Family: Children

Deborah Eaton KC is a pre-eminent silk in family law renowned for her tremendous knowledge of private law children matters. Her practice is strong on complex leave to remove and abduction matters, many of which have an international aspect to them. Eaton has an immense reputation in the market for her incredible courtroom advocacy and strategic vision.

"Deborah operates at the very highest level of the Family Bar and is one of its great superstars. She is brilliant with clients, her judgment is first-rate and her cross-examination is unparalleled."

"Undoubtedly one of the leading children silks practicing today. A remarkable, powerful advocate who always has the ear of the judge."

"Deborah's advocacy is unrivalled."

Anna McKenna KC is a specialist children law practitioner who has particular strength in handling public law matters, and is an expert in surrogacy and non-accidental injury cases. She also boasts strength in private law children cases, including those involving jurisdictional disputes and abductions.

"A class act. Anna is a sophisticated advocate and adviser, who is also down to earth with clients. She is able to cut through nonsense and get to the heart of the matter."

"A very elegant and adaptable advocate, who is always strategic and considered in her advice. She's a great team player, who cares about her clients."

"She is superb and has an amazing rapport with clients. Her advocacy is always on-point and focused."

Charles Howard KC is a heavy-hitting family practitioner who demonstrates notable expertise in significant matrimonial finance and complex private children matters. He has extensive experience of handling international matters including Schedule 1 and enforcement cases. His practice before joining the set included a wide range of civil law.

"Charles' advocacy is world-class."

"If you need a really good cross-examination done in a case, he's the man for it. He's phenomenal in that respect and also really good at strategy."

"He's one of the titans in the industry, who's forensically brilliant at trial."

"He's the barrister you need and someone who really fights your client's corner."

Junior barrister Charlotte Hartley has a noted ability in financial remedy cases, and a practice relating to multi-jurisdictional disputes. She has further experience in contested private children proceedings involving allegations of domestic violence and abuse.

"Charlotte is a rare advocate who seamlessly handles both children and finance work at the highest level. She is incredibly bright yet down to earth, and manages any client with ease."

"Charlotte is an extraordinary advocate, who is wise beyond her years and able to take on the toughest KCs. She is also incredibly kind and empathic, as well as prodigiously clever."

"Charlotte is brilliant. Her written work is outstanding and she is a persuasive force in court. She has a very calming way with clients, and is endlessly creative in her approach."

Christopher Pocock KC is a highly experienced financial silk who routinely handles proceedings for high net worth individuals. He is noted for his expert knowledge of complex pension, corporate and asset structures as they relate to family law. He is further noted for his expertise as an FDR judge.

"A real leader, who's got all of the detail at his fingertips and remains completely calm."

"He has a lightness of touch even when dealing with the most tricky and fraught cases. His preparation is exemplary and clients really like him."

"He's brilliant on pensions and number crunching."

A standout silk in the field of divorce law, Harry Oliver KC routinely handles significant financial remedy proceedings for extremely high-profile individuals. His work is both domestic and international and often involves complex issues relating to businesses and offshore trusts. Sources see him as having one of the most technical brains at the Family Bar and applaud him for demonstrating the utmost attention to detail. He is further noted for having a charismatic court manner.

"Harry Oliver is like a champion on a white horse. He has a brilliant mind and a confidence about him which people love."

"Harry is perhaps the most numerate counsel there is. He is frighteningly good with numbers and a force to be reckoned with."

"Harry is an absolute wizard on complex finance cases. He is able to command the numbers with dexterity and he has a deep knowledge of the relevant law."

"Harry's commercial and economic understanding of cases and extremely complicated financial affairs is unrivalled."

"Harry Oliver is one of the foremost financial silks. He has a very commanding presence in the courtroom and is possessed of very sound judgement."

Universally acclaimed practitioner James Turner KC is recognised for the strength of both his finance and children work. Handling complex matters at the highest level, he is noted for his expertise in child abduction. Sources also praise his encyclopaedic knowledge of international children disputes and financial issues.

"An excellent barrister with incredible intellectual acumen, who is great at cross-examination."

"He is a heavyweight, hard-core advocate, who, to the client's advantage, can see things in a very different way to others."

