At 42BR BarristersTina 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.
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Profile

Profile

Work Department

Family Team

Position

Damian is a family practitioner, appearing in the Family Court (High Court, County Court and Appellate Courts) in London and the South East. He regularly appears in complex cases involving a range of public law matters.

He has expertise in cases with medical, expert and scientific evidence; cases involving allegations of factitious and induced illness; the perpetration of non-accidental injuries; cases raising allegations of radicalisation to extremist thought and terrorism, and sexual abuse.

Career

Damian’s clients include those with learning disabilities, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and vulnerable witnesses along with a range of professional witnesses including local authorities and guardians.

He has written and lectured on radicalisation cases in the family courts and on the changing face of adoption policy and practice and participated in research into the ethics of social work practice in relation to adoption.

Education

  • BSc (Psychology) – University of Durham (1986)
  • University of Durham Scholarships (1984 and 1985)
  • The Gabbet Prize for Psychology (1984)
  • MA (by thesis) – University of Durham (1988)
  • Diploma in Law – City University (1994)

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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.'
  • 'An excellent family law chambers.'
  • 'An all-around strong set for public children matters.'
L500 | 42BR Barristers > Family: children and domestic abuse > London Bar | Legal 500 law firm profiles