Jonathan Sampson KC
e is able to build a rapport with clients and he is really persuasive which is an important talent to have.'
Harcourt Chambers is an ‘outstanding set with a strong team of extremely talented practitioners’ based in both London and Oxford who practice across the country, including in the South East. Head of chambers Nick Goodwin KC undertakes both public and private children law proceedings, and he has developed particular expertise in cases surrounding deprivation of liberty under the inherent jurisdiction. John Vater KC is another key silk at the set who is praised for his ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of his cases’, as is Aidan Vine KC, whose cases can often involve jurisdictional and international elements; he has garnered strength in child abduction and care-related cases. Turning to the juniors, the ‘exceptionally thorough’ Sara Granshaw exclusively practices in public law, and Edward Kirkwood is sought after by local authorities, parents, and guardians for his ‘pragmatic approach’ in handling care and adoption proceedings. Jason Green MCIArb has appeared before the High Court and is experienced across a range of complex matters, including cases with an international element. Matthew Stott is praised as an ’extremely powerful advocate‘ and his public law practice includes care proceedings surrounding infant fatalities, serious sexual abuse, and honour-based violence, while for his private law practice he predominately represents childrens' guardians.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerking team at Harcourt is organised, efficient and always on hand to assist at times of short notice. They are unfailingly responsive, providing prompt assistance and negotiating reasonable and affordable fees to ensure they provide the highest quality service to instructing solicitors. In particular, Matt Molloy and Laurie Amron are exceptional clerks who's professional and friendly approach establish them as a credit to the set.'
- 'The clerks at Harcourt are approachable and accommodating, consistently going above and beyond to fulfil requests. They respond quickly and provide excellent levels of service. They continue to offer competitive and flexible fees, and will provide honest and tailored recommendations as to suitable counsel. Matt Molloy and Laurie Amron are particularly strong clerks and are always on hand to assist us in any way they can.'
- 'The clerks are a credit to the team being both friendly and accommodating in all circumstances. They are unfailingly responsive, providing prompt assistance and negotiating reasonable and affordable fees to ensure they provide the highest quality service to instructing solicitors. Matt Molloy and Laurie Amron in particular could not do enough, and they stand out as exemplary clerks that excel within their field.'
- 'The clerks are really responsive and work hard to ensure consistency of representation on cases. Matt Malloy is really personable and always really helpful.'
- 'Laurie Amron and Matt Malloy are both highly likeable, efficient and very responsive. They are helpful in responding to enquiries over availability and appropriateness of counsel. Always willing to go over and above for clients.'
- 'Matt Malloy and Laurie Amron are great, they are professional in their approach and always willing to find a solution.'
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.
John Vater KC
‘John is very incisive and persuasive and he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his cases. He shows an extremely impressive command of the vast papers and cross-examination of the witnesses.'
Aidan Vine KC
Nick Goodwin KC
‘Nick is able to absorb a huge volume of really complex information and distil it into essential issues and present them in a way everyone can understand, with clear advice so you can make effective decision in cases.'
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.
Alex Forbes
Sara Granshaw
‘Sara has always been an enthusiastic advocate for her clients, whether they be the local authority, parent, grandparent or child. Her attention to detail is acute, she is fearless in her questioning whilst remaining courteous and empathetic, and she is a pleasure to work with, either on the same side or opposing sides.’
Jason Green
‘Jason offers the service of King's Counsel without the appointment. His advocacy is strong, persuasive and clever, client service is excellent and he always provide his documents with sufficient time to consider without the stress of being in the court room.’
Cecilia Barrett
ilk quality, and you want Cecilia on your side every time, as she is really exceptional in terms of advocacy and client care.'
Eleanor Howard
‘Eleanor has great judgement and she really holds her own against senior advocates. She is always well prepared and meticulous, she is great with clients, and very empathetic.'
Emma Gatland
‘Emma is an exceptional advocate you want her on your side, as she is strategic, robust, gives excellent advice in conference and is outstanding on her feet. She provides a brilliant partnership from the outset to the conclusion of the case, she is incredibly bright, she makes clients feel valued and heard, she is well prepared and cares about her clients.'
