work. He prosecutes for the Complex Crime Unit and for OCSAU." "Particularly adept at prosecuting serious drug or sexual offences." (Legal 500, 2021) Previous editions of The Legal 500 recommends him as a leading junior whose "broad practice covers murder, fraud and sexual offences matters" and is recommended for "sensitive serious sexual offences cases" and as being "experienced in cases involving historic sexual abuse." A fluent Welsh speaker, he is able to conduct trials in Welsh.

Angharad Davies

Emily Davies

Rhys is an experienced barrister with a varied practice in family and civil law. He regularly undertakes public and private family law work and has significant experience of representing Local Authorities, parents, interveners and Children’s Guardians in proceedings up to and including the High Court. He also has a busy practice undertaking financial remedy work together with applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Rhys also undertakes a significant amount of work on behalf of UK Governmental Departments and the Welsh Government, with a particular emphasis on human rights, unlawful detention, Equality Act 2010 proceedings, and judicial review. He is currently appointed as a (B) panellist to the Attorney General’s Regional Civil panel and the Welsh Government’s Panel of Approved Counsel. Rhys has significant experience in representing Government departments such as the Home Office, the Department of Work of Pensions, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Transport, the Office for National Statistics, the General Register Office, and the Parole Board of England and Wales in proceedings relating to contraventions of the ECHR, the Equality Act 2010, unlawful detention, personal injury and Judicial Review. In 2021, he was appointed to the Attorney General’s Regional Civil (B) Panel, having previously been a (C) panellist since 2018. Rhys also has experience of representing Welsh Governmental departments and Ministers. He has been appointed to the Welsh Government’s Panel of Approved Counsel (B) since 2017 and is currently instructed by the Welsh Government in the public inquiry into the UK’s response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Richard has developed an excellent reputation for his expertise in family law, specifically financial and children disputes following divorce and separation. Whilst he always adopts a conciliatory approach to reaching settlements, he has developed a solid reputation for robustly representing his clients; and, formerly held the Resolution Accredited Family Law Specialist status in Children Matters (Private Law) and Advanced Financial Provision. This accreditation is referred to by Resolution as demonstrating an “outstanding level of skill and expertise”. He has a particular interest in Children Act 1989 proceedings and has worked on various complicated cases including adoption, violence towards children and cases with an international element. He has represented parents, grandparents and extended family alike. His Financial Remedy practice has led him to represent clients in complex financial matters that have included foreign assets and applications by third parties to join existing legal proceedings.

Cadi Dewi

Heath Edwards

Joseph Edwards

David Elias

David Elias KC

David Gareth Evans

John James Evans

James is now one of the most senior criminal barristers in South Wales. He both defends and prosecutes. He prides himself on his ability to secure the best available outcome for his clients. James is a Grade 2 Crown Prosecutor.

Christopher Felstead

Nuhu specialises in defence and prosecution crime and regulatory law, as well as immigration, asylum and nationality law. He has consistently been ranked in legal directories as a Tier 1 or Band 1 Leading Junior in the fields of immigration and public law. He is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and on the "A" Panel of the List of Specialist Regulatory Advocates, maintained by the Health & Safety Executive. Nuhu regularly prosecutes multi-handed drug conspiracies and offences involving serious violence, fraud and homicide. Prior to coming to the Bar, he worked for Liberty (‘National Council for Civil Liberties’) as a Legal Volunteer for two years. He was a Governor at Ysgol Iolo Morganwg between 2019 and 2023 and was Chair of the Board of Governors for 2 years. He was one of the pioneering members of ‘Asylum Justice’ in Cardiff - providing pro bono legal advice and representation to asylum seekers unable to obtain Legal Aid. “A very approachable advocate who has a particularly good rapport with clients. I regularly instruct Nuhu in particularly complex asylum cases, and he has never failed to impress.” (Chambers UK 2021) Nuhu is currently an External Examiner at the Centre for Professional Legal Studies for their Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme and Magistrates’ Court Qualification and an Independent Panel member at Wales Council for Voluntary Action to provide guidance, feedback and scrutiny for the organisation’s various funding schemes. “An immigration and nationality law specialist with an excellent track record for complex asylum appeals.” (Chambers UK 2021) Nuhu both defends and prosecutes. He is a level 4 prosecutor on the Crown Prosecution Service Advocates Panel. He regularly prosecutes serious and high-profile cases, including multi-handed drug conspiracies and offences involving serious violence and homicides. In Operation Malbis and Operation Penguin he recently prosecuted members of an Organised Crime Group involved in people smuggling on behalf of CPS South West Complex Casework Unit. Nuhu has extensive experience prosecuting high value and complex Proceeds of Crime proceedings. Nuhu has extensive experience in conducting cases on behalf of regulatory authorities. He regularly advises and prosecutes on behalf of Local Authorities and Government Departments. He was appointed to the Attorney General’s Unified List of Prosecuting Advocates in 2006 and after this list was disbanded, he was appointed to the List of Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law in 2016. This panel of specialist counsel in administered on behalf of a number of different bodies, including Natural Resources Wales, the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, Care Quality Commission, Office for Rail and Road Regulation and the Office for Nuclear Regulation. He was appointed to List A of this panel in 2019 and re-appointed in 2024. He also defends individuals and organisations accused of health and safety offences. Nuhu is a highly regarded and sought after immigration and public law specialist. He handled the leading case of TD v. Secretary of State for the Home Department [2006] Imm. A. R. 569, which involved the issue of ‘sole responsibility’ within the Immigration Rules in relation to children, entry clearance and family reunification. Nuhu has been instructed to provide expert opinion advice in family law cases with an immigration law element. He has consistently been ranked in legal directories as a Tier 1 or Band 1 Leading Junior.

