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.
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Profile

Profile

Position

Tim is a highly experienced family barrister with over 30 years’ experience at the Bar. Specialising predominantly in all matters concerning children’s welfare, with emphasis on child protection, Tim is regularly seen at the family courts in and around Sussex and London representing parents and guardians in complex care cases.

In addition to public law, Tim has a strong reputation for representing parents in private law proceedings, in particular cases involving allegations of domestic abuse.

Career

Call: 1987, Middle Temple.

Memberships
  • FMA
  • Lawyer’s Who Mediate
Education

University of Westminster (1985 LLB Hons); University of Exeter (1986 MPhil (Exon)).

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Timothy has a wealth of expertise in relation to care work and he is extremely patient with the most trying and difficult clients. He never compromises his morals to tell the client what they want to hear, but instead is honest, straight forward and very good at calmly and empathetically delivering his valuable advice and opinion.'