St John’s Chambers

St John’s Chambers ‘is a highly sought after chambers in Bristol and the surrounding area’. Lucy Reed KC is well-equipped to handle both public and private law children proceedings regarding allegations of sexual abuse, injuries, and trafficking offences. Among the juniors, head of the children’s law team Abigail Bond is notable for her overlapping ‘wealth of experience' in children’s law and Court of Protection-related mandates. Caroline Elford represents local authorities, parents, Guardians, and the Official Solicitor in cases regarding shaken babies and children presenting with fractures, serious head injuries, and cases of incest. Head of the children law team Ryan Morgan is another reputable member of the set with extensive expertise in cases concerning injuries to children, fatalities, and sexual abuse; ’his preparation and drafting abilities are unmatched'. Christopher Sharp KC retired in March 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The clerks, particularly Elaine Jewell-Moore, are very accommodating to solicitor's needs. Even at short notice, the clerks will always try and secure cover and often that is in-person.'
'Elaine Jewell-Moore is a top notch clerk! Very personable and highly professional. Gets the job done!'

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.

Lucy Reed KC

‘Lucy has very strong advocacy and a lovely, easy manner which finds favour with the court. Brilliant client management and bedside manner, and she completely puts clients at ease in very difficult cases and the client trusts her judgement instantly.'

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.

Abigail Bond

‘Abigail has a wealth of experience and is able to get the the crux of the issue and provide clear and concise legal advice to clients. Her advocacy skills are empathetic when needed and she is able to put forward the clients position in a robust yet measured way.'

Judi Evans

Susan Hunter

Caroline Elford

is an accomplished advocate, who is well respected by her peers and the judiciary alike.’

Sophie Smith-Holland

is extremely thorough and diligent in her preparation, and her attention to detail is second-to-none. Her knowledge and experience is fantastic, and she is able to look at a case in creative ways to ensure that progress is made.’

Ryan Morgan

‘Ryan is a very confident and well respected advocate. His preparation and drafting abilities are unmatched, he is always approachable both to instructing solicitors and clients, and he is very calm and thorough and puts the most vulnerable and anxious clients at ease.'

Olivia Pike

‘Olivia has a practical, focused approach with an ability to identify the important issues and to filter out those matters that are not going to greatly assist the court in making a decision. Her paperwork is clear and concise and she communicates well with those instructing her to ensure that nothing is overlooked.'

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.