In his earlier years at the Bar, Robert was appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of ‘Junior Junior’ Counsel to the Crown and also the Welsh Government Junior Barrister Public Law Scheme, enabling him to undertake a variety of instructions in public law work. In 2018 Robert was selected by the Inns of Court to undertake a Pegasus Scholarship in Wellington, New Zealand. For three months he worked within the Governmental Department of Crown Law, assisting in various legal areas. He has also assisted in the training of the profession, having taught on the Bar Training Course at Cardiff Law School in a variety of civil and employment law topics as well as assisting the Bar Standards Board with the professional ethics examination undertaken by pupil barristers. In 2023 he was appointed by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) as an Independent Appeals Panel Chairperson. In the role, Robert adjudicates upon appeals against decisions of the FAW’s Disciplinary Panel. He was a pupil supervisor of Mari Watkins (2022-23).

Roger Griffiths

Specialist crime practitioner. Former lead of criminal team at Temple Chambers, Cardiff. Specialises in prosecution of complex drug conspiracies and cases involving money laundering and asset recovery but also has extensive experience in all trials of criminal proceedings including murder and sexual offenses. Often instructed in cases involving the serious organised crime agency and regularly appears before Court of Appeal.

Michael Hammett

Michael began his career in chambers as a criminal law barrister. He became a Grade 4 prosecutor, a member of the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel and was regularly instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit to prosecute large, multi-handed frauds, drug conspiracies and murders (led). Since 2018, Michael has specialised in family law and has a busy practice, focused mainly on children work, both public and private. He is regularly instructed by children’s guardians, parents and intervenors in complex cases involving allegations of non-accidental injury, alleged poisoning, serious sexual abuse and cases with an international dimension. In addition, Michael regularly appears before the National DoLs Court and in the Court of Protection. Given his background in criminal law and years of experience, Michael is adept at dealing with witnesses – lay, professional and expert – and has the ability to assimilate large volumes of material in order to identify the fundamental issues lying at the heart of any case in which he is instructed.

Joshua has a vibrant civil, family, and public law practice encompassing matters ranging from ToLATA and Financial remedies to Court of Protection and Property/Chancery disputes. Joshua appears daily in the County Court, Family Court and in High Court matters. He also has a busy paper-based practice advising and drafting for personal injury, professional negligence, and housing matters. Joshua has a busy commercial and residential property practice involving advising on matters such as: Leasehold disputes for commercial and residential including service charge disputes; Landlord and tenant disputes with a particular focus on the Renting Homes Wales Act 2016; Repossession of Leasehold properties due to service charge arrears; Disputes as to commercial leases and security of tenure claims; Housing disrepair claims, acting for both landlords and tenants; and Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions for social housing landlords. Joshua regularly advises on contractual and commercial disputes such as: Advising and appearing in court in disputes around leasing of equipment between businesses; Enforcement of settlement agreements; Disputes over debts including third party debt orders; Claims as to the construal of contracts; and Claims for misrepresentation and fraud. Joshua accepts instructions in the Court of Protection for Local Authorities, Health Boards, and lay parties alike and is looking to develop his work within this area. Leasehold disputes for commercial and residential including service charge disputes; Landlord and tenant disputes with a particular focus on the Renting Homes Wales Act 2016; Repossession of Leasehold properties due to service charge arrears; Disputes as to commercial leases and security of tenure claims; Housing disrepair claims, acting for both landlords and tenants; and Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions for social housing landlords. Joshua regularly acts for the Home Office in judicial review claims in immigration matters. Including disputes over citizenship, refusal to issue passports, s.94 Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 certifications, refusal of asylum claims. Joshua accepts instructions in inquests and inquiries from individuals, companies, local authorities and a variety of organisations that may be required to attend a Public Inquiry or Inquest. Joshua regularly acts for the Home Office in judicial review claims in immigration matters. Including disputes over citizenship, refusal to issue passports, s.94 Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 certifications, refusal of asylum claims. Joshua also acts for local authorities in licensing, health and safety, environmental health, consumer protection and trading standards matters. He also regularly acts for the government in data protection disputes and employers liability claims. Joshua regularly acts in land disputes in the Court, Land Tribunal, and High Court. These include ToLATA claims, easement disputes, boundary disputes, claims for adverse possession, nuisance claims, and issues surrounding trespass. Joshua regularly deals with personal injury claims including fast and multi-track matters arising out of road traffic accidents, occupier’s liability and employer’s liability including. He regularly advises on issues around complex liability disputes, fundamental dishonesty, QOCS and service disputes. Joshua accepts instructions in all areas of professional negligence and discipline and has acted in claims involving solicitors, insurance brokers, funeral directors, and medical professionals. Joshua receives regularly instructions in Trusts and Probate matters including; ToLATA claims; Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims; Applications for the removal and substitution of executors; Claims for construal of wills. Joshua is regularly instructed by both employers and employees, including trade unions, in matters involving: Discrimination and harassment claims Employment contracts Equal pay and wage disputes Unfair dismissal and wrongful termination Whistleblowing & public interest disclosure Joshua takes instructions in divorces financial remedy matters, regularly dealing with issues such as: Interlocutory applications for MPS and LASPO; Pensions (including public service pensions); Real property; Valuation of businesses; Disputes over matrimonial debt and in particular family loans; Mesher orders; Post separation accrual; The impact long delay in bringing proceedings; Periodical payments; and Enforcement proceedings. Joshua provides a level-headed approach to proceedings with a focus on encouraging settlement and commercial sensibility. Joshua is regularly instructed in ToLATA disputes in the County Court and Land Tribunal (where there are disputed applications and to HMLR) including disputes between former cohabitees where properties are jointly owned or owned in sole names. Disputes as to whether monies provided by family and friends are gifts or contributions to the purchase of property. Claims for occupation rent, orders for sale, and subsequent enforcement proceedings.

