1 King’s Bench Walk boasts ‘phenomenal depth and strength across the board for both money and children and is unique in that regard’. ‘A leading light of the financial remedy Bar,’ Philip Marshall KC is a key silk at the set who is sought after for his notable expertise in finance matters with an international element, and he is also active in the drafting of nuptial agreements. Lauded as ’the best cross-examiner at the family bar‘, Charles Howard KC represents ultra-high-net-worth and high-profile clients from the business, sport, and media industries. Joint head of chambers Christopher Pocock KC ’is one of the leading silks in matrimonial finance‘ and is highly experienced in proceedings surrounding corporate and business assets, trusts, and asset-holding structures. Among the set’s juniors, the ’supremely calm’ Jennifer Palmer is highly experienced in handling maters surrounding high-value assets, and Peter Newman ‘is the best junior for complicated financial matters’. Complex corporate and tax elements are a key feature of Richard Castle‘s practice; he is lauded as ’the best junior barrister doing financial remedy proceedings‘. ’Star of the family law world‘ Katherine Kelsey MCIArb is a key player in both the children and finance arenas. Mark Betts was appointed senior clerk in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Position
For many years Peter has been widely recognised as a leading practitioner in matrimonial finance and divorce.
Peter is particularly recognised for his advocacy. Legal 500 have described him as “at the top of his game”, “a superb advocate, quick on his feet”, a “fearless and talented advocate” with a “powerful advocacy style”, and who “instils enormous confidence”.
Peter is also recognised in the legal directories for his “phenomenal attention to detail”, his “calm and confident manner”, for being “humorous and pleasant to deal with”, and because he “rolls up his sleeves to sort out disputes”.
Peter is the Chair of the FLBA’s matrimonial finance sub-committee, which has responsibility for all divorce/financial remedies work within the FLBA. He was first elected to the FLBA National Committee in 2017, and was re-elected in 2020 and again in 2023.
Peter sits regularly as a judge for ‘Private FDRs’ and has gained a strong reputation in this field. He is ranked by Legal 500 as a leading provider of Private FDR evaluations, described as “always on top of the papers” and delivering a “thorough and well-reasoned indication”.
Peter’s cases often involve high net worth or high profile individuals, complex corporate or trust structures and disputes over jurisdiction, and he frequently appears unled against King’s Counsel.
Career
Called 2005; Inner Temple
Memberships
Member of the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple
Member of the Family Law Bar Association (‘FLBA’)
Elected to the National Executive Committee of the FLBA
Accredited Pupil Supervisor (Inner Temple)
Accredited Advocacy Trainer (Inner Temple)
Education
Liverpool University (English and Philosophy 2(1)); City University, London (Law, First Class Hons); ICSL (BVC ‘very competent').
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Chris Young is very responsive and always goes the extra mile.'
- 'Mark Betts is about as good as it gets. A superb appointment as senior clerk and he knows the family division better than anyone. All the clerks know their stuff inside out.'
- 'The clerks are very good and the elevation of Mark Betts to head clerk is very well deserved.'
- 'Mark Betts, just promoted to senior clerk, knows it all and is one of the most effective clerks out there.'
- 'Mark Betts is phenomenal. He is extremely kind and helpful, and implicitly understands what solicitors need from his chambers. Mark is always on hand to help out with urgent issues and you know you will be treated well when you are dealing with him and his team.'
- 'Mark Betts is an excellent senior clerk. Nicola Cade is always extremely helpful.'
- 'The clerks are all fantastic and there is no weak link whatsoever. Chris Young and Mercy Fisher are both incredibly helpful.'
- 'Nicola Cade is very impressive. All of the senior and junior clerks at this set are really good, approachable and helpful.'