1GC | Family Law is ‘a complete family set with its expertise spanning the family justice system’. It is a ‘go-to set for children’s work and has amazing strength-in-depth’. At the senior level, Janet Bazley KC is described as an ‘exceptionally smart, strategic and forceful’ barrister, while Charles Geekie KC regularly acts in complex wardship proceedings. A ‘fierce and tactical advocate’, Claire Heppenstall is ‘the whole package’ and always ‘extremely well-prepared and good on her feet and is a highly effective advocate’. Sharon Segal KC garners praise for being ‘very thorough in her preparation and hands-on approach’ and recently, in QQ v XX & Ors, represented parents before the High Court in complex children’s law proceedings involving finding the applicability of the Vienna Convention on consular relations. Louise MacLynn KC was appointed silk in 2023.
Family: children and domestic abuse in
London Bar
1GC | Family Law
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‘The clerking team at 1GC is excellent, in particular Paul Harris. He always goes above and beyond.’
‘Clerks room excellent, accommodating and going out of their way. Particularly, Francisca Pavley is very efficient.’
‘1GC has a strong set of counsel who will always go the extra mile.’
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4PB
4PB is ‘a great set of public and private children law barristers’. The set’s members have expertise in all areas of private children’s law, public law proceedings and the international aspects of children’s law. Jo Delahunty KC, who is known for her ‘empathetic, authoritative and persuasive advocacy’. With ‘a firm grasp on the complexities’ and ‘exceptionally good on his feet’, Charles Hale KC handles the most complex and serious child abduction and relocation cases. Turning to the set’s juniors, Jacqueline Renton is regarded as ‘articulate and persuasive in court’ and is experienced at handling both domestic and international children’s law cases. Simon Rowbotham joined the team in October 2023.
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‘Josh Patel is extremely helpful and capable of finding answers for clients.’
‘Michael Reeves runs a tight ship, and under his leadership, his clerk’s team provides an excellent and efficient service. Each team member is also extremely personable. Paul Hennessey, Kenny Martin, Jamie Byrne, and Glenn Bennett deserve to be singled out amongst the best clerks.’
‘4PB are an excellent set. The range of experience and skill it has at the Bar make it a go-to for children’s law work.’
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7BR
7BR’s child law practice offers legal advice across all areas of public and private children law proceedings. Barbara Connolly KC frequently handles cases involving international issues, such as relocation, child abduction, and trafficking. Other key members of the team include Rachel Langdale KC, who has an ‘extra-ordinary work capacity and drive, and a level of attention to detail’ and Anita Guha KC, who successfully represented a mother in the Court of Appeal, appealing against a return order issued by a High Court judge in Re S (A Child).
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‘The clerks are very friendly and helpful. In particular Harry Smith and Tiffany Daniels are always available to answer any query and immediately respond to emails and calls.’
‘The clerks are efficient and caring. Harry Smith works well with solicitors and is a good communicator across the board.’
‘7BR is a great chamber with a strong family department. It has a number of exceptional barristers across all areas of family law.’
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1 King's Bench Walk
1 King’s Bench Walk is a set with ‘experienced KCs and excellent junior barristers who specialise in all areas of family work’. Deborah Eaton KC is a ‘highly intelligent and pragmatic advocate’ who regularly represents high-profile clients in complex cases. Richard Harrison KC is known for his ‘measured and insightful advice’ and successfully represented a father seeking an order for the return of his child to Ukraine in Re R (A Child). ‘Fierce and determined advocate’ Caroline Lister specialises in cases related to parental responsibility and surrogacy, while rising star Victoria Halsall has extensive experience of representing vulnerable clients and is described as someone who ‘goes above and beyond and is always thoroughly prepared’.
Referenzen
‘1 King’s Bench Walk is a strong and excellent set for children’s work. It is well respected, particularly with complex children’s work. It is good at accommodating continuity of counsel where possible.’
‘1 King’s Bench Walk has a strong cohort of knowledgeable barristers in the field of Children’s/Family Law.’
‘1KBW has good strength and depth of coverage with a broad reach of finance, and children work with experts in both fields.’
