Department profile
18 St John Street

Family: Children

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Northern (Bar)

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18 St John Street

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Family: Children - Northern (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

18 St John Street is a strong set for children law work. Members handle private and public cases, and are frequently instructed by local authorities. Their cases deal with allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injuries, parental alienation and abduction, among a wide range of other issues. Members are highly experienced in handling matters that involve dealing with complex medical evidence. An interviewee reports: "The quality of counsel is excellent across the board." Another adds: "The set offers excellent expertise and its barristers are always happy to assist." One source praises the set: "18 St John Street has a large number of members who hold vast experience."

Camille Scott is the senior clerk.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are quick to respond to enquiries and are always extremely helpful and friendly. The clerks will go above and beyond to assist.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

  • Camille Scott is brilliant and she has a great team.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

  • The service is excellent with all of the clerks going above and beyond for you. They know their team well and can make good recommendations as a result.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

  • Approachable and attentive clerks are the first standout feature of 18SJS. Vaughn John, deputy senior clerk, and Garrick Brown, practice manager, are always on hand to assist and go the extra mile.

    Family: Children respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Fiona Holloran
    Fiona Holloran

    Fiona Holloran

    Fiona Holloran is a family law specialist who acts both on public and private child law matters. Her experience includes cases of non-accidental injury, parental alienation, and abduction. She is able to handle cases with cross-border elements and is frequently instructed by local authorities.

    • Fiona is an exceptional advocate and is calm and approachable.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Fiona is no nonsense, pragmatic and caring. She has a wealth of experience and is an invaluable asset to a case.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Fiona Holloran is extremely experienced knowledgeable and pays great attention to detail.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Fiona is a fierce advocate.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Miss Holloran is excellent, well prepared and a strong advocate.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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  • Samantha Birtles
    Samantha Birtles

    Samantha Birtles

    Samantha Birtles is an experienced child law expert who frequently acts for local authorities, as well as parents and children. She is a strong choice of counsel for cases involving complex medical evidence and vulnerable clients.

    • Sam is one of the best in her field. She has a solid legal knowledge and is someone I will instruct without hesitation.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Samantha is very talented and builds strong relationships with clients.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Sam is technically excellent, and gives clients the confidence that she has their corner. She is very approachable and always willing to help between hearings.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Samantha Birtles is an excellent barrister, not only is she thorough in her work, she has great advocacy skills and client care skills.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Miss Birtles has an excellent approach: supportive of parent clients, while putting their case robustly. She is very experienced and always well prepared.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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  • Stephen J Murray
    Stephen J Murray

    Stephen J Murray

    Stephen Murray is a financial remedy practitioner noted for his expertise in cases involving businesses and substantial property portfolios. He frequently handles cross-jurisdictional matters, often involving non-disclosure issues.

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  • Kate Bramall
    Kate Bramall

    Kate Bramall

    Kate Bramall is a strong junior who practices exclusively in family law. She is well regarded for her prowess in complex children cases including non-accidental injury and physical abuse.

    • Kate is a lovely calming influence in contentious matters while standing her ground for her own clients.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Kate is an excellent advocate and very knowledgeable.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Kate Bramall is a very safe pair of hands.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Miss Bramall is extremely robust, well prepared and an excellent advocate.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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  • Anna Warters
    Anna Warters

    Anna Warters

    Anna Warters has a broad practice that spans the full range of family law work. She is an experienced practitioner who frequently appears in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    • Anna is a formidable advocate who fights a client's case with rigour and determination. Anna is approachable and a leading choice of counsel, particularly where there is a contest to be had.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Anna is proactive and knowledgeable, giving clear advice.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Anna is very good in court and is firm with clients but in a sensitive manner.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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  • Hannah Phoenix
    Hannah Phoenix

    Hannah Phoenix

    Hannah Phoenix is a very able family practitioner with in-depth knowledge of both public and private law proceedings. She is well versed in a range of matters including allegations of non-accidental injuries, care proceedings and alienation.

    • Hannah Phoenix is very thorough in dealing with evidence and her work throughout proceedings is exceptional.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Hannah shows real empathy and compassion when representing vulnerable clients.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Hannah goes above and beyond for vulnerable clients.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar

    • Clients like her and she prepares fantastic court attendance notes and is great when it comes to communication and advocacy. She treats all advocates and their clients respectfully.

      Family: Children respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at 18 St John Street (6)

Northern (Bar)

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