Becket Chambers
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Becket Chambers, ‘offers a broad spectrum of highly skilled counsel’, and private and public law proceedings form areas of expertise for its practitioners, covering allegations of physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Cases cover care, placement, and adoption proceedings on the public law side, and parental orders, relocation applications, and disputes over schools on the private side. The set is home to Adrian Pidduck, who practices in both public and private children law and is praised as ‘a very thorough and reflective practitioner, who is both a formidable but courteous opponent’. Nicole Jennings predominantly focuses on private children law proceedings; she represents parents, guardians, and extended family members, and she is ‘a confident, calm advocate with broad-ranging knowledge and a personable manner’. Sophie Gray is another key member of the set as an ‘insightful advocate’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Paul Eaton and Arron Smith and the team are always helpful and their communication is great. Ashleigh Tutt has been a good addition to the clerking team.'
- 'The senior clerks Paul Eaton and Arron Smith are easy to reach, quick to respond and listen to the needs of the client and solicitor. The more junior staff are also helpful and quick. The service provided to solicitors is excellent.'
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.
Adrian Pidduck
‘Adrian is a very experienced barrister and his thoroughness is a wonderful strength, but his kindness and understanding of clients shines through everything else. Adrian is always willing to provide support and guidance and is happy to talk cases through.'
Christopher Wall
Daniel Hooker
‘Daniel brings a practical level of experience, having previously practiced as a solicitor for many years prior to coming to the Bar. This is extremely helpful as he also sees cases from a different view point which ensures they are dealt with smoothly and thoroughly, and he has great knowledge and expertise, his advocacy is robust and he is always well-prepared for cases.’
Sophie Gray
‘Sophie is a very calm and insightful advocate, who clearly thinks carefully about how to make every question she asks in cross-examination count. She has a very firm but also very sensitive approach with witnesses on complex issues, she uses technology well, incorporating audio recordings in her armoury to excellent effect, and her general preparation is of a high quality.'
Nicole Jennings
‘Nicole is very personable and easily insights confidence both from the instructing solicitor and clients. She is very accessible both before and after the hearing for any follow up queries.'
Melanie McIntosh
'Melanie's strengths are without doubt her written work and ability to explain complex issues to clients, combined with her exceptionally hard work ethic, where she continually works to obtain the best results for her clients.'
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.
Magdalena Cass
'Magdalena is always very well prepared, she is knowledgeable of her bundle and of her client's case, and she is particularly strong in giving forceful and helpful submissions whether at an interim stage or at a final hearing. She has a strong grasp of the issues to be addressed in submissions along with careful consideration of the arguments in favour of her submissions, and she is good at noticing the weaknesses in her case and addressing those issues with a positive spin to ensure her client's position is put faithfully.'