Janet Bazley KC
‘Janet's judgement and experience are unparalleled, and she can navigate the most difficult and sensitive of cases with precision and empathy. She can inherently read a room.'
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.'
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.
Charles Geekie KC
‘Charles is an absolutely superb advocate, and his cross-examination is devastating. He is strategic, wise and has a lovely manner with clients.’
Andrew Bagchi KC
‘Andrew's advocacy is exceptional in dealing with complex and challenging cases and with vulnerable clients. He is able to work under sustained pressure and as part of a team.'
Andrew Norton KC
‘Andrew is a silk of exceptional skill and ability. He is the epitome of a steel fist in a velvet glove. He is utterly devastating in cross-examination.'
Laura Briggs KC
'Impeccably prepared, tactically astute and dogged in the pursuit of her clients' cases.'
Denise Gilling KC
‘Denise is an exceptional advocate with a commanding presence in court. Her strengths lie in her meticulous case preparation, incisive legal analysis, and her ability to navigate complex and novel points of law with clarity and confidence.’
Denise Gilling KC
‘Denise is an exceptional advocate with a commanding presence in court. Her strengths lie in her meticulous case preparation, incisive legal analysis, and her ability to navigate complex and novel points of law with clarity and confidence.’
Sam Momtaz KC
Louise MacLynn KC
‘Louise is a ruthless advocate who fights fiercely for her clients. A stellar lawyer.'
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.
Steven Ashworth
‘Steven’s quality as a tactician shines through in his approach to every case, and he also has a unique ability to gain the confidence of even the most difficult client.'
Lucy Sprinz
‘Lucy is exceptional at understanding the issues immediately and getting right into the detail. She is calm and reassuring in how she handles clients, giving them very clear advice in a way that they can absorb and understand, and in her advocacy, she is elegant and brilliant in how she cross-examines.’
Alison Moore
Alison is a powerful advocate who will fight for her client to the bitter end.’
Daisy Hughes
‘Daisy is a highly regarded barrister and an exceptionally skilled advocate. You absolutely want Daisy on your team, as she is brilliant with anxious clients and superb on subtle cases where skilled handling is essential.’
Matthew Fletcher
‘Matthew is an outstanding advocate: pragmatic, solution-focused, and consistently calm and measured.'
Catherine Jenkins
‘A barrister who shows real grit and tenacity when needed.’
Eleri Jones
‘Eleri’s preparation is completely brilliant. She is diligent and has an excellent legal mind.'
Karen Kabweru-Namulemu
‘Karen is a natural advocate and has the ear of the judge. She will be fierce when she needs to be, and she is brilliant at thinking outside of the box.’
Jessica Lee
‘Jessica is extremely competent, clear and has excellent communication skills. Clients love her.’
Olivia Magennis
‘Olivia's preparation is forensic, she is across every detail, and her natural instincts for family dynamics are second-to-none.’
Henry Lamb
‘Henry is an intellectually robust advocate, with a calm and measured presence in the court room.'
Pamela Warner
‘Pamela is a tremendous advocate. She is extremely personable and her manner puts even the most nervous clients at ease.’
Tom Wilson
‘Tom has a hugely impressive intellect, a calm, authoritative presence in court and his cross-examination is effective without being aggressive.'
Doushka Krish
‘Doushka is exceptional. She thoroughly prepares for each case and has a clear grasp of complex and knotty issues, she is extremely empathetic and compassionate in dealing with clients, and her advocacy is second-to-none.’
Fareha Choudhury
‘Fareha is an excellent barrister. Her cross-examination is forensic and to the point.'
Siobhan F Kelly
Siobhan is a phenomenal barrister. A master tactician and highly persuasive in court.'
Joseph Moore
‘Joseph is a class act. His advice is always spot on and delivered in a clear and concise way that clients really appreciate, and he is an excellent negotiator.’
Emily Verity
‘Emily is an incredibly capable barrister with a serene manner.'
Melissa Elsworth
‘Melissa is a junior who impresses on every case. She has a very calm and considered approach to highly contentious matters.’
Julia Gasparro
‘Julia is an exceptional practitioner.’