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Coram Chambers
Coram Chambers continues to handle family and child law matters across all levels of the court system. Mark Twomey KC represented the local authority in the case Re S (A Child) and Re W (A Child) in the Court of Appeal, a case concerning the interaction between care orders and voluntary accommodation of children in need. Other key members of the team include Martha Cover, who regularly represents clients in serious injury and death cases, and Victoria Roberts, who handles domestic abuse cases and matters in which parental alienation is alleged. The junior end of chambers was bolstered by the arrival of Kyle Squire in January 2024.
Referenzen
‘Hudson Brewer and Harry Butcher will do anything and everything they can to help. They are always available and know what it is you need. You can tell that they have good relationships with their barristers and are honest and upfront.’
‘Joe Bernard and George Mo are both exceptional. The whole clerking team is helpful and attentive and will work to find the right counsel for a particular case.’
‘Overall, Coram offers a good level of service and responds promptly to enquiries and with updates if there is a unavoidable change of circumstances. I have found George Mo and David Sadler in particular to provide good support.’
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42BR Barristers
42BR Barristers is ‘a fantastic set with several experienced counsel, who cover a wide range of family work’. ‘Robust advocate’ Tina Cook KC handles children matters related to both public and private law with specific expertise in challenging sexual abuse cases. Damian Woodward-Carlton KC is known for providing ‘pragmatic and result-focused advice’ and represented Hertfordshire CC in H-W (Children), a case dealing with the proper approach of courts for removal of children from families. Katie Phillips garners praise for her ‘excellent writing’ and specialises in cases involving serious physical abuse of children. Ann Osborne joined the team in September 2023 - a ‘very impressive advocate’, her practice focuses on representing parents and local authorities.
Referenzen
‘The clerks always go above and beyond to make counsel available as needed wherever possible and will endeavour to provide continuity. The clerks are approachable and accessible, good-humoured and helpful. James Tidnam and Luke Goodman, in particular, are always willing to assist, no matter the urgency or time of day.’
‘The clerks at 42 Bedford Row are superb. James Tidnam is the very best. He is very responsive, diligent and organised. He and the team are very approachable. Luke Goodman is also excellent, as is Daragh Henderson.’
’42 Bedford Row is a fantastic set. The barristers are knowledgeable, strong advocates and readily available to assist as required.’
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Garden Court Chambers
Garden Court Chambers is a ‘great set with varied levels of counsel’ who advise on all aspects of public and private children law. Amanda Weston KC is known for her work in cases related to child trafficking and sexual abuse, while ‘extremely knowledgeable barrister’ Amanda Meusz has extensive experience of representing vulnerable parents and children in public law proceedings.
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‘Garden Court Chambers has a great range of very experienced and capable barristers.’
‘Garden Court Chambers is a very good set of chambers.’
‘Garden Court Chambers gas an excellent standard of counsel throughout.’
Harcourt Chambers
Harcourt Chambers is a ‘very reliable set with a wide range of excellent counsel’. The head of chambers is ‘hard-working and great tactician’ Nick Goodwin KC, who has been handling a lot of cases involving the death of or serious injury to children of late. Other silks include Edward Devereux KC, who successfully represented a father seeking his children’s return to Dubai in the case Re A and B (Children), and Damian Garrido KC, who is ‘personable, approachable and hugely articulate’ and regularly represents clients in difficult domestic and international children cases. Mehvish Chaudhry is a ‘dedicated and thorough advocate’ who handles a range of international child law.
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‘Matthew Molloy is a great clerk.’
‘Harcourt Chambers is excellent and has a wide range of experienced counsel across all areas of the family.’
‘Harcourt Chambers is an excellent set, has good strength in depth concerning children’s work and is very user-friendly.’
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The 36 Group
The 36 Group is a ‘very strong and well-regarded set’ that offers advice on all areas of family law. ‘Extremely persuasive barrister’ William Tyler KC co-heads the team and has extensive experience of handling international and cross-jurisdictional cases. Lucy Reed KC was appointed silk in 2023. Rising star Madeleine Whelan is praised for her ‘meticulous preparation and professional manner’ and handles private children law cases related to parental alienation, drug use, domestic abuse and complex needs.