"Greatly well respected by judges, and someone whose advocacy and paperwork are both superb."

Katherine Kelsey appears in complex divorce proceedings for individuals of significant wealth. She also acts in private children cases, particularly contact and international relocation cases. Kelsey has further experience in Schedule 1 claims and parental alienation issues.

"A KC in waiting, who is great with the client and clear and strategic in her thinking. She is able to manage the client in highly emotive situations and is very much a go-to for children."

"Katherine is extremely well-respected for her wise counsel, client care skills and exceptional advocacy."

"A complex financial remedies and children specialist, Katherine is always easy to work with and an absolute fount of knowledge on Schedule 1 issues."

Nicola Fox brings her experience as a psychologist to complex and acrimonious matrimonial and private children disputes. She has particular expertise in relocation cases and is also adept at issues involving mental health and education. Fox is well regarded among market sources for her financial remedy experience.

"A superb advocate, adored by clients. Her judgment is spot-on and she is easily a match for any KC."

"She really understands people – what makes them tick and what really matters to them – which makes a huge difference ina case."

"Outstanding technically and mesmerising in court, she's someone whose advocacy can turn a case."

"Nicola is always well prepared and able to floor any opponent in a single breath. Her strength of character is appreciated by her clients - nobody messes with her."

Peter Newman is a widely respected family junior specialising in matters involving complex corporate structures with significant assets. He has particular experience of navigating technical jurisdictional issues. Newman has appeared both led and unled in significant cases.

"Peter Newman is incredibly hard-working and really respected by judges. His dogged determination is remarkable and he really does punch above his weight."

"Calm and unflappable, Peter is a very strong advocate, who deals exceptionally well with challenging cases and clients."

"Patient and meticulous, he goes above and beyond in making sure the client feels comfortable with the advice given and the approach taken."

Philip Marshall KC is a highly regarded finance silk who handles high-value divorce litigation for an enviable clientele of wealthy individuals. Commended for his conciliatory approach and his ability to settle hotly contested cases, he is instructed on matters which have important legal ramifications.

"Philip is always an authoritative and reassuring presence. His advocacy skills are second to none, and he is extremely adept at handling sensitive or challenging clients."

"Philip Marshall is superb and great with clients. His recall is amazing - he just remembers everything."

Richard Castle is a well-known financial barrister who frequently handles matrimonial disputes involving trusts and complicated finances. He often represents clients before the High Court, where he conducts high-value cases. Castle has experience in jurisdictional disputes and broader cross-border issues.

"Effortlessly brilliant, he grasps concepts immediately and is already three steps ahead of you before you have finished your instructions. He understands the tactics of family law inside-out."

"Richard is a fantastic counsel. You always want him on your side. Judges love him and he makes even the most complex financial situation seem simple."

"He seems to have the ability to cut through complex issues and present them in a way that judges understand."

Stephen Jarmain practises across a wide spectrum of family issues, handling complex private children and ancillary relief proceedings. He has experience of representing high-profile individuals in international disputes, including those relating to child abduction, enforcement and relocation. Clients also gravitate towards him for his experience in financial remedy proceedings.

"A KC in waiting, Stephen is an exceptional junior. His eye for detail and ability to strategise a case from the outset are very impressive."

"Stephen Jarmain is a brilliant junior, who is totally unflappable and highly responsive. He is focused on what the client actually needs and wants."

"An outstanding lawyer, who is technically excellent, brilliant with clients and possessed of superb judgement. He gives clear, firm and realistic advice."

Alex Tatton-Bennett, a junior on the rise with a rapidly growing practice in high-value matrimonial finance and divorce. He is experienced in handling variation applications and Schedule 1 proceedings. He also often handles enforcement issues.

"Alex is without doubt one of the best junior finance barristers. He's bright, meticulously prepared and a dream to watch when on his feet. His cross-examination is simply superb."

"A brilliant barrister who is adept at dealing with complex financial remedy matters and eloquent in his advocacy."

"An exceptionally gifted barrister and advocate, who gives excellent advice and is always well prepared. His understanding of the law is phenomenal."

"He shows fantastic judgement and isn't afraid to stand up for his client."

"An extremely thorough advocate who leaves no stone unturned."