Oliver Woolley
‘Oliver is a stand out barrister. Calm and exceptionally bright, he brings clarity and composure to emotionally charged situations, and his pragmatic approach often leads to swift, sensible resolutions, but when needed, he’s a fearless advocate in court.’
Sophie Prolingheuer
Sophie is so thorough with her preparation that she ensures every avenue is covered as is needed. She has a can-do attitude that means she is very approachable.'
Helen Jefferson
‘Helen is a real all-rounder. She is practical, down-to-earth and solution-focussed, and she is popular with solicitors and clients alike, due to her impeccable bedside manner.’
Elizabeth Hartnett
‘Elizabeth always displays compassion and understanding towards clients. In court, she is professional, comprehensive, articulate, engaging and full of personality.’
Susan George
Susan demonstrates an excellent combination of thorough preparation, forensic analysis, skilled advocacy and first-class client care.'
Katherine Dunseath
‘Katherine is fearless, firm, quick on her feet and never leaves the client doubting that she absolutely has their back.'
Malcolm Chisholm
‘Malcolm is a brilliant advocate who is well respected by judges and practitioners.'
Annabel Barrons
‘Annabel is an absolute star. She has an astute awareness of the issues involved and a no-nonsense style when dealing with clients.’
Nasstassia Hylton
‘Nasstassia is a force of nature in the courtroom: fantastically prepared, poised, and able to control any argument. She is never caught unawares, and thinks five steps ahead of her opponents, and she couples this with sensitivity and wisdom in giving clients advice.’
Luke Eaton
Luke is solution-focussed, intelligent and kind. His attention to detail is second to none and he is always excellent on his feet.'
Marlene Cayoun
Marlene is cool and calm, but immensely powerful in cross-examination. She knows exactly when to time her key questions for witnesses to give them maximum impact. She has a phenomenal intellect.'
Lucy Maxwell
‘A junior with very good intuition.’
Sam Whittam
Liz Andrews
‘Liz is a compelling advocate who deals with incredibly complex children matters with ease. She is a complete star.'
Kiran Channa
'Kiran is able to cut through the noise and provide clear and robust advice in what is often a difficult situation. She quickly forms good relationships with clients who trust her advice and welcome her clear advocacy in court.'
Rachel Gillman
Rachel gives 110 per cent to her work always and leaves no stone unturned in her cross-examination.’
Anna Lavelle
‘Anna is an exceptional barrister who has a strong presence in the court room.'
Becky Littlewood
‘Becky stands out for her exceptional ability to work with vulnerable clients. She is able to communicate complex legal issues in a way that is accessible and non-intimidating, building trust quickly and ensuring her clients feel heard and supported throughout the proceedings.’
Rebecca Mitchell
‘Rebecca is a polished and confident advocate. She is patient with her clients and is not afraid to push back against a judge who needs it.’
Patrick Paisley
‘Patrick is an impressive all-round advocate who has exceptional judgement. He offers pin-point advocacy which is attractive to any tribunal before whom he appears.’
Tahmina Rahman
Tahmina demonstrates relentless determination in pursuing justice for her clients. She is undeterred by complex or challenging cases, and in the fast-paced environment of the courtroom, she is able to think on her feet with clarity and composure.'
Jack Rundall
‘Jack is able to get to grips with cases very quickly with excellent attention to detail. He gains the confidence of clients in often challenging and difficult circumstances.'
Gemma Kelly
‘Gemma has a cast iron grip on the law relating to child arrangements. She will identify the key elements and be able to deliver very effective and practical advice to the client.'
Edward Flood
‘Edward is a conscientious and articulate barrister, and his knowledge of the law is impressive.’
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.
Niamh Daly
‘Niamh can effectively address the judge’s concerns and opposing arguments, and is quick to adapt on her feet as cases develop.’
Costanza Bertoni
‘Costanza is very thorough and able, and she is able to synthesise an extensive amount of information really quickly and get to the core of the case. She thinks creatively about solutions and offers helpful and insightful advice, and she works well with vulnerable clients. She has a sensitive yet professional manner.’