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
Mentions
Profile
Position
David is a specialist in matrimonial finance, including financial remedy applications, trusts of land and cohabitation disputes as well as also undertaking private law children disputes (domestic and international). David’s work is focused on cases of significant complexity and typically with high assets. Reported cases include ABC v PM & JM [2015] All ER (D) 122; N v N (Ancillary Relief) [2010] 2 FLR 1093; 4Eng Ltd v Harper & Ors (No 2) [2009] EWHC 2633 (Ch); Dixon v Marchant (CA) [2008] 1 FLR 655; Re H (Abduction) (CA) [2007] 1 FLR 242; Young v Lauretani (Ch) [2007] 2 FLR 1211; Re G (Secure Accommodation) (CA) [2000] 2 FLR 259; N v N (Jurisdiction: Pre-Nuptial Agreement) [1999] 2 FLR 745; Re VB (Minors: Child Abduction; Rights of Custody) [1999] 2 FLR 192; David is published frequently including: Applications under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989, Jordans [2001] – lead contributor; Halsbury’s Laws, Vol 5 (Children and Young Persons) [2007 – contributor to sections on Schedule 1 claims and child support; Butterworths Civil Court Precedents and Pleadings (children family breakdown) – contributor on civil partnerships. Articles include: ‘Business Ain’t What it Used to Be’; Family Law, [2012]; ’Schedule 1 cases – recent developments’ Family Law Week, April 2006; ‘The Footballer’s Divorce – A Game of Two Halves’ Sport and the Law Journal (2005); Vol 13, Issue 3; ’Burns v Burns – 20 Years On’ Family Law 2003, 834; ‘S 37 MCA 1973 and Freezing Shares’ Family Law 1999, 578; ’Conduct and Ancillary Relief’ Family Law 1997, 804;
Career
Called 1984, Middle Temple; Appointed Deputy District Judge – Central Family Court and South Eastern Circuit in 2007 with ‘ticket’ to hear private law children cases 2011.
Memberships
FLBA; Common Law Bar Association; Legal Advisory Group; Law Commission Cohabitation Law Project 2005-07 and Law Commission Enforcement of Judgments Project 2016;
Education
Gilbert Cunningham Prize, Middle Temple; Bristol University (1983 LLB Hons); Kings College London (1998 Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Law – distinction).
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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.'
- 'Sam Ditchman, David McDonald and Paul Harris are top class.'
- 'Clerks are approachable, efficient, and a pleasure to deal with. David McDonald deserves particular recognition for providing excellent service and going out of his way to help.'