St John’s Buildings‘ family law members appear before all levels of court, including the Family Division of the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. The set is home to a number of silks, including Frances Heaton KC, who is well-equipped to handle complex public law children proceedings, especially those involving serious and fatal injuries, alleged familial involvement in organised crime, and allegations of fabricated illness. Lorraine Cavanagh KC has a particular interest in complex brain injury cases, and she represented the parents in a Court of Appeal case that established the correct legal test for a risk of harm requiring a proven factual foundation. Karl Rowley KC is skilled in cases that require complex medical evidence, including child death and purported poisoning. Shaun Spencer KC often appears before the High Court in cases arising from child deaths and sexual abuse allegations. Kate Burnell KC has expertise in the detention of children and deprivation of liberty. Among the juniors, Clare Grundy represents children, parents, and family members, as well as guardians and local authorities, and Eleanor Keehan has substantial experience in handling matters involving parents who may lack capacity.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are excellent. They are personable, helpful, and they bend over backwards to secure the KC or counsel you want. Dan Johnson is absolutely fantastic. He is extremely well organised.'
- 'Some excellent clerks who are accommodating, and these include Gail Curran and Dan Johnson.'
- 'The clerks are fantastic and will do everything they can to find a solution, often at very short notice. Mark Robinson is particularly approachable.'
- 'Dan Johnson is always approachable, friendly, and really keen to provide appropriate counsel. He really goes above and beyond.'
- 'Paul Laverty is in a league of his own and goes out of his way to provide a first-class service.'
- 'The clerks are brilliant. Paul Laverty in particular is fantastic.'
- 'I always receive prompt responses from Gail Whelan; nothing is too much trouble for her and she is always willing to assist.'
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.
2023 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.
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.
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.