Lauded as 'a consistently impressive set of talented barristers', 1 GC | Family Law has established expertise in handling the full range of public and private children law work. Andrew Norton KC is adept at advising on public and private child law matters, often representing local authorities, parents, and children in complex cases; he co-heads the set with Sally Stone KC, who is sought after for her strength in handling care and adoption proceedings, often involving allegations of serious injuries and the deaths of children. Sam Momtaz KC is instructed in cases concerning alleged radicalisation and fabricated or induced illnesses. Turning to the juniors, Claire Heppenstall 'combines clarity, persuasion, and authority in the courtroom', and Daisy Hughes' 'cross-examination is formidably effective'. In recent developments, Emily James KC and Richard Jones KC were both appointed to silk in March 2025, and Kiran Channa joined the team in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Paul Harris runs a tight ship.'
  • 'Paul Harris leads from the front, always super quick and willing to move mountains to make things happen.'
  • 'Paul Harris is a dynamo of energy, David McDonald is Mr. Reliable, and the rest of the clerks' team regularly solve the insolvable.'
  • 'The clerking team at 1GC is second to none—professional, friendly, responsive, and always solution-focused.'
  • 'An outstanding set.'
  • '1GC is renowned for its exceptional family law practice.'

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

2024 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.