Specialised matrimonial finance practitioner Alexander Chandler KC acts in substantial disputes concerning onshore and multi-jurisdictional assets. He is noted for his handling of complex issues surrounding TOLATA applications, and frequently handles Schedule 1 claims. Chandler sits part-time as a recorder.

"Extremely cerebral and a whizz with numbers, Alex is great at predicting the outcome of a case. His role as a Recorder gives him additional gravitas and the credentials to impress clients and judges."

"He is respected by his peers for his knowledge and experience. Judges willingly respond to his advocacy, which is always carefully pitched to land effectively."

"Alex exudes confidence and is able to talk with authority on any finance matter. He displays enthusiasm and creativity when representing clients."

A 2021 silk widely venerated for his acuity and encyclopaedic legal knowledge, Deepak Nagpal KC is admired by instructing solicitors for his strong command of matters involving international jurisdictions. He boasts a number of appearances in high-value divorce cases and is a regular fixture in the High Court.

"He's a super-smooth advocate, who's fantastically bright and just brilliant in cases involving complex structures and international issues."

"Deepak has a phenomenal understanding and knowledge of family law. He adopts a charming and approachable style, which makes him well liked and admired in equal measure."

"Deepak Nagpal has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law. He thinks about everything and has a huge brain which he uses to great effect in order to produce great results."

Frank Feehan KC is a highly experienced family silk with demonstrable expertise in serious public law children matters involving such issues as complex medical evidence. He is also instructed in sexual abuse issues and has experience of handling high net worth divorce work.

"Frank has got an absolute wealth of experience when it comes to children's matters. He's a great choice for wealthy clients who find themselves in complex children's disputes."

"Really good at handling experts and great at cross-examination."

James Roberts KC is a highly regarded family practitioner whose practice is divided between the very largest financial disputes and complex multi-jurisdictional child matters. His financial remedy practice sees him representing high net worth figures in enormous divorce proceedings with labyrinthine assets to navigate. He possesses considerable experience in matters concerning offshore trusts.

"James Roberts is one of the best there is. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and his judgement is always right."

"James is one of the finest silks in the country. He is a champion for his clients, who meticulously prepares his cases and adopts a robust advocacy style."

"James is very good on the detail, great with clients and someone who knows how to read a case brilliantly. He's not afraid to be tough and fight his corner, but he also knows when and how to settle."

"He is incredibly clever, extraordinarily numerate and extremely client-friendly."

"He has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Judges never fail to be impressed by his gravitas."

Jennifer Palmer is recognised for her work on highly significant family finance matters. She assists on cases concerning Part III MFPA, offshore financial structures and TOLATA claims, showing her wide-ranging abilities.

"Her expertise in cases involving private equity and complex financial structures is unrivalled."

"Jennifer has serious commercial experience and it shows. She always keeps up with the experts."

"Jenny is loved by clients and judges alike as she is smart, approachable, clued-up and someone who doesn't miss a trick. She thinks outside the box to gets results which please the client."

"Jenny is very personable and detail-oriented. She goes the extra mile to add value for clients."

Katy Chokowry specialises in cross-border child abduction, leave to remove and relocation proceedings and has appeared in both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Sources praise her for her meticulous preparation and attentiveness, as well as her adept handling of international matters.

"Katy is a brilliant advocate, who is always prepared and deals calmly and sensibly with all situations."

"I have complete trust in her ability to progress complex matters in the right way. She is always very well prepared and incredibly persuasive in court."

"Judges adore her because she can put the most complex of cases in the most understandable way."

Nicholas Anderson has a mixed practice that covers a range of private family issues. His areas of focus include international child abduction, relocation cases and prenuptial agreement disputes. His expertise also encompasses Schedule 1, enforcement and cohabitee disputes.

"Nick provides experienced and specialist knowledge in both financial and children matters. He is able to cut through the nonsense in cases and focus the client and the court on what is important."

"He commands the respect of all tiers of the judiciary, whilst acting as a reassuring, calming presence to solicitors and clients."

"Nicholas is a master tactician, whose experience is undeniable. Real charm and powerful persuasiveness lie at the heart of his advocacy."

