Christopher Adams, who regularly acts for local authorities, parents, and children in cases surrounding serious injuries to children, and Christopher Watson, who is experienced in international adoption and inherent jurisdiction cases, jointly head up the children law group at St Philips Chambers, within which sits specialist family practitioner Sara Lewis KC, who is often in the High Court due to her ‘fantastic knowledge of the medical issues’, representing clients in cases of the upmost seriousness surrounding complex medical evidence and allegations of causing catastrophic and fatal injuries to children, as well as sexual abuse and fabricated and induced illness cases. The set is praised for having ‘top-class barristers’, and head of the family team as a whole is Carolyn Jones, a ‘formidable advocate’ who handles both public and private law matters. The ‘sagacious and highly experienced’ Gemma Bowes has considerable strength in proceedings surrounding forced marriages, fabricated illness, and extremism. Nicholas Brown boasts expertise in care proceedings, with particular expertise in cases regarding FGM; he has an ‘eye for detail and is extremely knowledgeable about the law and procedure’. Yolanda Pemberton exclusively acts in public law matters and is highly equipped to act in cases surrounding historic sexual abuse, neglect, and radicalisation. William Horwood predominately acts in public law proceedings and is sought after for his expertise in handling cases regarding the placement of children outside of the UK.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Family
Position
William undertook pupillage in chambers in 2016/17, and joined chambers on completion of pupillage in 2017. His practice encompasses the following areas of law:
- Family Law (public law care cases, acting for Guardians appointed in private law children cases, ancillary relief and trusts of land cases)
- Abuse and neglect (claims against public authorities and private institutions in relation to abuse or neglect suffered whilst in the care of those authorities/institutions)
William undertakes a significant amount of work on a pro bono basis, and was recognised for his contribution in helping to secure access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation and are not eligible for public funding by being awarded the Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Award in March 2023.
Career
Called to the Bar in 2016.
Languages
Russian
Memberships
The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
Family Law Bar Association
West Midlands Family Law Bar Association
Education
BA (Hons) Russian Studies – First Class (University of Birmingham)
MA Russian and East European Literature and Culture (University College London)
Graduate Diploma in Law – Commendation (BPP Law School)
Bar Professional Training Course – Very Competent (University of Law)
Lord Justice Holker Scholar 2014 – Gray’s Inn
CPE Scholar 2012 – Gray’s Inn
Content supplied by St Philips Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very receptive chambers with clerks that are responsive and helpful. Anthony Burgess and Sarah Doyle particularly amenable and friendly and do their best to accommodate any requests.'
- 'St Philips is the go-to chambers in Birmingham with top-class barristers, but having top class barristers do not make the chambers alone - it is also having top class clerks in Kelly Fullwood and Mark Mansell. The clerking at St Philips is brilliant and very supportive and will go that extra mile to support you and the case.'
- 'The clerks are very helpful and accommodating, especially Kelly Fullwood, who is always friendly and happy to help.'
- 'Mark Mansell, Anthony Burgess, and Kelly Fullwood are all very capable clerks. Their response times are fast and they work hard to ensure continuity of counsel wherever possible.'
- 'All the clerks are helpful, particularly Mark Mansell and Kelly Fullwood, who are excellent. Experienced and know the individual strengths of their barristers.'
- 'Mark Mansell, along with his clerking team, have an excellent reputation in the local area providing a quality service which makes this chambers the first port of call when looking to instruct counsel. Mr Mansell has always strived to assist in difficult situations and, at times, at very short notice.'
- 'St Philips' clerks are at the top of their game! The most efficient, seamless and no-hassle service offered at every turn. Mark Mansell, Kelly Fullwood, Anthony Burgess, Sarah Doyle and Ellie Hogan-Evans are professional, passionate, friendly and incredibly committed. The solicitors of Birmingham would be lost without them!'
- 'The clerks are fantastic and will try and move heaven and earth if needs be to help me. Kelly Fullwood is quite simply a magician.'