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‘The clerks are great. Head Clerk Danny Chapman is open and honest and never lets you down. Ashley London and Adam Cope are also great to deal with.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Particularly Ashley London and Danny Chapman. They are approachable and always go the extra mile to help.’
‘The 36 Group offers great counsel.’
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29 Bedford Row Chambers
29 Bedford Row Chambers is a ‘solid and experienced set able to advise on a wide range of family law disciplines’. Paul Storey KC is a ‘very robust advocate’ well-known for his expertise in cases involving child death and the most serious physical abuse, while Indira Ramsahoye is a ‘first-rate performer’ who focuses on private children law, in particular cases with an international element. Dafydd Griffiths is an ‘intelligent, intuitive and thorough advocate’ who specialises in relocation and cases in which parental alienation allegations appear.
Referenzen
’29 Bedford Row Chambers has great depth, availability and professionalism.’
’29 Bedford Row Chambers has breath and strength in numbers at both the senior and junior levels.’
’29 Bedford Row Chambers is a very strong set, approachable and accommodating and cover all areas of family law.’
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Deka Chambers
Deka Chambers is a ‘highly skilled chambers’, with members particularly well known for public law children work. Tim Parker KC is an ‘extremely knowledgeable and professional advocate’ who undertakes a wide range of child law work for both private individuals and local authorities. Oliver Millington is admired for his ‘clear, concise and extremely effective oral advocacy’ and has particular expertise in complex public law children cases. ‘Top-quality barrister’ Tara Vindis is another key contact.
Referenzen
‘Jaime Brooks is simply the best clerk. He makes Deka chambers work well. He is organized, easy to work with, flexible and will always do his best to find me a suitable counsel for the case.’
‘Both Louis Candy and Jaime Brooks are thoughtful, caring and considerate clerks who will go out of their way to cover matters.’
‘Deka Chambers has a strong team with very able barristers undertaking public law care work.’
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4 Brick Court
4 Brick Court is ‘a well-respected chambers with many excellent barristers’, with members active in some of the most complex and challenging public law children cases. Jacqui Gilliatt has extensive experience in handling cases that involve complex medical evidence, serious injuries, and sexual abuse and is known as ‘a reliable counsel who is robust in her advocacy’.
Referenzen
‘The clerks at 4 Brick Court are a fantastic asset to the set.’
‘The clerks respond quickly. Richard Gilham and Ayiana Lesforis have secured counsel for me on various occasions on short notice. ‘
‘4 Brick Court goes above and beyond to help. It ensures counsel is right for the case in terms of complexity and expertise.’
New Court Chambers
New Court Chambers home to ‘many excellent advocates’ and ‘the go-to set for public and private children law cases’. Joint head of chambers Giles Bain regularly appears before all levels of the Family Court. Andrew Shaw is an ‘extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and skilled advocate’ who handles cases involving allegations of the most serious sexual and physical violence against children. Samuel Prout is also recommended.
Referenzen
‘Adam Grant, James Stammers, Karl Sadoune and Paul Bloomfield are brilliant. The clerks are excellent, friendly, kind, helpful, and conscientious and offer the highest professional standards. They have excellent administration practices in checking matters are still effective, ensuring their diaries are up to date. They go above and beyond to help.’
‘Karl Sadoune is diligent, proactive, and helpful.’
‘New Court Chambers is outstanding in their areas of expertise.’
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Field Court Chambers
Field Court Chambers handles public and private children law matters for a wide range of clients, including local authorities, parents, children’s guardians and intervenors. Key members of the team includ Barry McAlinden, whose workload of private law cases include ones involving issues such as parental alienation and allegations of rape.
Fourteen
Fourteen is a ‘boutique set of chambers with some great practitioners’ advising exclusively on family law. Christopher Miller is experienced in handling child injury and international location cases and is admired for his ‘meticulous preparation and keen attention to detail’. Joan Connell has ‘very good knowledge of the law’ and is ‘excellent in tricky cases’.