Jonathan Miles Headington

Jonathan is a specialist family law practitioner, with a particular interest in private children/Family Law Act matters and financial remedy proceedings. Jonathan is instructed to appear in courts throughout England and Wales and has represented clients in the High Court on numerous occasions. He has appeared both for and against well-known public figures and athletes. Jonathan joined 9 Park Place Chambers as a pupil barrister in 2012. Upon successful completion of his pupillage, which was overseen by his pupil supervisors, Mr Matthew Roberts and Mr Owen Thomas K.C. he was invited to become a tenant of Chambers. Jonathan often appears on behalf of parents, extended family members and children (via the children’s guardian) in private children matters. He has extensive experience in dealing with cases involving the instruction of experts from a range of specialist fields. Jonathan’s private children practice is comprised of a wide array of applications, which frequently involve allegations of serious physical assaults and acts of a sexual nature (including historical rape), against both adults and children. Additionally, Jonathan deals with a significant number of cases in which parental alienation is raised as a central issue to be determined. Jonathan is also experienced in dealing with applications concerning relocation and the removal of children from the jurisdiction (including abduction) to countries which are/are not signatories of the Hague Convention, along with applications to change a child’s school. Jonathan is regularly instructed to represent clients in cases concerning applications for non-molestation and occupation orders, which often involve serious allegations of domestic abuse, in line with those outlined above. Jonathan’s financial remedy practice has led to him representing clients from all walks of life, with asset pools of varying sizes. Jonathan understands the different challenges that each client will face upon divorce, and as such, tailors his approach to meet the needs of the individual client. His straightforward manner in dealing with matters, is appreciated by those who he represents. Jonathan regularly appears on behalf of professional persons, business owners and those in the farming community. He has experience of dealing with cases of a complex nature which have required the division of assets in excess of £2m. Jonathan has also dealt with a number of cases involving issues surrounding third party loan agreements and deeds of trust. Jonathan has successfully represented parties in claims brought under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989.

John is a highly experienced criminal practitioner, who acts for both prosecution and defence, dealing with cases of the utmost gravity and sensitivity, many of which have attracted widespread publicity. The focus of John’s practice has been homicide, serious sexual offences, drugs conspiracies and fraud. He has been a category 4 prosecutor for over 20 years. John has a particular specialism in modern day slavery cases and led the prosecution team in the trial of Operation Imperial, which arose from the largest police investigation into modern day slavery in Wales. He is well accustomed to leading a team of lawyers in the presentation of complex cases to a jury. John has frequently represented professional or high profile individuals accused of serious crime. These include professional sportsmen and police officers. John’s expertise has led to him conducting training in POCA and financial crime issues for lawyers and police officers in the Caribbean. He is an accredited pupil supervisor and joined 9 Park Place Chambers, Cardiff in September 2020, from Iscoed Chambers, Swansea.

Gwydion specialises in commercial, chancery and public law work. His practice includes company law and insolvency, land law, probate and trusts, inheritance and family provision, local government, planning, landlord and tenant and professional negligence as well as public inquiries. He handles advisory and advocacy work for the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and is a fluent Welsh speaker. Chambers UK 2025 recommend him in Band 1 for Chancery. "He is fantastic with clients, excellent on his feet in court and his assessment of prospects for success is always very accurate." "Gwydion is the best chancery practitioner in Wales in my opinion. He is fantastic with clients, excellent on his feet in court and his assessment of prospects for success is always very accurate." "Gwydion handles complex matters with skill and confidence. He is our go-to advocate on high-profile cases and understands our work and is very responsive." "Gwydion Hughes is sensible and good on his feet." (Chambers UK Guide 2025) "Gwydion is very responsive and easy to work with. In court he is a terrific cross-examiner and his general advocacy is excellent." "Gwydion is an excellent all-rounder and very easy to work with." (Chambers UK Guide 2023) His public law work includes advising and representing local authorities in local government vires matters concerning the consultation and legality of decision making as well as social care obligations and continuing care. "He is an excellent advocate, and cross-examination is a real strength of his. He is easy to work with and the clients are always very pleased with him and are grateful that he is on their side. He is the stand out junior in the South Wales market in the field of contentious probate, although he is equally reliable and knowledgeable in other disciplines. It is a pleasure to work with him." (Legal 500 2023) Gwydion has been appointed to the A Panel of the Attorney General’s Civil Counsel Regional Panel for five years from 1st March 2021. He sits as a Fee-Paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber). He accepts instructions under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme.

