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
Profile
Position
Also Oxford (0844 561 7135). John specialises in children’s law, both public and private. In the public law sphere he represents all parties at all levels and has particular expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence. In the private law sphere, John has a particular interest in cases involving implacable hostility, issues of identity, and removal from the jurisdiction. In addition, John has wide experience of the inherent ‘best interests’ jurisdiction, having appeared in such cases for parents, subjects and the Official Solicitor. John is an IFLA accredited Children Law arbitrator. John is also a member of St John's Buildings Chambers in Manchester and Liverpool and a member of 9 Park Place in Cardiff.
In the last year John has appeared in numerous cases in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court:
- Re N (Children) [2016] UKSC 16
- Re B (Child) (Relocation: Sweden) [2015] EWCA Civ 286
- JB v KS [2015] EWHC 180 (Fam)
- Re S and T [2015] EWHC 1753 (Fam)
- Re M [2015] EWHC 1433 (Fam)
Other important cases include: Re P (care orders: injunctive relief) [2000] 2 FLR 385; Hale v Tanner [2000] 2 FLR 879 (Court of Appeal); Re ET (serious injuries: standard of proof) [2003] 2 FLR 1205; A County Council v DP, RS BS [2005] 2 FLR 1031; and Re H (residence order: placement out of jurisdiction) [2006] 1 FLR 1140. John Vater QC is also at 9 Park Place Chambers (Chambers of Paul Hopkins QC).
Career
Called 1994, Gray’s Inn. Publications of note: co-author of ‘Contact: The New Deal’ (Jordans 2006); ’The Public Law Outline: The Court Companion’ (Jordans 2008); appointed QC 2012.
Memberships
FLBA; ALC; Legal Action Group, MCIArb (Children Law, Institute of Family Law Arbitrators).
Education
Birkenhead School; St Peter’s College, Oxford University (1993 Jurisprudence 2(1)).
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.'