‘Top financial remedy set’ 1 Hare Court is well-renowned for its alternative dispute resolution services, and is notably home to Nigel Dyer KC, who exclusively acts as a PFDR judge. ‘The very measured and considered’ Geoffrey Kingscote KC predominately focuses on matrimonial financial remedy matters, and is particularly strong in cases surrounding nuptial agreements, offshore trusts, and issues of non-disclosure. Joint head of chambers Nichola Gray KC is lauded as an ‘excellent strategist and tactician’, and frequently sits as a PFDR judge; she boasts particular strength in cases surrounding trusts and hidden or offshore assets. Among the set’s juniors, Gavin Smith is a key name as an ‘excellent’ family financial arbitrator and PFDR evaluator, and Tom Carter also specialises in financial remedy cases, with a particular emphasis on complicated asset structures, offshore trusts, and allegations of non-disclosure; he is praised as ‘a fantastic PFDR judge’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Steve McCrone is exceptional, as is Daniel Barnett. Both are always very responsive and helpful.'
- 'Daniel Barnett is excellent.'
- 'A first-rate service from a first-rate clerk's room. All are helpful and informative.'
- 'Pre-eminent set with strengths across the board. Excellent pFDR evaluators and clever opponents.'
- '1 Hare Court is one of the leading financial remedy sets in the country. They have the strongest team of silks at the Bar and very good juniors at every level. They deserve their plaudits and the creation of a hearing room is a great development so that they can host private FDR hearings and arbitrations.'
- 'All the clerks are approachable and responsive.'
Lawyers
Leading Private FDR Judges and Arbitrators
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Tom Carter
Nichola Gray KC
‘Nichola is shrewd and an impressive choice as a KC, and she is rated highly as an FDR judge. She is good at coming up with an evaluation that enables both parties to settle, even if it is strongly in favour of one party rather than the other, because of the way she handles the delivery of her views.’
Gavin Smith
'Gavin is an immensely skilled, personable and capable arbitrator who makes clients feel that every aspect of their case has been carefully considered and weighed in the balance. Gavin has an excellent eye for the detail of a case whilst always keeping in mind the bigger picture and the need to achieve an outcome that is fair to both parties.'
Justin Warshaw KC
‘Justin is a skilled private FDR judge. He is very considered and detailed in his determinations, striving for bringing about settlement discussions between the parties, and he is sharp and has a charm that resonates with clients.’
Jude Allen
‘A go-to private FDR judge, Jude is extremely sensible, pragmatic and also very hard working. Her indications are always spot-on and the clients trust everything she says, and she has a skill of making complex topics seem straightforward.’
Phillip Blatchly
As a PFDR evaluator, Phillip is measured, fair and persuasive, helping cases to settle very swiftly due to his thorough and thoughtful indications.’
Katherine Cook
'Katherine is brilliant with a deep knowledge of the law and she combines her unassuming but effective advocacy with a humanity that makes her a pleasure to work with. She is sensitive to client needs and she is an outstanding private FDR judge.'
Eleanor Harris
‘Eleanor is an excellent Private FDR judge. She is focused and fair, and will consider the case in detail to provide a clear and measured indication, and she has an excellent manner.’
Rebecca Carew Pole KC
'Rebecca is one of the most able private FDR judges, as she brings a brilliant combination of intellectual ability, close attention to detail, and an empathetic and fair demeanour, which is so important for the clients who are asked to trust her judgement on the potential outcome of a case. She is not afraid to be robust when needed but does so always with a keen sense of the impact on clients of this kind of litigation.'
Rachel Spicer
‘Rachel is a brilliant PFDR judge and she offers indications that draw upon her immense experience and legal knowledge, but are always delivered with a humanity and respect for the parties which makes the process really positive and her settlement rate is high. Would highly recommend.’
Simon Webster KC
'As an FDR judge, Simon is shrewd, thoughtful and decisive. He explains his early neutral evaluation carefully and convincingly and clients feel that they have been listened to, and as a result are much more likely to accept his evaluation.'
Nicholas Yates KC
‘In the same way that he shows great technical knowledge, empathy, and judgement in his work as a barrister, Nicholas is a truly excellent private FDR judge. He always masters the papers and produces very helpful documents summarising his guidance with full supporting schedules to explain his advice, and he is very good at putting the clients at ease and making sure they get the best out of a difficult day.’