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England - London Bar

3

Family: children and domestic abuse

42BR Barristers

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At 42BR Barristers, Tina Cook KC is frequently sought after for her expertise in advising on care and adoption proceedings, and often acts for local authorities, parents and other parties in cases. The 'authoritative' Gemma Taylor KC has extensive experience in handling cases involving complex medical issues, while Damian Woodward-Carlton KC advises on cases involving allegations of fabricated or induced illness, radicalisation, and sexual abuse. Among the junior end of chambers, Jonathan Bennett has a solid track record in appearing before the Court of Appeal in complex care cases. Katie Phillips KC was appointed to silk in March 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'All of the clerks are extremely helpful and James Tidnam is top of that list.'
'Tim Dockrill is an incredibly talented clerk.'
'Brilliant. Tim Dockrill is amazing and is always available when assistance is required.'
'The service provided by the clerks room is unmatched. Tim Dockrill and Daragh Henderson will go out of their way to help.'
'Excellent set of very experienced barristers.'
'Outstanding chambers with a host of experienced and reliable counsel.'

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.

Tina is exceptional. She has the ear of the court and judges visibly relax when she is in the court room, knowing she will cover everything they need to be addressed.’

Gemma Taylor KC

‘Gemma is impressively calm in the heat and fire of a court room, and her cross-examination of particularly vulnerable witnesses sets her apart.’

Damian Woodward-Carlton KC

His handling of witnesses and clients is exceptional, and he is fair and balanced in his advocacy but when he needs to put a killer point in it is done with effectiveness.’

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.

Katie Phillips KC

‘Katie is an absolute star of the Bar. She has an incredible work ethic and really gets to grips with the issues promptly.’

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.

Jonathan Bennett

Sharan Bhachu

‘Rachel has the law at her fingertips and she is superb in court. Her cross-examination is powerful and she leaves no stone unturned for her clients.’

‘Zoe has a keen intellect. She is a fighter, even on cases that seem hopeless.’

‘Kate is always very well prepared, her judgement is excellent, and she is determined and robust in her approach. She relates exceptionally well to young clients.'

‘Samuel is always extremely well prepared with great attention to detail. He is not afraid to think outside the box for creative solutions to problems which may arise, and he is also very responsive to any question, no matter how big or small.’

Marcia Hyde

Richard is an impressive advocate.’

Philip McCormack

Eléonore Berthelsen

‘Eléonore’s grasp of the legal technicalities and nuances is outstanding. You can trust her to give candid advice delivered in an impeccably empathetic manner.’

Shelly Glaister-Young

‘Shelly is a strong advocate. She is always well prepared and is able to get to grips with a case and distill the key issues with ease and confidence.'

Celeste Irvine

Celeste Irvine

Amanda combines sharp legal analysis with compelling courtroom advocacy. She is persuasive, confident, and never afraid to stand firm when the situation calls for it.'

Amanda combines sharp legal analysis with compelling courtroom advocacy. She is persuasive, confident, and never afraid to stand firm when the situation calls for it.'

‘Kate is a really outstanding barrister. In court, she is a force to be reckoned with and she fights her client’s corner with skill and dedication.'

Charlotte Mackenzie

Charlotte is an impressive advocate with an instinctively forensic mind and approach. She has exceptional judgement and her capacity to marshall complex facts is second-to-none.'

Ann is an excellent advocate.'

‘Jo is forensic in her work. She is excellent on her feet and thinks outside of the box to find the right outcome.’

Sian is an outstanding advocate who combines legal precision with a compassionate, client focused approach.'

Sian is an outstanding advocate who combines legal precision with a compassionate, client focused approach.'

Philippa Thomas

‘Philippa is an impressive advocate who uses her enviable skills to manage clients carefully and sensitively. She soaks up all the pressure effortlessly.’

‘Vanessa is a formidable advocate who is meticulously prepared and easy to instruct.'

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.

Charmaine Clubb

‘Charmaine is very methodical and careful in her consideration of evidence. She has a very gentle manner in court, yet can be robust when needed.’

Charmaine Clubb

‘Charmaine is very methodical and careful in her consideration of evidence. She has a very gentle manner in court, yet can be robust when needed.’

Charlotte McDonald

'Charlotte is a very well prepared and tenacious advocate. She has a very down to earth and approachable manner with clients, which when dealing with vulnerable clients is valuable.'