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England - London Bar

3

Family: divorce and financial remedy

1GC | Family Law

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With ‘a fantastic set of family law barristers’, 1GC | Family Law boasts expertise in representing ultra-high-net-worth individuals, as well as less resource-heavy cases. Penelope Clapham, whose ‘advocacy is laser sharp’, has significant experience in matrimonial finance matters surrounding businesses, trusts, and farms. ‘A master of complex financial matters’, Philip Perrins is well-equipped to handle cases with international elements, such as disputed divorce jurisdiction and marital status cases. Claire Heppenstall is lauded as ‘an invaluable asset in family law proceedings’, especially those concerning the financial provision for children in Schedule 1 cases. David Burles, ‘an exceptionally persuasive and strategic advocate’, has a strong grounding in TOLATA and inheritance-related matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Excellent. Paul Harris and his team provide exceptional service to their members, solicitors and lay clients. Paul in particular is a joy to work with and works extremely hard to accommodate the needs of solicitors and clients.'
'It is the best clerking operation in the business. Paul Harris is a dynamo of energy, David McDonald is Mr. Reliable, and the rest of the clerks team regularly solve the insolvable. A solicitor's dream.'
'Tommy Eyles is excellent. He will do whatever he can to help and is a great communicator. You feel you are in safe hands when you know your case is being looked after by Tommy and that he will get things done.'
'1GC's clerking team are very accommodating and work hard to take care of everyone's needs. Their child arbitration and pFDR set up is particularly well run - Harry Elvin and Tommy Eyles always make sure things are run smoothly.'
'Charlie Mills is a very friendly and approachable clerk, always happy to discuss diaries and costs to fit in with the case at hand.'
'They listen to you! Always helpful whatever the problem. Paul Harris, David McDonald and Sam Ditchman will go out of their way find a solution.'

Lawyers

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.

Penelope Clapham

'Penelope is a fabulous barrister and an absolute star in financial remedy cases. She is resolution focused and can make the most complex of problems easy to understand, and she is always exceptionally well prepared and her notes are meticulous in their presentation.'

'Philip is exceptionally knowledgeable, a master of complex financial matters, unflappable and measured, which clients find very reassuring. He is meticulous in his preparation, obviously reads all the papers and takes time to explain matters clearly to clients.'

'David is fantastic and has to be one of the go-to barristers for financial remedy in London. Financially astute and with an attention to the commercial reality of any situation, David is always able to find a way to resolve even the most complex of problems.'

Claire Heppenstall

Claire possesses a number of standout qualities that make her an invaluable asset in family law proceedings, particularly in financial remedy and children act matters. Her advocacy is consistently of the highest standard, measured, persuasive, and underpinned by a firm grasp of both the law and the facts, and she has a remarkable ability to distil complex financial issues into clear, compelling submissions that resonate with both judges and clients alike.'

Elizabeth Darlington

‘Elizabeth has a busy nationwide practice, representing clients in financial remedy cases both in court and across the range of forms of dispute resolution. She is a master at ensuring the most appropriate form of dispute resolution is used for the particular case to achieve the best possible outcome for the client, and she is a fearless advocate.’

Helen Jefferson

‘Helen is the most wonderful barrister; a go-to for all matters relating to matrimonial finance and private children work. She is tenacious, hard-working and always welcomes the instructing solicitor’s opinion in the case, and she has an incredible knowledge of case law.'

'Eleri is truly exceptional, incredibly bright and able to apply the law in a pragmatic and focussed fashion. She can see the wood from the trees and is able to construct a beautiful argument that is persuasive and coherent, and it is unusual to find counsel who are equally adept at child and money cases and one of her great strengths is her ability to construct a strategy that works for both elements in cases.'

‘Simon is an incredible advocate, his cross-examination is sharp and focussed, and he has an excellent combination of well prepared questions and a fast response to previous answers. Simon’s closing speeches are a work of art and fascinating to watch, and he is persuasive, eloquent, and keeps the judge fully engaged.’

Craig is fantastic, robust and strong, and has exactly the right manner in front of judges. He advocates for his clients but does not appear pushy or aggressive, he has all the information readily available and gets the right point across in the best way, while ensuring clients feel well represented and that their opinion is respected.'

Annabel Barrons

'Annabel is a firecracker of a barrister who operates years above her call. Her tactical advice is shrewd and calculating, she is able to communicate to clients in a straightforward and sensitive manner, and her advocacy is punchy, persuasive, and carefully tailored to fit the needs of her clients.'

Katherine Dunseath

'Katherine is a ruthless, strong and formidable advocate. She is able to analyse the numerical data at her fingertips and at a moment’s notice with exact and precise ability.'

Elizabeth Hartnett

‘Elizabeth has fantastic judicial instincts, no doubt from her work sitting as a DDJ. She will put clients at ease quickly, acknowledging their circumstances and giving them confidence in her approach, and she is well prepared for hearings and an excellent advocate.’

'Joseph is meticulous in his preparation, his written and oral advocacy is thorough, clear and exceptional, and he is quick on his feet and an extremely strong advocate. Excellent client care skills and excellent judgement, and always willing to go one step further and works really well as a team with his clients and instructing solicitors.'

Jack Rundall

'Duncan is extraordinary with his ability to think on his feet, provide advice to the client in a manner in which they understand and most importantly, his ability to think outside of the box so that all avenues are explored before providing advice in the client's best interest. His advocacy in court is second-to-none, his reasoning is sound, his delivery clear and tailored to the judge and needs of the case, and he approaches each matter with confidence yet maintains the sensitivity that the case requires.'

‘Oliver is a go-to barrister for financial remedy cases, as he has an ability to cut through cases and focus on the most pertinent points to try and achieve a swift and favourable outcome for clients. He is a skillful and persuasive advocate with an ability to control the courtroom, and nothing is ever too much for Oliver.’