Kate specialises in all aspects of public and private law children work. Her cases include significant deliberately inflicted injuries, death, penetrative sexual abuse and poisoning. Kate has drafted protocols for several local authorities and for the West Wales Safeguarding Children Board. She has provided legal advice throughout a child practice review involving the death of a child and advised the Regional Child Care Special Interest Group. Additionally Kate is a member of the national Public Law Working Group. "She is extremely thorough and diligent. Kate is an effective advocate with an exacting eye for detail." "Her reassuring manner is perfect for highly emotional cases where children are involved." (Chambers UK Guide 2020) Chambers UK 2023 reports that Kate is an experienced advocate with a strong child care practice. She frequently represents Local Authorities but also has experience acting for guardians, parents and prospective adopters in complex care cases. She handles serious charges such as head injuries, neglect and sexual abuse, as well as advising on adoption issues. Chambers UK 2022 reports that Kate is an experienced advocate with a strong child care practice. She frequently represents Local Authorities but also has experience acting for guardians, parents and prospective adopters in complex care cases. She handles serious charges such as head injuries, neglect and sexual abuse, as well as advising on adoption issues. Kate is consistently highly recommended in Legal 500 and in Chambers UK (Band 2, 2023) "She is extremely thorough and diligent. Kate is an effective advocate with an exacting eye for detail." "Her reassuring manner is perfect for highly emotional cases where children are involved." (Chambers UK Guide 2020) 'User-friendly and an exceptionally effective advocate.' 'She is well respected and has an excellent court manner.' 'She is consistently excellent and a reassuring presence for the client.' "I find her very professional, she always knows her case well and is an excellent advocate." "She is calm, client-friendly and very sharp." "She goes the extra mile. Clients feel very comfortable with her and she gets them where she needs to be."

William Hughes KC

William Hughes is a criminal law specialist with a mixed prosecution and defence practice. In addition he has considerable experience in Regulatory, Disciplinary, Inquiries, Coroner’s Inquests and Local Government work. His criminal defence work includes homicide, serious sexual offences and other grave crime, particularly those cases involving vulnerable defendants and witnesses, together with VAT and Revenue fraud, fraudulent trading, money laundering and related confiscation proceedings. He has wide experience defending drug-related crime and resultant drug trafficking and CJA, DTA and POCA confiscation proceedings. Notable recent cases include Florowski & Ors (2013) [Silk leading] – murder, attempted murder and arson by foreign national; Weinreb (2013) [Silk alone] – successful defence of attempted murder and GBH; Lopez (2013) – gang-related, multi-handed GBH and violent disorder (defendant the subject of cut-throat by all the other defendants); Tidy & Anr – baby-shaking and abuse by parents of baby; Batchelor – long-term, high-value VAT fraud and McLaughlin (2012) – stranger rape. William is regularly instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service, in particular SOCA prosecutions on behalf of the CPS Serious Organised Crime Division, Central Fraud Group. He is often instructed in drugs cases with an international element, including related POCA, DTA civil and criminal legislation. Notable recent prosecution cases include lneomo & Ors (2013) [Silk alone] – prosecution of multi-defendant long-term VAT reclaim fraud; R v SC (2013) – prosecution of rape in abusive relationship; Jones (2013) – prosecution of predatory paedophile; and Koli [2012] EWCA Crim 1869; [2012] Crim. L. R. 903; [2013] 1 Cr. App. R. (S.) 6 – which was the first UK prosecution of a breach of a Serious Crime Prevention Order and is, at the time of writing, the guideline case with regard to sentencing. William has extensive experience advising and representing local authorities with regard to criminal and quasi-criminal matters and trading standards prosecutions. He has defended and presented in disciplinary tribunals for many years and is a legal advisor to disciplinary panels in Police Misconduct hearings. His notable inquest caseload includes Re Michael Melchert (2012) where he acted for landlords of the premises in which the deceased was killed when the building caught fire, and Re Frank Ogburu (2010) where he acted on behalf of four police officers in a death-in-custody case.

Laurence is a specialist Criminal Law practitioner, with wealth of experience in all aspects of serious crime. Has a strong busy practice having been instructed by the CPS as grade 4 and RASSO prosecutor for over 15 years whilst equally adept and effective in Defence work, including sexual offences involving vulnerable defendants or witnesses (child and adult); drug conspiracy and associated money laundering and POCA proceedings; serious violence, fraud and regulatory crime. Laurence is also instructed in inquests (including death in custody) and court martials.

Lisa Roisin Jones

Lisa is a specialist in financial remedy and cohabitation disputes who has extensive experience in both family and civil law. She is regularly instructed in financial remedy proceedings involving complex business structures, substantial assets, pension issues, and third party interveners, and is also frequently instructed in cohabitation disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. Lisa’s primary focus is financial remedy proceedings. She is regularly instructed in cases involving complex business structures, substantial assets, pension issues, and third party interveners. Lisa is frequently instructed in cohabitation disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. Lisa is a fluent Welsh speaker who enjoys undertaking advocacy, advisory work, and drafting in Welsh.