Thomas Dance is an experienced junior with a growing reputation in the children and matrimonial finance markets, who regularly handles high-value financial remedy and Schedule 1 proceedings. His cases frequently involve complicating elements, such as offshore accounts, corporate structures and assets.

"Tom ticks every box, and more. Clients, solicitors and judges all love him due to his strategic approach, superior technical knowledge, charm, and pragmatism."

"You can tell he is going to be silk. He has a gravitas well beyond his years, and he's able to read judges and outcomes in a way that few others at his level of call can."

"He is confident on his feet and not afraid to fight hard for his clients. Practical and helpful, he really cares about getting great outcomes for his clients."

Elizabeth Selman focuses on private proceedings following relationship dissolution, on both the financial and children sides. Her children practice covers all related issues, including leave to remove and prohibited steps orders. On the finance front, she handles complex finance remedy claims, a number of which involve trusts and complex company structures.Sources praise her for her pragmatic approach.

"Liz Selman is a superb advocate. Judges instinctively trust and listen to her."

"Liz is a wonderful advocate, who places her clients at ease. She makes them feel they are being really well represented."

"A true expert in her field, who has enviable interpersonal skills."

Jennifer Perrins is an accomplished family law barrister specialising in a range of private children matters, both domestic and international. Her expertise includes international child abduction, enforcement and jurisdiction matters. She also handles money matters such as Schedule 1 applications and TOLATA.

"She really gets to the core of the matter and has an air of calmness and unflappability when you're working with her. Her advocacy is also incredibly strong."

"Jennifer is a very persuasive advocate. She can cut through complex legal arguments with ease and is more than a match for barristers of a much higher call."

"When she speaks she is measured, authoritative and clear. You can see the judge stop and listen to what she says."

Juliet Chapman is an impressive junior with experience of being led by the top silks in high net worth matters. She also conducts her own cases at a level beyond her call. She frequently represents clients in non-disclosure disputes, and is experienced in offshore structure issues.

"Juliet is outstanding. She navigates around whatever a case throws at her with poise and charm, cutting through the most complex of issues."

"A very polished and well-prepared barrister, who is incredibly empathetic with clients. In court she's an assured and effective advocate."

"She is an excellent advocate, whose preparation is faultless."

"Clients warm to her quickly and trust her judgement."

Kate Ozwell is a notable up-and-coming family barrister with expertise in complex financial relief cases. She routinely acts in financial remedy disputes involving child maintenance, nuptial agreements and non-matrimonial assets. Ozwell has additional expertise in private children proceedings where she often handles issues involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse and parental alienation.

"Kate is the whole package. Super with clients, loved by solicitors and ferociously bright and tenacious in achieving the best outcome for her clients, she never fails to deliver."

"Kate is a meticulously prepared, sophisticated advocate, who doesn't take bad points and is compelling and persuasive. She's very talented and runs cases well."

"She builds strong relationships with clients and gives difficult advice with empathy."

"Kate is wise and fearless. She always gives solid, pragmatic advice."

A respected advocate in the family matrimonial sphere whom sources praise for his extensive knowledge of the law and his persuasive advocacy. Kelan McHugh specialises in complex financial remedy matters which often include international elements and issues around assets.

"Kelan is adored by clients and solicitors alike, as he is accessible, available and very easy to work with. He is always all over the detail, but never loses sight of the bigger picture."

"He will go the extra mile for the client in order to settle the case on the best terms."

"Kelan has a high level of expertise and he conducts his advocacy in a way which is calm and considered. In addition, his client service goes above and beyond."

"An elegant advocate who is completely on top of the detail. He doesn’t take bad points and has the ability, in closing submissions, to draw the threads of a case together very persuasively."

Matrimonial finance specialist Laura Moys has additional experience in cohabitation disputes. Moys often acts on Schedule 1 disputes involving sensitive issues, including coercive control allegations. She also demonstrates expertise on financial remedy claims with offshore assets and trust structures.

"An impressive, articulate advocate who never appears flustered when under pressure. She is very thorough but remains able to see the bigger picture and adapt her tactics accordingly."

"Laura brings the considerable knowledge and expertise to bear and explains her position on a case in a digestible and client-friendly manner."

"A fantastic advocate, who's always on top of the detail and knows from her judicial experience just how to present a case."

