Family: Children
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Northern (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0161) 278 1800Chambers Review
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. "18 St John Street is always willing to go that extra mile to help. Counsel are knowledgeable, approachable and a safe pair of hands, even on the most difficult of cases."
Garrick Brown and Vaugh John are the family practice managers.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerking team at 18 St John Street is one of the best around. The clerks go above and beyond to assist and are always prompt in their responses."
"The clerking is exceptional. They are very professional and on point."
"The clerks at 18 St John Street are fantastic. They are personable and go over and above at all times. They do their best to ensure that they can cover cases – even in very urgent circumstances."
"The clerking team at 18 St John Street is one of the best around. The clerks go above and beyond to assist and are always prompt in their responses."
"The clerking is exceptional. They are very professional and on point."
"The clerks at 18 St John Street are fantastic. They are personable and go over and above at all times. They do their best to ensure that they can cover cases – even in very urgent circumstances."
Notable Practitioners
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 exceptionally good advocate, highly experienced and approachable. Her written work is top-notch and she is practical. She deals with lay clients well and her cross-examination is good too."
"Fiona is knowledgeable and has superb client skills."
"She's an extremely skilled family barrister."
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.
"Samantha's approach to clients is brilliant. She makes vulnerable clients feel at ease and discusses the proceedings with them in a manner that they understand."
"Samantha is an excellent advocate and very approachable and great with clients."
"Samantha is hard-working and dedicated."
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.
"A very robust and persuasive advocate who is very forensic in his preparation."
"Stephen is thorough and articulate, manages client expectations well, is knowledgeable on complex issues and a very strong advocate."
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 very much somebody who fights her client's case. She takes each case and is thoroughly committed to it. Anna is relentless and clients feel very well represented by her."
"She is a tenacious advocate, absolutely fearless and does not back down."
"She's extremely thorough in preparation, has excellent knowledge and is very well liked by clients."
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 very robust and has excellent advocacy skills. She's very experienced, very personable and very good with clients."
"Kate is an excellent advocate, very approachable and great with clients."
"She's caring and provides clear advice."