Year of Call: 2000 Clerk: James Watson /Lee Fifield Rhian is a leading junior barrister in the field of childcare law, and her practice area covers the whole of South Wales. She is considered a team player when instructed in a case, and welcomes a dialogue with solicitors during the pre-proceedings process to assist in the early preparation of the case. Whilst being a hard working individual with attention to detail, Rhian is renown for quickly building a rapport with the client as her entry in Chambers UK 2016 illustrates. She is recognised as being approachable to professional and lay clients alike, and empathetic in dealing with the sensitive matters raised within family and care proceedings. Going hand in hand with this approach is her ability to communicate advice clearly and concisely to the solicitor and client, tailoring the manner in which such advice is conveyed to ensure clarity and understanding. Rhian is a fluent Welsh speaker capable of conducting both conferences and hearings through the medium of Welsh. For many years, Rhian has provided CPD training to solicitors and counsel alike as to recent developments in case law and legislation. This of course necessitates a clear understanding and capacity to analyse the subject matter. She has experience of lecturing university students and has undertaken the same through the medium of Welsh. Rhian has developed a thriving practice within the field of care proceedings. She has a varied practice, representing local authorities, parents and guardians alike, and cases have included representing Local Authorities in cases of complex historical non-accidental injury spanning many years and often involving sibling groups, representing parents and grandparents facing allegations of sexual abuse and / or physical abuse, representing Guardians and children who are competent to give instructions. Rhian is also regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor to represent adults with cognitive difficulities. Notable and Reported cases Re Swansea CC v 11 Respondents [2022] EWFC 12 (04 March 2022) a case concerning multiple and varied allegations of abuse involving inter-connected families. Carmarthenshire County Council v Y [2017] EWFC 36 Re R (An Infant) [2016] EWFC 60 Family & Child Care Rhian’s practice focuses on Local Authority work, parent and guardian work within the area of family and childcare. Additionally, her previous experience of working within a busy Local Authority child care team has provided her with in-depth and invaluable experience as to the complex workings and structures of the processes relevant to a practice in child care. Chambers UK 2022 record that Rhian is a strong junior with a wide-ranging care practice. She acts for Local Authorities and parents in challenging matters such as those involving non-accidental injury and sexual abuse. The Legal 500 2021 recommend Rhian as a Leading Junior in Child Law (Public and Private). Recommendations "She works tirelessly and diligently for those she represents. She is an extremely effective advocate who is thorough and exacting in her detailed preparation." (Chambers UK, 2022) 'Her strength is her ability to communicate with her clients and win their confidence.' (Legal 500, 2021) 'An exceptional barrister. The paperwork she prepares is always of the highest standard. She is an effective advocate who is well thought of by the judiciary and her peers.' (Chambers and Partners, 2018) 'She is pleasant, user-friendly and very good at what she does.' (Chambers UK, 2018) Strong junior with a varied care practice, representing local authorities, guardians and parents in non-accidental injury and abuse cases, among others. Interviewees note her excellent manner with vulnerable clients and her handling of complex issues. Strengths: "She is extremely patient, has excellent preparation, is very approachable and experienced. More than a safe pair of hands." (Chambers UK 2017) 'Well-regarded barrister who specialises in representing local authorities, guardians, parents and other family members in care proceedings. She has particular experience in cases involving non-accidental injury and allegations of historical sexual or physical abuse.' "She is very comprehensive, very approachable and very good on a personal level in building a relationship of trust with guardians." (Chambers UK 2016) Education & Qualfication 1999-2000: BVC Inns of Court School of Law London (Very Competent grade) 1996-1999: LL.B (Hons) Cardiff University 1989-1996: Secondary Education at Queen Elizabeth Maridunum School, Carmarthen Awards Hardwick Scholarship for BVC year (1999-2000) Sir Thomas Moore scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn) for pupillage year (2001-2002)

Since joining Chambers, James has developed a successful practice in the area of Family law, focusing on child law (both public and private law cases) and financial remedy. James is known as a robust and effective advocate, who always establishes an easy rapport with those he represents. Prior to starting pupillage James worked as a Legal Adviser in the Magistrates’ Courts for nine years. He sat in the Magistrates’ Court, the Youth Court and the Family Proceedings Court. He joined 9 Park Place as a tenant in October 2014 following the successful completion of his pupillage. In children matters, James is routinely instructed in complex private law cases involving multiple parties, allegations of sexual abuse and domestic violence, intractable contact disputes, international and national relocation, drug and alcohol addiction and mental health. He has considerable experience in Finding of Fact (Re: L) hearings and contested Final Hearings. James has acted in a broad range of public law cases on behalf of Local Authorities, private parties (including parents, grandparents and other family members) and for children by their Guardians. He has a wealth of experience dealing with contested cases involving a wide range of issues, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, severe neglect, domestic violence, substance misuse and the causation of non-accidental injuries to a child. James is mindful of the great number of vulnerable people that find themselves in care proceedings and is adept at working with parents with learning difficulties, intermediaries and cross-examining vulnerable witnesses. James also has experience in public law cases involving the Official Solicitor. James has developed a practice in matrimonial finance, applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and cases concerning financial provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. James provides advice and represents clients in complex disputes, including cases concerning business interests and pensions. His work has included representing clients before District Judges, Circuit Judges and in the High Court.

Owen Prys Lewis

Owen is an ADR Group accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator. Owen is fluently bilingual with the ability to conduct advocacy and advise both in English and Welsh. His Civil practice includes contractual disputes, including building and construction work, land disputes and injunctive proceedings. Owen acts both in partnership and company disputes. Owen regularly acts in insolvency matters both for respondent and petitioning creditor. He regularly appears in the Employment Tribunal for both employers and employees. In personal injury matters Owen is used to representing both Claimants and Defendants. Owen handles a broad range of contractual disputes including building and construction work, land disputes and injunctive proceedings. Owen acts both in partnership and company disputes. He has recently been involved in a case involving a multi-million pound partnership dispute where one shareholder was petitioning for the company to be wound up. Matters were concluded by the company buying up the petitioner creditor’s shares to allow the company to continue to trade.

