The members at the London and Oxford-based set Harcourt Chambers have expertise in both public and private children law work, and the set is praised as a ’go-to chambers for complex matters’. Among the silks, head of chambers Nick Goodwin KC is highly sought after for his experience in handling complex medical evidence relating to babies and children, and he has also frequently appeared before the Court of Appeal. Jonathan Sampson KC is praised as an ‘excellent advocate with meticulous attention to detail’, and he is notably proficient in representing clients in cases surrounding the death of a child, as well as cases with an international element. John Vater KC and Aidan Vine KC are also key silks at the set. Turning to the juniors, Margaret Styles ‘works tirelessly for clients’ and has a strong grounding in care proceedings, and Alex Forbes ,’who is extremely well prepared and focussed in his approach to cases‘, also has a notable public law practice. ’Exceptional all round‘, Lucy Fairclough is highly skilled in cases surrounding allegations of sexual abuse, injuries to children, and domestic violence, with experience in proceedings involving the cross-examination of a child. Oliver Powell has more of an emphasis in private children law proceedings in the Family Court and the High Court. Care and adoption proceedings form a key part of Natasha Miller’s practice, as well as cases involving deprivation of liberty; she is lauded for her ‘razor sharp cross examination skills’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks are amazing, particularly Jessica Keen and Laurie Amron, who have saved the day on more than one occasion.'
  • 'Laurie Amron and Jessica Keen are top class. You feel as though you get personal service from national chambers.'
  • 'The clerks are great. Matthew Malloy is always really responsive and personable.'
  • 'The clerks are fantastic and always go the extra mile. Matthew Malloy and Laurie Amron are excellent.'
  • 'The service offered by the chambers was brilliant. Very quick responses from Matthew Molloy.'
  • 'Harcourt covers the full range of family matters, from pupil to KC.  Very strong Juniors. Rarely have no availability.'

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.

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.