Being ‘renowned for having exceptional advocates’ in children law, Deans Court Chambers and its members are sought after for representation across all levels of court nationally, as well as in the courts of the British Overseas Territories. The ‘phenomenal’ Michael Jones KC, who has appeared before the Court of Appeal in family law matters, is a highly experienced silk with expertise across cases with jurisdictional elements, radicalisation, and questions of wardship. Susan Grocott KC is also a reputable silk in this area. Patrick Gilmore is active across the entire gamut of public law children proceedings, representing local authorities, parents, children, and guardians. Rebecca Gregg has exclusively practiced in children law mattes for over 15 years; on the private side, she is active in cases with allegations of physical and sexual abuse, and on the public side, she has expertise in fatal injuries to children and serious cases of neglect. Molly Giles and Annie Sayers joined the set in June and October 2024 respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Louise McCarty is a brilliant clerk; always helpful and available. The clerks over all are very organised with great communication.'
- 'Matthew Gibbons, Louise McCarty and Andy Flannigan make a fantastic team going above and beyond.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Susan Grocott KC
'Susan is a force of nature; she is a highly experienced family silk whose written and oral advocacy is second-to-none. She can grapple with vast amounts of documentation and her legal analysis of the most complex cases is thoroughly impressive.'
Michael Jones KC
‘Michael is an outstanding barrister and his advocacy is a delight to observe. He is clever and quick witted and he makes his arguments and points with precision and clarity, he is particularly good at breaking down complex issues so that lay clients are able to grasp difficult points and understand what is being alleged, and he is also extremely kind and empathetic towards vulnerable clients and is generous with his time and advice with those instructing him.'
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.
Patrick Gilmore
‘Patrick is a truly excellent all rounder and he is a first choice for complex matters and matters that require careful handing for other reasons. He is very popular with social workers and commands respect from senior social care managers.'
Rebecca Gregg
‘Rebecca is a very organised barrister and is able to remain focused and prioritise important aspects of any given case. She has admirable memorisation skills and is able to adapt effectively and efficiently to any particular client or situation in court.'
Peter Rothery
'Peter is the most eloquent and persuasive advocate, and he brings to his cases both an impressive intellect and a fine grasp of the details. In addition, he is able always to communicate with those on whose behalf he is instructed - whether they be professional or lay persons - calmly, empathetically and clearly, no matter the complexity or painfulness of what is being discussed.'
Sasha Watkinson
‘Sasha is an effective communicator both orally and in her written work, including closing submissions and skeleton arguments. She commands strong legal and technical language which she is able to convey clearly and concisely in her advocacy.'
Molly Giles
'Molly is relentless in representing every client and her commitment always goes above and beyond and is quite frankly outstanding and inspiring. Her support to her leader is invaluable and brings novel insights and astounding levels of research to bear upon the client's case, and she is a passionate advocate who never loses sight of the court's focus.'
Annie Sayers
'Annie excels at reassuring clients and instilling confidence that she is firmly in their corner. Her advocacy is both persuasive and subtly tenacious.'
Hannah Whelan
'Hannah is very approachable and a pleasure to work with. She is able to assimilate a great deal of information and her cross-examination is incredibly skilfull.'
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.
Liam Kelly
‘Liam is a charming barrister inside and outside of the court room. He is highly skilled with a fantastic manner for the client, he keeps in touch and enjoys continuity of representation, and he is a great advocate and is dogmatic with his points without alienating the court.'