Anna Moelwyn-Williams

Barrister specialising in family law, including both public and private law Children Act cases and financial order applications.

Joseff is a specialist family barrister, who regularly appears at all levels of the Family Court. Joseff frequently appears for the Local Authority, parents, interveners and guardians in all aspects of public care and emergency applications. He has appeared in all levels of tribunal up to the Court of Appeal in complex proceedings, and regularly advises and represents in cases of inflicted injury for both public bodies and parents. Joseff has extensive experience in the full range of private children matters. He is frequently instructed to represent parents in complex and acrimonious applications, including cases involving allegations of sexual assault, domestic violence and parental alienation. Joseff is the Head of the Wales and Chester Circuit’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Joseff has also written several articles on the merits of remote working for the profession and is a conversational Welsh speaker. Joseff frequently appears for the Local Authority, parents, interveners and guardians in all aspects of public care and emergency applications. He has appeared in all levels of tribunal up to the Court of Appeal in complex proceedings, and regularly advises and represents in cases of inflicted injury for both public bodies and parents. Joseff has extensive experience in all areas of private children law, and has built a busy and established practice in the Family Court. He is regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Joseff routinely deals with applications for change of residence, external and internal relocation, education provision and special guardianship orders.

Phillip is a chancery and commercial practitioner who is particularly adept at property litigation, including boundary disputes, as well as contentious trusts and Inheritance Act matters. His commercial practice includes contractual claims and insolvency disputes. Phillip is also noted for his effective advocacy in employment matters and his extensive experience in contractual and other common law disputes. He has a strong contentious probate practice, and remains frequently instructed by individuals, companies and public bodies alike in the areas of work detailed below. He has been consistently recommended in both the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 guides. In the Chambers UK Guide 2025, Phillips has been ranked as Band 1 for Real Estate Litigation, and Band 2 for Chancery. “Phillip Morris is very good and very sensible." “Phil is incredibly bright, very client-friendly and very approachable...Phillip is a good barrister and has a strong grasp of chancery work.” (Chambers UK Guide) Within chambers, Phillip chairs the 9 Park Place Marketing Committee, and is an enthusiastic member of the set’s Management Committee. "Phillip offers an unrivalled combination of specialist knowledge and strong advocacy while being sympathetic to client needs and clear with his advice to instructing solicitor." (Chambers UK Guide) Phillip is ‘an effective advocate who deals with a range of issues, including redundancy, unpaid wages and TUPE’ in employment cases. (Legal 500). He regularly appears for both claimants and respondents in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal. “He is excellent. He is a very good operator and a very safe pair of hands” and is a “good all-rounder and a reliable advocate.”

Dafydd Paxton

Amelia Pike

Leah is an experienced criminal and civil practitioner. She is regularly instructed in a wide range of civil matters. She has experience in advising and representing clients in personal injury claims, contractual disputes, credit hire claims, boundary disputes, probate and debt recovery. Additionally, she is instructed in a range of regulatory matters including police disciplinary and misconduct, together with licensing, health and safety, and enforcement proceedings both for an against Local Authorities. She has also developed a wide-ranging immigration practice and has experience both within the First Tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal. Leah has a highly regarded and broad personal injury practice. She regularly acts for both Claimants and Defendants in a wide variety of claims encompassing occupiers’ and employers’ liability, claims under the Highways Act 1980 and claims involving road traffic accidents. She is very familiar with bringing or defending claims in which fundamental dishonesty is alleged and has sound experience in advising on related procedural matters such as relief from sanctions, fixed costs, QOCS, and Part 36. Leah prides herself on being a thorough and approachable advocate.

Nicola is a Senior Junior practising exclusively in Crime. She has a wealth of experience in all aspects of criminal law but she has a particular expertise in prosecuting and defending cases of a serious sexual nature including rape, abuse of children and vulnerable individuals and cases where the allegations are of a historic nature. She also prosecutes and defends in cases of serious violence including Murder, Manslaughter and cases involving very serious assaults. She is a category 4 approved Prosecutor and a specialist Rape Prosecutor. She is on the Crown Prosecution Service approved list of Counsel to conduct cases of Rape and serious sexual offences and she is qualified to provide early pre charge advice to the police and to conduct pre -trial conferences with vulnerable witnesses. To that end, she has experience in dealing with all kinds of witnesses – young, old, those with gender identity issues and those who for one reason of another require the services of interpreters and intermediaries. Given her wealth of experience in cases of this nature, she is the 'go to' Counsel for defence solicitors in South Wales. Her no – nonsense approach has gained her respect with her clients and solicitors alike. She is known to be approachable but firm. Nicola is highly respected by both the CPS and defence solicitors across South Wales and beyond She has been previously described as an effective and persuasive advocate with a commanding presence in the court room.

Henry accepts instructions in private family children and finance. Henry’s Children Act work includes private law and Non-Molestation / Occupation Order Injunctions - to Final Hearing including fact-finding hearings involving serious allegations of domestic violence. Henry is regularly instructed in financial remedy proceedings including First Directions Appointment (FDA) and Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearings. Recent instructions have included an application to vary a freezing injunction, successfully opposing a permission to appeal involving final orders for the distribution of more than 7 properties and a hearing concerning the enforceability of a pre-nuptial agreement. Henry is originally from Devon. In his spare time, he enjoys playing football and is a drummer for a local band.

