4PB, ‘an immaculate set with strength in both numbers and depth of talent that is largely unrivalled in the family law community’, is home to joint head of chambers Charles Hale KC; he is well-equipped to handle both domestic and international matrimonial finance proceedings for high-net-worth families. Hale KC is also commended for being able to ‘genuinely perform strongly in both children and financial remedies work’. Judith Murray KC ’grapples with complex financial remedy work and slices through it‘, and her practice is all-encompassing, including the divorce of married couples, the separation of cohabitees, and financial support needed for children. Among the juniors of the set, Henry Clayton stands out for his work in high-value matrimonial cases and his ’attention to detail is absolutely unrivalled‘. Samantha Woodham is another key name as joint founder of The Divorce Surgery, an institution that allows couples to obtain legal advice on divorce proceedings; ’her written work is of the highest quality and her judgement is impeccable‘.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Private Children Law; Public Children Law; Finance; International Children Law; Non-court dispute resolution
Position
Overview
Joint Head of Chambers of 4PB, the leading Family Law barristers Chambers in the UK. Family law specialist advocate and Arbitrator, recognised as leading Silk in both, Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. Shortlisted as Silk of the Year, Legal 500, 2019, 2021 and 2022 and, Barrister of the Year CityWealth Magic Circle Awards 2025, the only family barrister to be nominated.
As a leading family KC with expertise in all aspects of financial, international and private law family cases, Charles is regularly instructed in international family disputes for ultra high net worth individuals and often provides expert advice in foreign divorce matters particularly concerning the UAE and Middle East. Charles has a reputation for dealing with the most complex cases involving financial disputes and trusts, also cases arising out of same sex/modern families disputes. As one of the few recognised leading family UK barristers in both matrimonial finance and children work, Charles is often instructed to represent high profile clients in all issues arising out of their separation. He is qualified to receive instructions directly from overseas lawyers and lead teams in multi-jurisdictional cases.
Charles has a significant ADR practice. As an Arbitrator, a private FDR judge and early neutral evaluator in both finance and children cases, Charles offers the full spectrum for out of court solutions to complex family disputes.
Charles is a member of the Family Law Bar Association and was a National Committee member from 2004-2014 and an elected member of the Bar Council for 10 years. He was appointed to the International Committee of the Bar of England and Wales (2022) and is the Vice Chair. Charles is one of two KC’s appointed by the President of the Family Division to the Transparency Implementation Group (TIG).
He has previously lectured at Kingston University and regularly lectures domestically including to Resolution and at the Judicial College (the training college of UK family judges). Internationally, Charles has lectured widely, including at the South African National Family Conference, in Dublin to the Irish Bar, and in the Cayman Islands, Jersey, Abu Dhabi, Malta and Chamonix. Charles writes thought leader articles in leading journals and publications and is often ask to provide comment to the media. He is a lead author of several chapters in Rayden and Jackson, Relationship Breakdown, Finance and Children (Butterworths LexisNexis).
A leading Silk in finance, children and international law, advice and advocacy in the most complex cases. In his down time he is a marathon runner.
Publications/Training
Lead author in Rayden and Jackson: Relationship Breakdown, Finance and Children. Regular lecturer domestically and internationally including at the Judicial College training English Judges. Regular contributor, thought leader and commentator on practice and policy in family justice.
Career
Awards
- Barrister of the Year – Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 – Runner-Up
Appointments
- Elected member of the Bar Council of England and Wales 2002 – 2012
Appointed to the President of the Family Division’s, Transparency Implementation Committee “2021 – “ - Appointed member and Vice Chair of the International Committee of the Bar Council “2022 – “
- Appointed Fellow of the IAFL
Memberships
Professional Memberships
Fellow of the International Association of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
Commonwealth Lawyer Association
Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
South Eastern Circuit
Middle Temple
Education
Education & Qualifications
- Arbitrator (MCIArb)
- LLB (Hons)
- Blackstone Scholar
- Middle Temple
Content supplied by 4PB
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks at 4PB are also consistently professional, approachable, and efficient, which greatly facilitates the smooth running of cases. Kenny Martin is always so professional, personable, efficient, and he always goes above and beyond to help ensure that advocates and solicitors are kept informed in a timely manner.'
- 'Michael Reeves leads the best clerking team in London.'
- 'The clerks at 4PB are excellent and always on hand to provide what is necessary in terms of support when instructing counsel. Glenn Bennett in particular has gone above and beyond. He is really easy to work with is always available to talk through any issues.'
- 'Excellent clerking team. Michael Reeves, Kenny Martin, and Paul Hennessy are the glue that binds the practice together.'
- 'Without doubt the best clerks room in London. Kenny Martin and Glenn Bennett are true heroes and charming with it. They consistently go the extra mile. Jamie Byrne and Paul Hennessy are also at the top of their game.'
- 'The clerks at 4PB are extremely helpful. Paul Hennessy goes above and beyond and if he is able to move things around to accommodate requests, he will do.'
- 'Paul Hennessy is a credit to 4PB; he is real pleasure to work with, he is quick to respond and always helpful.'
- 'The clerking team at 4PB are excellent and accommodating. Kenny Martin, Paul Hennessy and Glenn Bennett are all helpful and particularly accommodating when clients are more pushed financially.'