Dere Street Barristers

Charles was born in Sunderland. He began his legal career when he was admitted as a solicitor in January 1984. After a brief spell working for the newly formed CPS, he joined a well-known solicitor’s practice in the North East and was an equity partner for 16 years and a member of the children panel. Charles transferred to the Bar in 2002 and with over 27 years experience in all aspects of litigation and advocacy, he now specialises in family law and Court of Protection work. His clients include local authorities throughout the Northern region as well as parents, extended family members, interveners and guardians. Within the family law field, Charles specialises in care and adoption, including cases of very significant harm (emotional, physical and sexual), private law residence and contact disputes, divorce and ancillary relief. He also has a keen interest in cases involving the removal of children from the jurisdiction. Charles has experience of advocacy at all levels including the High Court and Court of Appeal. Charles has also provided lectures to solicitors on areas of child law and ancillary relief for CPD purposes.

Middle Temple.

North Eastern Circuit; Family Law Bar Association; Family Justice Council (Northumbria).

Liverpool John Moores University (BA (Hons) Law).