Referenzen
‘The clerks are efficient and attentive. Joe Lamb and Ben Brotherton are excellent clerks who go out of their way to accommodate.’
‘Joe Lamb and Dan Lee are exceptional.’
‘Fourteen Chambers is an excellent set. The team has a broad range of experience and expertise.’
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1GC | Family Law
Referenzen
‘The clerking team at 1GC is excellent, in particular Paul Harris. He always goes above and beyond.’
‘Clerks room excellent, accommodating and going out of their way. Particularly, Francisca Pavley is very efficient.’
‘1GC has a strong set of counsel who will always go the extra mile.’
Highlight-Mandate
4PB
4PB is ‘a great set of public and private children law barristers’. The set’s members have expertise in all areas of private children’s law, public law proceedings and the international aspects of children’s law. Jo Delahunty KC, who is known for her ‘empathetic, authoritative and persuasive advocacy’. With ‘a firm grasp on the complexities’ and ‘exceptionally good on his feet’, Charles Hale KC handles the most complex and serious child abduction and relocation cases. Turning to the set’s juniors, Jacqueline Renton is regarded as ‘articulate and persuasive in court’ and is experienced at handling both domestic and international children’s law cases. Simon Rowbotham joined the team in October 2023.
Referenzen
‘Josh Patel is extremely helpful and capable of finding answers for clients.’
‘Michael Reeves runs a tight ship, and under his leadership, his clerk’s team provides an excellent and efficient service. Each team member is also extremely personable. Paul Hennessey, Kenny Martin, Jamie Byrne, and Glenn Bennett deserve to be singled out amongst the best clerks.’
‘4PB are an excellent set. The range of experience and skill it has at the Bar make it a go-to for children’s law work.’
Highlight-Mandate
7BR
7BR’s child law practice offers legal advice across all areas of public and private children law proceedings. Barbara Connolly KC frequently handles cases involving international issues, such as relocation, child abduction, and trafficking. Other key members of the team include Rachel Langdale KC, who has an ‘extra-ordinary work capacity and drive, and a level of attention to detail’ and Anita Guha KC, who successfully represented a mother in the Court of Appeal, appealing against a return order issued by a High Court judge in Re S (A Child).
Referenzen
‘The clerks are very friendly and helpful. In particular Harry Smith and Tiffany Daniels are always available to answer any query and immediately respond to emails and calls.’
‘The clerks are efficient and caring. Harry Smith works well with solicitors and is a good communicator across the board.’
‘7BR is a great chamber with a strong family department. It has a number of exceptional barristers across all areas of family law.’
Highlight-Mandate
1 King's Bench Walk
1 King’s Bench Walk is a set with ‘experienced KCs and excellent junior barristers who specialise in all areas of family work’. Deborah Eaton KC is a ‘highly intelligent and pragmatic advocate’ who regularly represents high-profile clients in complex cases. Richard Harrison KC is known for his ‘measured and insightful advice’ and successfully represented a father seeking an order for the return of his child to Ukraine in Re R (A Child). ‘Fierce and determined advocate’ Caroline Lister specialises in cases related to parental responsibility and surrogacy, while rising star Victoria Halsall has extensive experience of representing vulnerable clients and is described as someone who ‘goes above and beyond and is always thoroughly prepared’.
Referenzen
‘1 King’s Bench Walk is a strong and excellent set for children’s work. It is well respected, particularly with complex children’s work. It is good at accommodating continuity of counsel where possible.’
‘1 King’s Bench Walk has a strong cohort of knowledgeable barristers in the field of Children’s/Family Law.’
‘1KBW has good strength and depth of coverage with a broad reach of finance, and children work with experts in both fields.’
Highlight-Mandate
Coram Chambers
Coram Chambers continues to handle family and child law matters across all levels of the court system. Mark Twomey KC represented the local authority in the case Re S (A Child) and Re W (A Child) in the Court of Appeal, a case concerning the interaction between care orders and voluntary accommodation of children in need. Other key members of the team include Martha Cover, who regularly represents clients in serious injury and death cases, and Victoria Roberts, who handles domestic abuse cases and matters in which parental alienation is alleged. The junior end of chambers was bolstered by the arrival of Kyle Squire in January 2024.
