St John’s Buildings

St John’s Buildings is a preeminent family law set with ‘excellent strength in depth’. Frances Heaton KC is praised as ‘tactically astute’ and is sought after by a multitude of clients in complicated public law children proceedings, including local authorities and intervenors, parents and grandparents, and children; her cases encompasses the murder of children and serious injuries, allegations of significant sexual abuse and exploitation, and contested adoption proceedings. Court of Protection specialist Joseph O’Brien KC boasts reputable expertise in complex fact finding hearings surrounding public law children cases involving medical evidence. Kate Burnell KC boasts ‘a great reputation in family justice’ and harnesses her extensive experience in both private and public children law to handle cases with international elements, as well as those concerning serious and fatal injuries. Lorraine Cavanagh KC predominantly handles public law cases and is especially skilled in proceedings surrounding brain and fatal injuries. Private family law expert Christian Durham Hall joined the set from 15 Winckley Square in October 2024. The set also saw the arrival of assistant senior family clerk Matt Rigby in September 2024. Rachael Banks has left the set.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Had great dealings with Sarah Philpotts and Sophie Dobson. Great communication and professional prompt responses. Clerks are extremely reliable in urgent situations.'
'Chambers are joy to work with. They are friendly, responsive and professional. Paul Laverty is both friendly and a consummate professional.'
'Sarah Philpotts and Mark Williams are both incredibly approachable and responsive.'
'The clerks are very knowledgeable. Gail Wheelan and Matthew Rigby are rated highly.'
'The clerks are extremely helpful and professional and are always available when needed. Matthew Rigby and Annette Boxall are extremely helpful.'
'The clerks are consistently available for any need and there is consistent correspondence to provide any service which is required. Clare Grundy has ensured she is available for all hearings on the matters she is instructed on.'

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.

Kate Burnell KC

‘Kate is a formidable advocate with a great reputation in family justice. She is thorough and forensic in her knowledge of the papers and effective on her feet, whether she is cross-examining a lay or expert witness or arguing a knotty point of law.’

Lorraine Cavanagh KC

Lorraine is an incredible barrister and is at the top of her game and an opponent to be reckoned with. Her legal and technical knowledge are unparalleled and she has a deserved reputation for outstanding paperwork and legal argument.'

Frances Heaton KC

‘Frances is approachable, caring, thorough, well prepared and a pleasure to work with.’

Joseph O'Brien KC

Karl Rowley KC

‘Karl is a pleasure to work with. He is a seasoned advocate, always thoroughly prepared and interesting to listen to.'

Shaun Spencer KC

Shaun is a formidable advocate and is extremely effective before the court. His court manner is well liked by the judiciary, his submissions are eloquent and he can present the most difficult set of facts in the most charming way, and in negotiation, he is realistic but absolutely stands his ground and protects the clients' interests effectively.'

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.

Pauline McHugh

‘Pauline is truly a formidable advocate and her meticulous approach to preparation is second-to-none. She provides robust advice with clear paths forward, and her composed and measured approach is always welcomed.'

Clare Grundy

‘Clare is professional, approachable, efficient, and provides bespoke advice on cases which is succinct and easy to understand for all involved. She has a keen eye for detail and goes over and above in all cases, and she has the skill to anticipate and case manage cases exceptionally well.'

Eleanor Keehan

‘Eleanor is extremely knowledgeable and her involvement can make the most complicated cases run much more smoothly and with ease, taking the stress out of the situation for the client department. She has an extremely professional manner which comes across to the court, client and parties, which gives credibility to what she is trying to convey.'

Ginny Whiteley

Michelle Burley

‘Michelle is a persuasive and intelligent advocate who has wonderful client care skills. She shows great compassion but also fights hard in her case, and she is a hard worker whose preparation and advice is top notch.'

Matthew Carey

‘Matthew is a very strong and persuasive advocate, both in terms of his oral and written advocacy. He is well respected by his peers and clients alike, and he possesses the rare ability to be both realistic with clients in terms of setting their expectations in relation to possible outcomes in proceedings, as well as instilling in them the confidence that he is robustly putting forwards their best case.

Christian Durham Hall

'Christian's communication on cases is excellent, and he is always available to assist with queries, offer advice, and arrange conferences to discuss developments on private law matters or public law cases. Christian builds up a great rapport with clients and is friendly, calm and approachable.'

Kerry Holt

‘Kerry is an exceptional advocate with a commanding presence in court. Her calm and composed demeanour, coupled with her sharp legal mind, makes her a formidable force in any case, and she has the innate ability to distill complex legal issues and present them with clarity and persuasion, earning the confidence of clients and the respect of the judiciary alike.’

Clodagh Maguire

‘Clodagh is excellent at advocating for the client. She is also happy to provide advice on a number of matters which arise in-between hearings.’

Natalie Powell

Callum Brook

‘Callum is an approachable, diligent, and extremely competent barrister. He is calm and authoritative in his approach and his advocacy, he is very knowledgeable and always ready to help, and he goes the extra mile.'

Archna Dawar

'Archna's preparation and attention to detail is second-to-none. Excellent client care, clients always feel at ease and listened to, and advocacy is clear, concise and powerful.'

Lucinda France-Hayhurst

Hannah Wood

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.

Helen Crowell

‘Helen is developing into an impressive barrister who is confident on her feet, competent in her practice and well regarded by colleagues, the judiciary and the clients she represents.'

Daniel Currie

‘Daniel has a good command of the papers and is able to advocate well for his client. He is more than able in advancing the client’s case and negotiating his client’s position outside of court.’

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