Edward Kirkwood
‘Edward is a go-to counsel. He is always helpful and approaches every case with immense professionalism, and he has a pragmatic approach, seeing solutions rather than challenges.’
Emily Rayner
advocacy is always assured and respectfully delivered whilst balancing the client’s wishes and ensuring that the clients feel like they have been heard.’
Alex Perry
‘Alex is very knowledgeable, with a very high standard of advocacy and particularly strong with drafting. He is robust in his advice to clients and he takes a sensible approach.'
Mavis Amonoo-Acquah
‘Mavis is very strong on surrogacy and modern family issues. She is very bright, thorough and has an advocacy style that appeals to judges and clients alike, and her submissions are clear and eloquent.’
Victoria Flowers
'Victoria brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her cases, demonstrating not only an extensive legal knowledge, but also a notably compassionate and assured approach. She is always thoroughly prepared, with a calm and reassuring manner that puts clients at ease while maintaining the resilience and rationalism necessary to navigate high-conflict and often abusive situations.'
Martha Gray
‘Martha's written material is very strong and frequently replicated by the judge in judgments. She is also very solid on her feet and doesn't feel intimidated when the case takes different and unexpected turns.'
Matthew Stott
‘Matthew is an extremely powerful advocate, he has extensive case law knowledge and puts his clients case in a strong and balanced way. Matthew has an impressive understanding of all the issues of his cases and leads them with exceptional expertise.'
Matthew Brookes-Baker
‘Matthew is an excellent advocate. He is a leader in the field of non-accidental injury, he is impressive on his feet and commands the respect of the court.'
Jane Campbell
‘Jane is always a safe pair of hands for a client as she is always thoroughly prepared and her notes and any paperwork carefully considered and drafted to achieve the best outcome. Jane is compassionate and empathetic with the clients yet gives clear and robust advice where necessary, and in court, Jane always has the ear of the judge, makes persuasive arguments, and her experience and common sense simply shines through.'
Sian Cox
is incredible, considered and has calming approach, even with the most complex cases and difficult situations which result in client’s superb care and representation. One of Sian’s key skills is to be able to explain difficult concepts and outcomes in a way which is easily understood by clients who are often bewildered by the whole experience.’
Oliver Powell
‘Oliver is an excellent advocate, well-prepared and knowledgeable, personable and collaborative.’
Daniel Sheridan
'Daniel is a kind and considerate barrister who is not afraid to show these qualities, even when faced with difficult clients, tribunals or professional colleagues. This is a trait which is often demonstrated in the court room setting, especially when he has been briefed by the local authority or the Guardian, and he always prepares his cases thoroughly, never failing to use key or important points to illustrate the client's position.'
Alison Williams
‘Alison is a very exceptional family law barrister; she is reliable in any children matter not only for her legal knowledge, but she also has an excellent manner with the clients, the court and her opponents. She takes a no-nonsense approach but equally is an efficient negotiator.’
Anna Yarde
‘Anna's strength is her ability to turn around the most difficult of cases and provide practical and constructive advice. She gets to grips with matters very quickly and clients are confident in her from the off due to her kind nature and incredible knowledge.'
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.
Fazeela Ishmael
‘Fazeela's individual strengths include her remarkable advocacy skills, she is highly articulate, persuasive, and able to present cases with clarity, even when dealing with particularly challenging or emotional situations, her approach to case preparation is meticulous, and her ability to think strategically and adapt to dynamic courtroom scenarios is particularly impressive.'
Natasha Miller
'Natasha is knowledgeable. She is always on hand to offer advice and support to instructing solicitors and clients before, during and after hearings. She is compassionate with the client and has the judge's ear. She is very calm, collected and a top-class advocate.'
Paige Campbell
‘Paige is kind, considerate and thoughtful when it comes to building a rapport with clients. She is a strong advocate, she is liked by clients and solicitors alike, and she is committed to providing a brilliant service.’
Adam Kayani
‘Adam’s qualities include his exceptional sensitivity and understanding when dealing with emotionally vulnerable clients. He has an excellent bedside manner, making clients feel genuinely heard, seen, and empowered, particularly crucial in emotionally charged family law cases, and he has an ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and calmly ensures clients feel supported and informed throughout stressful proceedings.'