Referenzen
‘Hudson Brewer and Harry Butcher will do anything and everything they can to help. They are always available and know what it is you need. You can tell that they have good relationships with their barristers and are honest and upfront.’
‘Joe Bernard and George Mo are both exceptional. The whole clerking team is helpful and attentive and will work to find the right counsel for a particular case.’
‘Overall, Coram offers a good level of service and responds promptly to enquiries and with updates if there is a unavoidable change of circumstances. I have found George Mo and David Sadler in particular to provide good support.’
Highlight-Mandate
42BR Barristers
42BR Barristers is ‘a fantastic set with several experienced counsel, who cover a wide range of family work’. ‘Robust advocate’ Tina Cook KC handles children matters related to both public and private law with specific expertise in challenging sexual abuse cases. Damian Woodward-Carlton KC is known for providing ‘pragmatic and result-focused advice’ and represented Hertfordshire CC in H-W (Children), a case dealing with the proper approach of courts for removal of children from families. Katie Phillips garners praise for her ‘excellent writing’ and specialises in cases involving serious physical abuse of children. Ann Osborne joined the team in September 2023 - a ‘very impressive advocate’, her practice focuses on representing parents and local authorities.
Referenzen
‘The clerks always go above and beyond to make counsel available as needed wherever possible and will endeavour to provide continuity. The clerks are approachable and accessible, good-humoured and helpful. James Tidnam and Luke Goodman, in particular, are always willing to assist, no matter the urgency or time of day.’
‘The clerks at 42 Bedford Row are superb. James Tidnam is the very best. He is very responsive, diligent and organised. He and the team are very approachable. Luke Goodman is also excellent, as is Daragh Henderson.’
’42 Bedford Row is a fantastic set. The barristers are knowledgeable, strong advocates and readily available to assist as required.’
Highlight-Mandate
Garden Court Chambers
Garden Court Chambers is a ‘great set with varied levels of counsel’ who advise on all aspects of public and private children law. Amanda Weston KC is known for her work in cases related to child trafficking and sexual abuse, while ‘extremely knowledgeable barrister’ Amanda Meusz has extensive experience of representing vulnerable parents and children in public law proceedings.
Referenzen
‘Garden Court Chambers has a great range of very experienced and capable barristers.’
‘Garden Court Chambers is a very good set of chambers.’
‘Garden Court Chambers gas an excellent standard of counsel throughout.’
Harcourt Chambers
Harcourt Chambers is a ‘very reliable set with a wide range of excellent counsel’. The head of chambers is ‘hard-working and great tactician’ Nick Goodwin KC, who has been handling a lot of cases involving the death of or serious injury to children of late. Other silks include Edward Devereux KC, who successfully represented a father seeking his children’s return to Dubai in the case Re A and B (Children), and Damian Garrido KC, who is ‘personable, approachable and hugely articulate’ and regularly represents clients in difficult domestic and international children cases. Mehvish Chaudhry is a ‘dedicated and thorough advocate’ who handles a range of international child law.
Referenzen
‘Matthew Molloy is a great clerk.’
‘Harcourt Chambers is excellent and has a wide range of experienced counsel across all areas of the family.’
‘Harcourt Chambers is an excellent set, has good strength in depth concerning children’s work and is very user-friendly.’
Highlight-Mandate
The 36 Group
The 36 Group is a ‘very strong and well-regarded set’ that offers advice on all areas of family law. ‘Extremely persuasive barrister’ William Tyler KC co-heads the team and has extensive experience of handling international and cross-jurisdictional cases. Lucy Reed KC was appointed silk in 2023. Rising star Madeleine Whelan is praised for her ‘meticulous preparation and professional manner’ and handles private children law cases related to parental alienation, drug use, domestic abuse and complex needs.
Referenzen
‘The clerks are great. Head Clerk Danny Chapman is open and honest and never lets you down. Ashley London and Adam Cope are also great to deal with.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Particularly Ashley London and Danny Chapman. They are approachable and always go the extra mile to help.’
