4PB garners praise for being ‘the best set for children law specialists’. The team is very highly regarded for its expertise in handling a wide spectrum of private, public, and international children law matters. The set is home to Barbara Mills KC, who was elected Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales 2025 in January 2025, and has extensive experience in handling complex cases involving allegations of serious injuries and parental alienation; she sits as joint head of chambers with Charles Hale KC, ‘a true star of the profession’. The ’formidable’ Jo Delahunty KC is ‘a force of nature’, with an excellent track record in handling complex cases involving the deaths of children, allegations of serious injuries and fabricated or induced illnesses, to name a few areas of instruction. Among the juniors, the ’robust’ Justine Johnson is regularly instructed in proceeding concerning applications to remove children from the jurisdiction, and the ‘pragmatic’ Sally Bradley acts on complex cases concerning adoption, relocation, and alleged physical, sexual and emotional abuse. In recent developments, Jacqueline Renton KC was elevated to silk in March 2025, and Bibi Badejo and Imogen Mellor joined the team in June 2025. Alex Verdan KC joined the employed Bar with partnership at Stewarts Law LLP, where he leads the firm’s child law team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The service in the clerk's room is first rate. Michael Reeves operates a tight ship.'
  • 'Michael Reeves is the most superb of clerks. He knows what his solicitors need and always works hard to ensure that the clients needs are met. Paul Hennessey is friendly, efficient and really excellent. Both are ably supported by Kenny Martin, Jamie Byrne, and Denise Fallon.'
  • 'Paul Hennessy is superb.'
  • 'The 4PB clerks go above and beyond to provide an excellent service.'
  • '4PB is a standout chambers in the field of family law.'
  • 'Outstanding children set, with a really fantastic cross-section of knowledgeable and top-class barristers.'

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.

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.