Anisha Rai

Angela Ricciardi

Hilary Roberts

Matthew Roberts

Matthew is a highly experienced criminal barrister with an excellent track record of successfully prosecuting and defending high profile criminal cases and conducting regulatory work. He is frequently instructed as the Leading Junior for the prosecution and defence and appears regularly against Leading Counsel. Matthew is a category 4 prosecutor and a member of the CPS RASSO panel. Matthew is often requested by the Crown Prosecution Service to advise and deal with the most serious sexual offences involving highly vulnerable complainants. He also has extensive experience in representing defendants charged with such offences. This expertise has led him to being asked by the Bar Council to advise the Ministry of Justice and Amnesty International in relation to the functioning of the current sexual offences legislation from the perspective of a practitioner. He has also assisted in writing the Wales and Chester Circuit Response as well as the Criminal Bar Response to the recent Law Commission paper on reform of Sexual Offences Legislation. He has also made detailed written representations the Justice Select Committee in relation to the section 28 pre-recording of complainant evidence. He is ranked in the Chambers UK Guide (2023, Crime) as Band 2 counsel: “Matthew has an eye for detail. He is excellent at picking out points that others may miss” “He is absolutely superb” His tenaciousness and excellent eye for detail means he is often instructed in high profile drug conspiracies involving multiple defendants, firearms and complex IT issues. “Matthew is a very strong advocate. He has a close to forensic understanding of the workings of computers, which makes him an ideal choice for cases involving IT” He also specialises in unusual and highly technical areas of law ranging from forensic issues concerning computers, the internet and functioning of operating systems to environmental cases involving endangered species and regulatory matters such as recently advising Natural Resources Wales in respect of the Llangennech Rail derailment.

Helen Roddick

Natalie Sandercock

Natalie is an established family finance practitioner and is sought out for her expertise in this field, having been consistently ranked as ‘Tier 1’ or a ‘Leading Junior’ in legal directories in the area of divorce and financial remedy. Natalie also has notable expertise in certain niche areas of civil law: those being Court of Protection, public law and human rights cases involving children. "Natalie goes above and beyond, providing an excellent service all around." "She is outstanding for complex financial matters. Her thoroughness, knowledge and attention to detail are second to none." "She is very well prepared and has an excellent client manner." (Chambers UK Guide) Natalie is ranked as a Band 1 Practitioner in the Chambers UK Guide (Wales & Chester Circuit, The Bar - Family, Matrimonial Finance) and as a Leading Junior in Divorce and Financial Remedy in the Legal 500. "A specialist in her field and a phenomenal advocate. Her ability to dig out gold nuggets in cases that can turn the case on its head is second to none. Clients feel confident and at ease with her. Her cross-examining in court is a joy to watch." "She confidently deals with the most difficult of cases, providing realistic and sensible advice to clients and managing expectations. Natalie is also very proactive in settling cases, particularly at the FDR stage. She is the barrister you want on your side." (The Legal 500) Natalie has civil expertise; she regularly undertakes ToLATA / cohabitee claims. She also has a niche practice in the Court of Protection, advising Deputies concerning the property and affairs of protected persons (particularly where there is a matrimonial/family law element), and in addition, in making applications to the Court arising from matrimonial settlements on behalf of Deputies. She practises in the field of local authority liability arising from human rights breaches by public authorities in the discharge of their statutory duties to children and families.

William Seagrim

Family (all aspects) William Seagrim specialises in family law, practising in all areas within that field. William is experienced; he has appeared in notable cases; and he is published on family law, including writing the practitioner’s text, Public Children Law: A Case Law Compendium (Bloomsbury Professional, 2022), and journal articles. William is also a consultant editor, on the law in Wales, for ‘Hershman and McFarlane: Children Law and Practice’ (Bloomsbury Professional).

Kayleigh Simmons

Kayleigh is a busy and established practitioner in the Family Court, specialising in all aspects of public and private law proceedings relating to children. She acts for Local Authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians, separate representation of children themselves, and other family members, and has a vast experience of cases involving ‘significant harm’, including non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, and chronic neglect. Kayleigh deals with the more complex of private law cases, including those involving allegations of serious domestic abuse and parental alienation. Kayleigh is an approachable individual, who is able to form good relationships with her clients and opponents, whilst maintaining a robust and persuasive advocacy style before the Court. Kayleigh has extensive experience of all matters concerning public law children matters. She has appeared in complex, multi-day Final Hearings to determine applications for Care and Placement Orders, and Special Guardianship Orders. Kayleigh has dealt with the full range of applications made subsequent to Final Orders being made, including discharge applications and applications for permission to revoke Placement Orders and to oppose the making of Adoption Orders. Kayleigh is fully conversant with the law relating to secure accommodation and the deprivation of liberty, particularly in light of the immense pressures upon this system. She has significant expertise in involving allegations of sexual abuse and has appeared, both led and as sole Counsel, in extended Fact-Finding Hearings, dealing with allegations of this nature. Kayleigh also has particular experience acting in disputed allegations regarding non-accidental injuries to children, cross-examining expert paediatricians and other medical experts on such issues. Across her practice, Kayleigh routinely engages with complex medical and scientific evidence, vulnerable persons (with and without capacity to conduct litigation), and also has experience of international assessments and placements of children within public law proceedings. Kayleigh regularly represents parties in private cases, including applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps Orders. She also deals with Occupation Orders and Non-Molestation Orders. She has appeared in difficult and lengthy Fact-Finding and Final Hearings, considering allegations of domestic and sexual abuse, representing and cross-examining vulnerable witnesses, including children of the family. Kayleigh well-understands the potential overlap into public law proceedings that cases of this nature often present and also has experience of cases that have led to the appointment of a Children’s Guardian. Kayleigh has also acted in numerous cases involving both domestic and international relocation of children.