Mandy Tanner focuses on general financial issues including those concerning cohabitee disputes. She has strong experience of proceedings involving multiple jurisdictions. Tanner is highlighted by market sources for her expertise in TOLATA proceedings, and frequently handles cases with non-disclosure issues.

"Mandy has a way with clients that immediately puts them at ease. She is level-headed, cool, calm and collected. Opponents never faze her."

"Confident and assured in her advice, she is a comfort to clients going through a difficult period in their lives."

"Mandy has the ability to make the most difficult of cases understandable and palatable. She's down to earth, unfussy and just really good at what she does."

Max Turnell is noted for his specialty in family finance law. His work covers Schedule 1 and TOLATA disputes often of a high-value and highly publicised nature.

"Max is wise beyond his years. A KC very much in the making, he knows the law inside-out and can deploy it like he's an old hand."

"Max is a calm presence in court. His client-handling skills are exceptional and he deals with very difficult cases sensitively and pragmatically."

"Max grasps complex elements in cases with ease and his advocacy is incredibly strong. He has a knack of getting the judge on side from the earliest stage. When Max is involved you feel at ease."

"His advice is considered and his advocacy polished and clever. He has an ability to get the judge on side, purely by reason of his excellently phrased arguments and convincing manner."

"Max is a solid advocate who exudes charm."

Millie Benson is a rapidly rising junior with experience of handling complex, high net worth cases. Her experience encompasses multi-jurisdictional cases, as well as those concerning complex trust and company structures.

"A brilliant junior who is fearless in court and a champion for her clients."

"Millie is a composed presence in court and her drafting is exceptional. She is able to distil the case down to its key points in a highly persuasive manner."

"Millie is very practical and knowledgeable. She's good with clients and approachable."

"Millie is a great advocate, who is extremely level-headed."

Naomi Wiseman is a family barrister with a diverse portfolio of public and private children law cases. She takes on public law cases on behalf of both parents and local authorities, and often appears in matters involving the Home Office. She is equipped to deal with cases with international elements.

"Naomi has a zest for complex and intricate cases that require navigating difficult personal, and often political, dynamics."

"Naomi combines sensitivity and subtlety with steel and a fierce intellect. She is remarkably accessible, caring and considered."

"Naomi is a powerful oral advocate as well as an excellent written communicator. She provides practical, strategic advice to clients, and has their best interests at heart."

Strong junior Samantha Ridley focuses her practice on private children law, with particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes. She regularly acts on jurisdiction disputes, and handles complex proceedings involving abuse allegations. Ridley is recognised for her work on child-related arbitrations.

"Samantha's knowledge and skill far exceed her level of call. Her written and oral advocacy is excellent."

"Samantha is a persuasive and robust advocate. She is a safe pair of hands for any complex children case."

"A brilliant tactician. Clients thoroughly appreciate her incredibly measured advice, which focuses on the bigger picture."

Andrea Watts focuses her practice on children law matters and she has significant experience in a range of issues. She has acted in care proceeding cases, adoption and abduction cases with international elements and parental alienation. Watts is sought for both private and public law matters, and local authorities regularly instruct her in cases.

"Andrea is always thorough and well prepared. She has a good knowledge of the law and is universally respected by clients, peers, solicitors and the judiciary."

"She is extremely empathetic to clients when dealing with often very delicate and sensitive matters."

"Andrea is great to have on board in complex private children law work. She is calm on her feet and trusted by clients."

Caroline Lister has a broad practice covering both high net worth ancillary relief and international private children cases. She has expertise in skilfully handling particularly acrimonious proceedings. Lister is at home with Schedule 1 cases and other complex financial issues, including those relating to assets and inheritance. She also has experience in child arrangement orders.

"An extremely experienced and highly skilled advocate. She debates with ease in a polite but firm manner."

"A great tactician and advocate and respected by judges, she gives good, practical advice. She is very determined to get the right results and gives as good as she gets in court."

"Caroline is a superb advocate. Calm, focused and clear, she gains the respect of the court."

George Gordon is a noted barrister with recognised experience across a range of financial cases, from nuptial agreements to multi-jurisdictional financial remedy disputes. He also handles ancillary relief claims involving third parties and parallel child welfare proceedings.

