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1 Crown Office Row Brighton

1 Crown Office Row Brighton

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England - Regional Bar • South Eastern Circuit

2

Family: children and domestic abuse

1 Crown Office Row is in a strong position to offer family and children arbitration, and the group is highly capable across private and public law work, including wardship and inherent jurisdiction matters, as well as fertility law and LGBT co-parenting matters. It is also praised as ‘go-to chambers for Children Act proceedings’. The set is home to Timothy Bergin, who represents children, local authorities, and parents, and his practice encompasses both pubic and private law proceedings, with ‘a wealth of expertise in relation to care work’. ‘Strong and robust advocate’ Eleanor Battie is notable for her proficiencies in public law cases where there is conflicting medical evidence, and on the private law side, she is well-equipped to handle mandates with international elements. Clare Ciborowska demonstrates expertise in non-accidental injuries and fabricated and induced illnesses in children cases, while the ‘compassionate’ Kirsten Japp is particularly adept in the private family law arena. Adam Smith has experience in advising on cases involving allegations of serious and fatal injuries to children. Sarah Taite joined the team in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Jamie Thornton is extremely helpful. He responds promptly to enquiries. The clerks as a whole are approachable and great to work with. Jamie has continuously been able to find counsel to represent clients at short notice.'
  • '1COR Brighton's clerks room is superb.  They look after their clients and provide an exceptional service. They go above and beyond to help. Stand out clerks are Gemma Welling, David Bingham and Ben Earle.'

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.

Sarah Taite
3
Sarah Taite
‘Sarah is a much valued member of the local legal community who deservedly enjoys a reputation of being a highly skilled advocate who has an impressive knowledge of all areas of childcare law.  She eloquently fights her client’s corner without presenting as adversarial, she is down-to-earth, personable and displays great empathy with clients who are experiencing the trauma of court proceedings.’
Clare Ciborowska
3
Clare Ciborowska
‘Clare is a rarity at the Bar in that she is invested in every case she has, no matter the complexity or funding and is always completely up to speed and thinking proactively about cases. Clare is accessible to those instructing at all times and is always willing to go above and beyond to talk over an issue in a case even when not briefed for an immediate hearing, and she is fantastic in court and with clients and is extremely supportive to clients with vulnerabilities or particular needs.’
Rachael Claridge
4
Rachael Claridge
‘Rachael’s approach with clients is simply outstanding. She works well with any type of client and has a very understanding and caring approach, and she is also very good at advising the client.’
Pauline Troy
5
Pauline Troy
 ‘Pauline is a highly seasoned barrister with vast experience of public law work. A former solicitor, Pauline’s approach to strategy is second-to-none and she really understands how to put a case together for her clients.’
Rebecca Davies
5
Rebecca Davies
‘Rebecca is an extremely approachable and well regarded junior who is able to hold her own against the best. Her advocacy is a real strength, as are her client skills.’
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.