The family law members housed at Dere Street Barristers conduct cases across all levels of the family court system, and it is lauded as ‘a brilliant set’ that ’stands out in the region for its team of barristers and clerks‘. Tim Donnelly is highlighted as ’outstanding in his field’ and he represents local authorities, family members, and children and their guardians before the Family Court and the High Court in cases surrounding allegations of inflicting fatal injuries to children, sexual abuse, and shaking-related injuries. Pauline Moulder is highly adept at handling public law cases involving conflicting medical evidence, and she is also experienced in cases involving jurisdictional issues. Elizabeth Callaghan is especially skilled in acting for vulnerable clients, and she has experience in case surrounding fatal injuries to children, the murder of a parent, and poisoning; she is praised as a ‘tenacious advocate’. Ravinder Randhawa is another key junior at the set with notable expertise in cases surrounding FGM, forced marriage protection orders, and parental alienation. Christopher McKee’s ‘preparation work is exceptional and thorough’, and he practices in public law, with experience in case concerning radicalisation and serious injuries to children.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are all very good to deal with. They are responsive to enquiries about availability. They assist with arranging advocates meetings which is most welcome. Liam Branch, Jack Gibson and Kevin Mordue and they are all excellent at what they do.'
- 'All of the clerks are very helpful. Neil Gibson provides excellent service.'
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.
Christopher McKee
n terms of advocacy, Chris adopts a calm, convincing and steady approach whilst quickly addressing the main issues within the case.'
Pauline Moulder
Pauline's knowledge is vast and she has a keen eye for detail. She is a fierce advocate, with an authoritative style, and she will go the extra mile in her preparation and instils great confidence.'
Elizabeth Callaghan
is always thoroughly prepared, is forensic in her cross-examination and has excellent client skills. Added to that she is a pleasure to work with on cases as she is helpful, communicative and supportive.'
Elizabeth Lugg
Elizabeth is a very experienced barrister who is great to work alongside.'
Ravinder Randhawa
Jennie Smith
Jennie is an incredibly safe pair of hands for even the most of complex of cases. She is diligent in her preparation of a case and is able to translate the information from the documents filed to the discussions with the client with ease, her advocacy skills are exceptional, balancing the need to put across the clients case with the need to act with a collaborative approach to further the common aim of establishing what is in the child's best interests, and she can readily identify what is required to progress a case whilst managing expectations.'
Ami Dodd
‘Ami is an excellent advocate with attention to detail and a lateral perspective. She has significant experience both at the family Bar, but also having been a CPS prosecutor, and so, has a both lateral and decisive approach to evidence, and is able to navigate for clients’ best interests those two areas of complex law, where the same issues can have significant impact on clients lives, both in respect of their children and liberty.’
Beatrice Dawson
‘Beatrice is a confident, strong and a persuasive advocate in the court room. She is very helpful and knowledgeable in complex care matters.’
Andrew Pike
Andrew is a very confident advocate who has great attention to detail. Andrew is able to review the full picture of the case and provide very clear advocacy.'
Georgina Hey
'Georgina is keen and diligent in her preparation, she easily gets clients on side, and she is great in cross-examination, putting the witness at ease and then putting the necessary difficult questions to them. She is not fazed and rises to the challenge well.'
Claire Middleton
Claire is an excellent advocate; calm and measured and a favourite of judges. She is known for undertaking serious and difficult cases.'
Victoria Hajba-Ward
'Victoria has the instinctive inquisitorial ability required of a barrister. She navigates conferences and contested hearings with the clear authority that both clients and colleagues alike respect and appreciate, and she is tenacious, honest and sympathetic in her conduct of cases for clients.'
Shona Upton
‘Shona is always meticulously prepared, she goes above and beyond to ensure she fully understands all aspects of the case and researches thoroughly, and she is a fearless advocate who can make clear and concise submissions on complex areas of law. Shona is able to assist clients in understanding difficult issues and is pragmatic and realistic with her advice, and she is also very proactive and provides regular updates to those who instruct her. ‘
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.
James Howard
'James a great advocate to work alongside, he is informative and friendly, and he provides clear advice and has good communication with instructing solicitors.'