‘The 36 Group offers great counsel.’
Highlight-Mandate
29 Bedford Row Chambers
29 Bedford Row Chambers is a ‘solid and experienced set able to advise on a wide range of family law disciplines’. Paul Storey KC is a ‘very robust advocate’ well-known for his expertise in cases involving child death and the most serious physical abuse, while Indira Ramsahoye is a ‘first-rate performer’ who focuses on private children law, in particular cases with an international element. Dafydd Griffiths is an ‘intelligent, intuitive and thorough advocate’ who specialises in relocation and cases in which parental alienation allegations appear.
Referenzen
’29 Bedford Row Chambers has great depth, availability and professionalism.’
’29 Bedford Row Chambers has breath and strength in numbers at both the senior and junior levels.’
’29 Bedford Row Chambers is a very strong set, approachable and accommodating and cover all areas of family law.’
Highlight-Mandate
Deka Chambers
Deka Chambers is a ‘highly skilled chambers’, with members particularly well known for public law children work. Tim Parker KC is an ‘extremely knowledgeable and professional advocate’ who undertakes a wide range of child law work for both private individuals and local authorities. Oliver Millington is admired for his ‘clear, concise and extremely effective oral advocacy’ and has particular expertise in complex public law children cases. ‘Top-quality barrister’ Tara Vindis is another key contact.
Referenzen
‘Jaime Brooks is simply the best clerk. He makes Deka chambers work well. He is organized, easy to work with, flexible and will always do his best to find me a suitable counsel for the case.’
‘Both Louis Candy and Jaime Brooks are thoughtful, caring and considerate clerks who will go out of their way to cover matters.’
‘Deka Chambers has a strong team with very able barristers undertaking public law care work.’
Highlight-Mandate
4 Brick Court
4 Brick Court is ‘a well-respected chambers with many excellent barristers’, with members active in some of the most complex and challenging public law children cases. Jacqui Gilliatt has extensive experience in handling cases that involve complex medical evidence, serious injuries, and sexual abuse and is known as ‘a reliable counsel who is robust in her advocacy’.
Referenzen
‘The clerks at 4 Brick Court are a fantastic asset to the set.’
‘The clerks respond quickly. Richard Gilham and Ayiana Lesforis have secured counsel for me on various occasions on short notice. ‘
‘4 Brick Court goes above and beyond to help. It ensures counsel is right for the case in terms of complexity and expertise.’
New Court Chambers
New Court Chambers home to ‘many excellent advocates’ and ‘the go-to set for public and private children law cases’. Joint head of chambers Giles Bain regularly appears before all levels of the Family Court. Andrew Shaw is an ‘extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and skilled advocate’ who handles cases involving allegations of the most serious sexual and physical violence against children. Samuel Prout is also recommended.
Referenzen
‘Adam Grant, James Stammers, Karl Sadoune and Paul Bloomfield are brilliant. The clerks are excellent, friendly, kind, helpful, and conscientious and offer the highest professional standards. They have excellent administration practices in checking matters are still effective, ensuring their diaries are up to date. They go above and beyond to help.’
‘Karl Sadoune is diligent, proactive, and helpful.’
‘New Court Chambers is outstanding in their areas of expertise.’
Highlight-Mandate
Field Court Chambers
Field Court Chambers handles public and private children law matters for a wide range of clients, including local authorities, parents, children’s guardians and intervenors. Key members of the team includ Barry McAlinden, whose workload of private law cases include ones involving issues such as parental alienation and allegations of rape.
Fourteen
Fourteen is a ‘boutique set of chambers with some great practitioners’ advising exclusively on family law. Christopher Miller is experienced in handling child injury and international location cases and is admired for his ‘meticulous preparation and keen attention to detail’. Joan Connell has ‘very good knowledge of the law’ and is ‘excellent in tricky cases’.
Referenzen
‘The clerks are efficient and attentive. Joe Lamb and Ben Brotherton are excellent clerks who go out of their way to accommodate.’
‘Joe Lamb and Dan Lee are exceptional.’
‘Fourteen Chambers is an excellent set. The team has a broad range of experience and expertise.’