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
- Profile
Profile
Career
Called 2012. Grade 2 prosecutor.
Education
Rathmore Grammar School; University of Newcastle upon Tyne (LLB Hons); University of Northumbria (BPTC).
Content supplied by Dere Street Barristers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Christopher's preparation work is exceptional and thorough, and this continues throughout a case with no stone being left unturned in respect of both legal arguments and evidence. Chris is friendly and approachable to both legal services and the relevant client, a lot of time is taken in his practice to explore the views and position of clients to advise them accordingly, and in terms of advocacy, Chris adopts a calm, convincing and steady approach whilst quickly addressing the main issues within the case.'

