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’.
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Profile

Profile

Position

Lucy is an experienced advocate specialising in child law. Prior to specialising in family law, Lucy also practised at the criminal bar prosecuting and defending offences including serious sexual offences and domestic violence. This background has provided Lucy with invaluable experience, skills and knowledge that is particularly beneficial in cases involving and issues of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, domestic violence and in cases requiring cross examination of a child. In the court room Lucy is a robust and tenacious advocate; with her clients Lucy is able to give firm and clear advice whilst remaining compassionate and sympathetic.

Specialist areas
Adoption and Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Domestic Violence

Career

Call: 2005

Memberships

Family Law Bar Association Grays Inn Midland Circuit Women in Family Law

Education

Law School:
Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University (2005)

University:
University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (2003)

Content supplied by Harcourt Chambers

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.'
  • ' These are a go-to chambers for complex matters, they have the highest standards for their team from the very top to those just starting out.'
  • 'The clerks at Harcourt Chambers are consistently helpful, diligent, and proactive in their efforts to support both you and your clients. Their commitment to ensuring the highest standard of service is exceptional, and they consistently go above and beyond to assist with even the most urgent matters.'