Christina Thomas

Gareth Thomas

Lisa is a highly experienced barrister, practising exclusively in family law and specialising in financial remedies and Schedule 1 Children Act cases. She is ranked as a Tier 1 Leading Junior in the Legal 500 directory and is also ranked in the Chambers UK Guide. She engages in medium and high value cases, regularly acting for high profile clients. Lisa appears locally and in the Central Family Court. She has recently worked as a junior in two exceptionally high value cases, involving complex aspects that include trust and company structures. "She is extremely competent and unflappable. She puts forward cases firmly and with courtesy. Judges admire the clarity of her advocacy and her written work is also of an extremely high standard." (Legal 500 2023: Leading Juniors, Tier 1)

Owen Thomas KC is a very experienced family law specialist who has been consistently highly recommended in the field since his early days of practice. During the Covid pandemic in 2020, he worked remotely with little interruption to his practice including leading for the local authority in Hull in a case involving complex allegations of sexual abuse against multiple adults against multiple children. The trial ran to some four months and involved six silks, five leading juniors and eleven juniors. Owen acts for parents, relatives, intervenors and children as well as for local authorities. "He is the best cross-examiner in the principality; he is amazing on his feet." "A highly respected advocate whose broad knowledge covers the full family law spectrum." ‘He is never ruffled by anything – he makes the most complex matters look easy and relaxes clients with his approach." (Chambers UK Guide) “An experienced family law generalist"..."highly recommended for a broad spectrum of family matters” (Legal 500, 2021) Owen has appeared in cases involving the deaths of children, abusive head trauma, inflicted injuries, FII, sexual abuse and serious emotional harm. Within the private law field, Owen appears in complex fact-finding hearings and those proceedings involving high conflict. The cases in which Owen appears often involve complex issues of expert and medical evidence, calling for experienced and skilful cross-examination. He regularly appears in cases where children (as victims and perpetrators) give oral evidence and in many more where there are contested issues of whether they should do so or not. Owen has appeared in many cases involving vulnerable adults and is fully conversant with the availability of special measures and is experienced in working alongside intermediaries. He is Head of the Family team at 9 Park Place and a fluent Welsh speaker.

Associate Member A leading practitioner in the field of children’s law, John is highly experienced and sought after. He regularly appears for local authorities, parents and guardians in all types of cases at all levels and has resultantly been recommended as a leading practitioner by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners . In the latter, he has been described as ‘One of the most gifted cross – examiners you will see in a Courtroom’. John also has experiences of representing all parties in the vulnerable adult jurisdiction of the High Court. His ability to decipher complex medical cases has led to his involvement in complex, controversial and sensitive cases, including those of alleged ‘shaken baby’, factitious and or induced illness, alienation and sexual abuse. John is recognised for his ability to understand the intricate science in such cases. He has lectured at Jordan’s national conferences on aspects of expert evidence in child abuse cases, as well as chairing the major Children Law and Practice Conference. John took Silk in 2012 making him one of the youngest Silks ever appointed in the Division.

Kay undertakes cases involving all aspects of family law. Kay is an experienced family law practitioner. Her practice covers the entire spectrum of public law proceedings and her private work encompasses children, finance and ancillary relief. She is a member of the Family Law Bar Association.

Cerys Walters

Mari accepts work across all areas of law, which includes crime, family, and civil law. She completed her pupillage at 9 Park Place Chambers and was accepted as a tenant in September 2023. Mari is originally from Neath and studied Law at Swansea University achieving a First-Class Degree. During her studies, she competed in various competitions, including the Oxford University Press Moot and the National Medical Moot where she was a semi-finalist. She was also the winner of the Internal Moot Competition in 2019 and 2020. Mari worked part-time as a legal clerk throughout her studies. Following this, she studied the Bar course at Cardiff University and attained an Outstanding. Notably, Mari had the highest mark in cross-examination, and, with her team, won the Internal Mock Trial competition. Mari received financial scholarships due to her academic and advocacy achievements, such as the Neuberger Prize from the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and the Family Law Bar Association scholarship.

Eifion Williams

Owen specialises in criminal law. He is regularly instructed to appear for both the prosecution and the defence in cases involving homicide, serious violence, large-scale drugs conspiracies and rape and serious sexual offences. For several years Legal 500 has ranked Owen as a Tier 1 practitioner and a Leading Junior. “Owen has a grasp of the case very quickly and is able to communicate this in an effective way to the client and Court very effectively. No case is too problematic for Owen to resolve”. (Legal 500 2022) In previous editions of the Legal 500 he has been "recommended for cases involving murder, serious sexual offences and gross negligence manslaughter". He is a Grade 4 prosecutor and is on the Specialist Panel for Prosecuting Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO). Additionally, Owen has experience of prosecuting and defending in a wide range of cases brought by local authorities and government departments.