"Erudite and thoughtful, he takes a very considered and novel approach to his cases. His position statements are literary masterpieces."

"George is great with clients and fills them full of confidence. He puts them quickly at ease with his great sense of humour and his attention to detail."

"Clients listen to him, respect him and hang on his every word. He is a smooth talker with both judge and opponents alike. and a fierce advocate who staunchly defends his client's position."

"George is brilliant in money cases. He brings a forensic mind and charming manner to all that he does."

Helen Pomeroy is a respected family practitioner with noted ability in private children disputes. Pomeroy represents clients in sensitive cases involving sexual abuse and domestic violence allegations. She is additionally equipped to handle complex financial remedy cases.

"Helen is tenacious, quick-thinking, fearless, fast and decisive. She's an excellent choice for a tough battle."

"There is only one Helen Pomeroy. You always feel in safe hands when you have her on your side."

"Clients love her. She's an advocate who has the rare talent of being both robust and measured."

Martha Holmes' children law practice encompasses both private and public law matters. She has extensive knowledge of care proceedings and child abductions, as well as matters involving coercive behaviour and physical and sexual abuse. She is also a trained mediator.

"Martha is a hard-working and strong advocate with an eye for detail, who gives clear strategic advice. She really commits to a case."

"Martha always has a thorough forensic working knowledge of her complex cases. Her client care skills are exceptional - she provides excellent support to the most vulnerable and sensitive clients."

"A lawyer who can be devastating without being divisive, and who really takes the time to prepare the case."

Perican Tahir is an impressive junior who has a broad family law practice with an emphasis on complex finance issues affecting cohabiting couples. She is also experienced in handling matters with jurisdictional issues. Sources highlight her tenacious advocacy and her dedication to her clients.

"She is a tough negotiator, who is tenacious, well prepared and very effective. Most opponents fear her and most clients love her, as she's so tenacious and she fights so hard."

"She's excellent and doesn't shy away from a scrap."

"She's very impressive and knows her stuff."

Victoria Green is a highly skilled family law practitioner with years of experience in children's matters. She frequently provides counsel on cases involving sexual abuse and non-accidental injury.

"Victoria is a robust advocate who inspires confidence in lay-clients and solicitors alike by cutting through the complexity of a case to get to the simple issues."

"Victoria is a tenacious advocate for her clients. She provides robust and clear advice, and goes above and beyond to provide a great service."

"Victoria is brilliant. She throws herself into every matter and is able to work well with all types of clients, all of whom love her."

"Victoria is very reassuring to clients. She's incredibly knowledgeable, highly approachable and great to work with."

"She excels on cases with a lot of evidential and factual disputes attached to them."

Victoria Halsall is frequently instructed on financial and children cases. Her work is increasingly cross-jurisdictional and she often represents clients in cases regarding abuse and parental alienation allegations.

"A calming presence in the storm of high stakes litigation, she brings a sense of pragmatism, personality and charm to each case she handles. Her disarming manner plays well with opponents and judges."

"A highly adept barrister who is very good with clients; she thinks quickly on her feet and is always well prepared."

"Victoria is always liked by clients due to her fantastic advocacy skills and her ability to explain the law to them in a simplistic and practical manner."

Anna Sutcliffe acts in a wide range of matrimonial finance cases. She is frequently sought by clients to appear in matters related to business and property assets. She has significant experience acting as a sole counsel. Sutcliffe is also experienced in private and public children law matters.

"Anna is efficient and approachable to work with. She provides highly technical advice and great client care."

"An excellent barrister with advocacy and legal skills, who is extremely effective in court."

"Unfailingly well prepared and excellent with clients."

Lucia Crimp is a knowledgeable family finance practitioner, who has a wide breadth of experience in such matters as maintenance orders, asset disputes involving overseas elements and issues of non-disclosure. Crimp regularly appears in high-value proceedings.

"Her advocacy in court is impressive and she is incredibly detail-oriented. It is clear that her clients have great trust and faith in her."

"A calm and composed advocate who transmits confidence to the client."

"An excellent advocate who makes clients feel protected and well represented. She's a great team player, who's always available to answer queries."

"A formidable advocate, who is tremendously well prepared."